AI FinOps Engineer

Nelnet, Inc.

Job Overview

Location

Remote

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Own the token economics and cost optimization engine for Nelnet’s Enterprise AI program, starting with Anthropic Claude and expanding to the broader AI portfolio.
• Track, model, and optimize token costs across LLM APIs by analyzing input/output token splits, context window usage, and model-tier selection to reduce organizational spend without sacrificing capability.
• Design and implement prompt efficiency patterns, including caching strategies and batching techniques, to minimize token consumption in production environments.
• Develop and document org-wide best practices for cost-effective LLM usage, translating technical findings into actionable guidance for the AI enablement team.
• Build and maintain dashboards that surface real-time usage trends, cost anomalies, and efficiency metrics for IT leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Identify waste in AI workloads, propose targeted model or tier changes, and quantify cost savings from analysis through implementation.
• Instrument AI workloads at the API level using Python or SQL to collect granular usage data and automate cost tracking pipelines.
• Collaborate with engineers and non-technical teams to communicate technical cost insights in clear, business-relevant terms.
• Ensure all cost optimization initiatives align with Nelnet’s mission of operational efficiency and responsible AI adoption.
• Support compliance with U.S. Department of Education contract requirements by maintaining secure, authorized access to AI systems.
• Contribute to a hybrid work environment by working remotely for part of the week while participating in in-office collaboration three days per week for team alignment and innovation.
• Continuously evaluate tradeoffs between LLM providers (e.g., Claude, OpenAI) in terms of cost, performance, and scalability to inform strategic model selection.
• Drive a culture of measurement and improvement by building the metrics that enable optimization, embodying the principle that "if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it."
• Partner with Shared Services to embed FinOps principles into the enterprise AI lifecycle, ensuring sustainable and scalable AI operations.

🎯 Requirements

• 1–2 years hands-on experience with LLM APIs (Claude, OpenAI, or equivalent) at the token level — not just usage, but optimization
• Deep familiarity with LLM pricing mechanics: context windows, caching, batching, input/output token splits, and tier structures
• Experience with prompt engineering techniques focused on efficiency and cost reduction
• Proficiency in Python or SQL for instrumentation and pipeline work
• Ability to communicate technical findings to non-technical stakeholders

🏖️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• HSA and FSA accounts
• Generous earned time off
• 401K and student loan repayment assistance
• Life insurance and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee stock purchase program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based incentive pay
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Robust wellness program

Skills & Technologies

Python

Remote

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Nelnet, Inc.

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About Nelnet, Inc.

Nelnet, Inc. is a diversified financial services and technology company headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. Originally founded in 1978 as a student-loan servicer, it now administers federal and private education loans, provides payment processing, tuition management, and campus commerce solutions for K-12 and higher-education institutions, and operates communications, renewable energy, and asset management businesses. The company leverages data and software platforms to support schools, lenders, borrowers, and commercial partners across the United States.

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