Principal AI Architect

Role: Principal AI Architect

PREFER LOCAL CANDIDATE OTHERWISE REMOTE

Position Overview

We are seeking a Principal AI Architect to provide enterprise-wide technical leadership for artificial intelligence initiatives while remaining actively engaged in hands-on development. This role is responsible for defining and owning the organization's AI architecture strategy, leading complex and high-impact AI transformations, and serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership.

The Principal AI Architect will establish AI governance and ethical AI frameworks, define long-term technical standards, mentor senior technical talent, and guide investment decisions related to emerging AI technologies. This individual combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision to deliver scalable, business-critical AI solutions across the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the enterprise AI architecture, standards, and technology roadmap.
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of large-scale AI and machine learning solutions.
• Provide technical leadership for strategic AI initiatives and enterprise transformation programs.
• Architect scalable, distributed AI systems that integrate across cloud, data, and application ecosystems.
• Establish governance, security, compliance, and ethical AI frameworks.
• Partner with executive leadership to evaluate emerging technologies and drive AI innovation.
• Serve as the organization's principal technical authority for AI and machine learning.
• Mentor senior engineers, architects, and AI practitioners while developing future technical leaders.
• Influence enterprise technology strategy and long-term architectural direction.
• Drive adoption of modern AI capabilities, automation, and advanced analytics solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of experience in software engineering, systems architecture, and applied AI development.
• Expert-level proficiency in Python and modern AI/ML frameworks.
• Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale AI and machine learning platforms.
• Deep expertise in distributed systems, cloud computing, and large-scale data architectures.
• Strong understanding of AI governance, responsible AI practices, security, and compliance.
• Demonstrated success leading complex technical initiatives with enterprise-wide impact.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and executive stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• Experience with Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), agentic AI architectures, and MLOps.
• Expertise with AWS, Azure, and/or Google Cloud Platform.
• Track record of delivering AI solutions that drive measurable business outcomes at enterprise scale.
• Industry recognition through publications, patents, conference presentations, or technical thought leadership.

What Success Looks Like

• Establishes and advances the organization's long-term AI strategy and architecture vision.
• Delivers scalable, secure, and high-performing AI solutions across the enterprise.
• Creates sustainable governance and technical standards for responsible AI adoption.
• Develops high-performing technical teams and future AI leaders.
• Positions the organization to capitalize on emerging AI technologies and industry advancements.