Kearney Activate Data and AI Solution Architect

Job Description Position Overview We are seeking a visionary Data and AI Solutions Architect to help lead the regional design and delivery of next-generation, AI-native data and analytics solutions. This role is central to our transformation team as we embed Generative AI, Agentic Intelligence, and modern data engineering into the core of how we operate and deliver value to our clients. You’ll not only shape cutting-edge architectures but also lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, helping to develop the next generation of technical leaders who carry our depth of expertise into complex client environments. You'll operate at the intersection of technology and business, translating emerging capabilities into practical, high-impact solutions. About Kearney Activate Kearney Activate is the business acceleration and enablement arm of Kearney Management Consulting, helping clients accelerate transformation through Data and AI. Our Data & AI business line bridges strategy, technology, and execution to deliver data-driven, AI-enabled, and cloud-powered transformations. We partner with leading platforms such as Microsoft, AWS, Snowflake, Databricks and Nvidia to help organizations build trusted data foundations, deploy intelligent solutions, and scale innovation. We operate across four key focus areas:

• Advisory & Assurance Services: Driving strategy, governance, and change management to ensure impactful transformation.
• Data Services: Building trusted, high-quality data foundations using Agentic AI across engineering, architecture, and governance.
• Insights Services: Unlocking value through analytics, data science, and AI-driven storytelling for better decision making.
• Asset Services: Developing reusable GenAI assets, accelerators, and AI-powered solutions that push the boundaries of innovation.

Your Responsibilities

• Architect scalable, modular platforms that integrate modern data engineering with GenAI and Agentic AI capabilities.
• Design and build end-to-end ingestion, transformation, and classification pipelines across structured and semi structured data sources (e.g., Excel, JSON).
• Implement RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) pipelines using intelligent chunking strategies and multimodal retrieval (e.g., BM25, dense vector search, graph-based, structured data, and vision-based inputs).
• Drive data quality through embedded validation, monitoring, and automated reporting frameworks.
• Enable in-context learning and enterprise-scale agent design using different prompting techniques (like ReAct, Tree-of-Thoughts, Reflexion, or hybrid reasoning patterns) for automation, insight generation, and decision support.
• Lead exploratory data analysis (EDA), dynamic source classification, and ML model integration for advanced analytical and operational use cases.
• Mentor and grow a high-performing team of architects, engineers, and analysts—fostering innovation, cross functional collaboration, and delivery excellence.
• Champion AI and data architecture as strategic enablers of business transformation—linking technology decisions directly to measurable client outcomes.

Technologies & Concepts

• Programming & APIs: PySpark, Python, FastAPI, FastMCP, SQL, OAuth2
• GenAI & Agentic Tools: RAGAS, Langfuse, LangGraph, Llamaindex, Vector Databases (FAISS, PGVector, Weaviate, AWS Bedrock, Azure AI Search)
• AI Architectures: Retrieval-Augmented Generation, In-Context Learning, Agent Design, Function Calling, LLM Fine-Tuning & Adaptation Strategies
• Data Engineering: Real-time ingestion pipelines, transformation logic, schema evolution, semi-structured data workflows
• Data Analytics & Quality: Exploratory Data Analysis, advanced classification, data quality reporting and observability
• Enterprise Integration: Secure API architecture, user feedback loops, instrumentation with Langfuse for traceability, MLOps and LLMOps frameworks to operationalize and govern ML/LLM pipelines across environments

Your Profile

• Proven experience designing and scaling GenAI-enabled and data-driven architectures.
• Strong grounding in software engineering principles and AI/ML enablement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and grow cross-functional technical teams.
• Track record of delivering innovative, scalable solutions that drive clear business value.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Passion for shaping intelligent systems and applying emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges.

Why Join?

• Strategic Impact – Shape the commercial growth engine of one of Kearney’s fastest-growing digital businesses.
• Collaborative Ecosystem – Work with top technology partners and world-class consulting teams.
• Growth & Development – Access Kearney’s global learning programs and partner certifications.
• Culture – Join a hands-on, high-energy, and inclusive environment focused on innovation and impact.
• Purpose – Help global enterprises unlock value through trusted data foundations, AI enablement, and digital transformation.

The expected base salary range for this role is $165k-$210k annually. Compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications. It is important to note that at Kearney, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role. Individual salaries within each range are determined through a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills. Kearney reviews compensation regularly and may adjust base salaries to reflect market competitiveness. In addition to salary, individuals may be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus. Our full suite of benefits includes paid time off, paid sick leave, 401(k) match, medical, dental, and vision coverage, healthcare concierge services, backup child/adult care, annual employer HSA contributions, subsidized gym membership, an annual wellness program, and leaves of absence when needed to support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Read more about our benefits and how you can make your mark, your way at Kearney.com/careers. Equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination Kearney prides itself on providing a culture where our employees belong and thrive equally, which means our people feel comfort, confidence, and joy as they do great things for our firm, our colleagues, and our clients. That’s why Kearney is committed to building a diverse workforce and inclusive environment. Kearney is an equal opportunity employer; we recruit, hire, train, promote, develop, and provide other conditions of employment without regard to a person’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences consistent with applicable laws. This includes providing reasonable accommodation for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. We encourage everyone to apply, including those who may not feel historically represented in consulting. #LI-DNP