AI Enterprise Architect (Chicago)

A large retail company is seeking a Principal Enterprise Architect, AI & Strategic Infrastructure to shape the technological foundation and strategic direction of its AI and machine learning initiatives. This senior-level role will lead the design, development, and governance of robust, scalable, and secure enterprise AI architectures. The position serves as the key bridge between business leaders, data scientists, ML engineers, application teams, and infrastructure teams, translating strategic business needs into comprehensive technical requirements and architectural blueprints for enterprise-wide AI solutions. This is a hybrid role with 3 days a week onsite in Lincolnshire office.


Pay rate: $88 - $92

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to View email address on click.appcast.io learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy:


Required Skills & Experience
- 15+ years in IT and Enterprise Architecture with proven enterprise-scale design and governance experience
- 8+ years in IT governance, risk, and compliance, including governance body leadership
- Deep expertise in enterprise architecture principles and frameworks
- Strong knowledge of AI/ML concepts and extensive experience in enterprise MLOps and model lifecycle management
- Extensive hands-on experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP AI/ML services and multi-cloud architecture
- Solid understanding of enterprise infrastructure, networking, storage, and virtualization
- Proven ability to design secure enterprise AI architectures
- Strong leadership in driving cross-functional strategic initiatives (Agile and traditional)
- Experience establishing and leading AI Communities of Practice (CoP)
- Working knowledge of ITIL, COBIT, SAFe, DevSecOps, and Agile at enterprise scale
- Excellent communication skills with ability to engage C-suite and translate technical concepts into business value
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, IT, Business, or related field


Nice to Have Skills & Experience
- Retail or large consumer-facing industry experience
- Knowledge of AI ethics and responsible AI frameworks
- Experience with vector databases and generative AI infrastructure
- Background in AI workload cost optimization and infrastructure modernization
- Relevant certifications (TOGAF, AWS/Azure Solutions Architect, etc.)


Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.