Principal AI Solution Architect (San Francisco)

QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field10+ years of experience in software engineering or solution architecture, with demonstrable success building and operating complex systemsDeep expertise in full-stack development across frontend, backend, and cloud infrastructure, with strong command of data engineering, AI/ML systems, and deployment architecturesProven experience designing, implementing, and optimizing AI solutions encompassing data pipelines, model training and serving, and production MLOpsProficiency in modern cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and familiarity with containerization, orchestration, and serverless technologiesStrong understanding of deployment pipelines, observability, performance optimization, and security principles to ensure reliability, maintainability, and scalabilityExperienced in dynamic, fast-paced environments; leverages strong engineering expertise and a passion for mentoring to build capabilities and deliver sustainable, measurable resultsProficient communicator skilled at simplifying complex technical concepts for diverse audiences, fostering alignment among stakeholders, and transforming ambiguity into clear, actionable strategiesWHO YOU'LL WORK WITHDriving lasting impact and building long-term capabilities with our clients is not easy work. You are the kind of person who thrives in a high performance/high reward culture - doing hard things, picking yourself up when you stumble, and having the resilience to try another way forward.In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we'll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities you need to become a stronger leader faster than you ever thought possible. Your colleagues—at all levels—will invest deeply in your development, just as much as they invest in delivering exceptional results for clients. Every day, you'll receive apprenticeship, coaching, and exposure that will accelerate your growth in ways you won’t find anywhere else.When you join us, you will have:Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast-paced learning experience, owning your journey.A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You’ll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions, all while upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. We not only encourage diverse perspectives, but they are critical in driving us toward the best possible outcomes.Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm’s diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions for our clients. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences.World-class benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well-being for you and your family.WHAT YOU'LL DOAs a Principal AI Solution Architect at McKinsey, you will combine deep expertise in full-stack engineering and advanced AI systems to deliver transformative outcomes for clients.You will design and build scalable, production-grade solutions, spanning data pipelines, machine learning models, and modern application layers, seamlessly integrating them into client ecosystems to address complex business challenges and drive measurable impact.In this role, you will bridge technical and business teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignment. Whether leading technical builds, scoping ambiguous problems, or advising on strategy and ROI, you will flex across technical and consulting skill sets to meet clients where they are and deliver sustainable impact.You will act as a trusted advisor to senior executives, translating business needs into actionable technical roadmaps and guiding clients through the full journey of solution development, adoption, and scaling. Leveraging solutions engineering—including expertise in data, AI/ML, and architecture—you will deliver innovative, high-impact technologies while guiding clients to align priorities, navigate ambiguity, and achieve their strategic objectives.Beyond delivering solutions, you will build client capabilities by mentoring stakeholders and enabling them to sustain and scale technologies. You will also shape un-scoped or emerging projects, turning broad ambitions into actionable roadmaps and delivery plans. By balancing hands-on technical execution with strategic advisory, and leadership, you will help clients achieve immediate results while driving long-term technology-driven success.By combining your technical expertise, consulting acumen, and ability to lead high-impact engagements, you will help clients solve their most pressing challenges and contribute to McKinsey’s reputation for delivering innovative, technology-driven solutions.