AI Solutions Architect TS/SCI w/Full Scope Poly

Introduction

At IBM, work is more than a job, it’s a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To collaborate with clients and teammates to deliver impactful solutions. Not just to do something better, but to solve meaningful problems in complex mission environments.

Your role and responsibilities

*** US Citizenship is required for this role without exception. Candidates must also have an approved, active US Government Top Secret security clearance and be able to sit onsite in the Washington DC Metro area. ***

The AI Solutions Architect is a hands‑on technologist and technical problem‑solver who works in collaboration with team members while deepening their architectural expertise, contributing to the architecture, design, and rapid delivery of complex AI/ML solutions for IC mission programs. The Architect contributes to solution designs that balance immediate mission needs with long‑term sustainability and operational realities, supporting pragmatic delivery decisions under the guidance to address high‑priority gaps with agility within the scope of the delivered solution. This role requires a software‑agnostic mindset and the ability to work across IBM and third‑party capabilities, ranging from RPA to GenAI to address complex technical problems. The successful candidate will be able to propose alternative technical approaches when appropriate, delivering capabilities that provide immediate value whole supporting continued evolution as mission requirements shift.

Required technical and professional expertise

• Clearance & Logistics: US Citizenship and an approved, active Top Secret/SCI with Full‑Scope Polygraph clearance are required on day one. Ability to sit regularly at IBM or customer worksites in the Washington, DC Metro Area.
• Cognitive Flexibility & Innovation: 5+ years of experience designing and implementing data and AI/ML solutions with the ability to adapt thinking and approaches to solve complex mission challenges.
• Agnostic Technical Mastery: Experience contributing to end‑to‑end AI solutions using a range of technologies including GenAI, LLMs, RPA, and traditional process improvement techniques.
• Architectural Foundations: Strong knowledge of modern integration patterns, including Data Fabric, Data Mesh, with experience deploying solutions across major providers and hybrid environments.
• User‑Centric Architecture: Demonstrated experience applying User Centric Design principles to technical architecture, ensuring that the "80% solution" is built specifically to address the end‑user's cognitive load and mission environment.
• Mission‑Driven Communication: Ability to operate in high‑stakes environments and communicate technical trade‑offs clearly to technical teams and mission stakeholders.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• IC Sector Experience: 3+ years within the last 5 years supporting or architecting systems for the National Security or Defense sector, with exposure to air‑gapped delivery and secure AI requirements.
• Continuous Evolution Mindset: Experience contributing to solutions designed with future scalability and adaptability in mind, ensuring that rapid prototypes can transition into production capabilities as mission requirements evolve.
• Technical Polymathy: Experience working with modern data and AI platforms such as Databricks and Snowflake, while maintaining a software‑agnostic approach and the ability to recommend alternative tools when mission requirements dictate.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.