Principal AI Architect, Enterprise Functions Technology

About this role: Wells Fargo is seeking a Principal AI Architect to lead how Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) AI capabilities are designed, secured, and governed across the SaaS platforms used throughout our Enterprise Functions Technology (EFT) organization. AI is quickly becoming a core part of the SaaS products our teams rely on — from embedded copilots and agents to vendor-integrated models. This role sits at the center of how those capabilities are adopted: defining the patterns, principles, and guardrails that let teams move fast while keeping security, resiliency, governance, and risk firmly in view. Alongside this SaaS focus, you'll provide broader AI-architecture coverage for EFT, advising teams on AI-enabled solutions wherever they're being built. This is a highly visible role with regular interaction with senior technology leaders. You'll be expected to shape strategy and direction while staying close to real architecture and design decisions. Your work will span multiple SaaS platforms, and the standards you set will be shared broadly — directly shaping how AI-enabled SaaS solutions are built and evolved at Wells Fargo. In this role, you will: Set the architecture direction for how AI capabilities are designed, integrated, and governed across EFT's SaaS platforms — defining current-state, target-state, and transition architectures. Create and socialize the patterns, principles, standards, and guardrails that let teams adopt AI in SaaS products quickly and safely, addressing security, resiliency, governance, and risk. Evaluate and guide the safe adoption of AI features in third-party SaaS products — including embedded copilots, agents, and model integrations — with particular attention to how vendor AI accesses and handles enterprise data. Provide AI-architecture coverage across the wider EFT organization, advising product and engineering teams on AI-enabled solutions beyond SaaS where needed. Advise senior technology and business leaders on complex, first-of-their-kind AI and SaaS challenges, delivering scalable, long-term architectural solutions. Ensure AI-enabled SaaS solutions meet Wells Fargo's security policies, risk controls, data-protection requirements, and architecture governance — partnering closely with risk, compliance, and information security teams. Guide the selection and adoption of architecture frameworks, reference patterns, and strategic tooling for SaaS and AI platforms. Stay current on emerging AI technologies, SaaS trends, and the evolving AI regulatory landscape, recommending innovations that improve efficiency, resiliency, and scalability. Influence internal technology roadmaps and, where appropriate, vendor AI strategies to support enterprise-wide outcomes. Serve as a trusted, hands-on architectural advisor and domain expert to technologists, product teams, and leaders at every level. Required Qualifications: 7+ years of architecture experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, or education 5+ years of software engineering experience demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, or education 3+ years of experience working with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products, as an architect, an engineer, or a combination of both 3+ years of experience working with Artificial Intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) technologies Desired Qualifications: Hands-on understanding of modern AI architecture patterns — such as large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agents, vector stores, and model/API integration — and the risks specific to them (e.g., prompt injection, data leakage, hallucination, model and data poisoning). Familiarity with AI governance, risk, and security frameworks such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, ISO/IEC 42001, and the OWASP Top 10 for LLMs. Knowledge of modern cybersecurity practices and IT risk controls, particularly as they apply to SaaS and AI-enabled systems. An architect's ability to think broadly and systemically, and to exert thought leadership, paired with an engineer's hands-on mentality and focus on delivery. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex AI and security concepts into business-friendly language for technologists, senior managers, and executive leadership. Subject-matter expertise in corporate-functions e.g., Legal, Public Affairs, Finance. Job Expectations: Ability to work on site in one of the posted locations Ability to travel up to 10% of the time The person in this role will lead efforts to standardize and promote the use of architectural patterns, principles and standards that govern and impact the use of AI capabilities in SaaS software products. Pay Range Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities. $159,000.00 - $305,000.00 Benefits Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees. Health benefits 401(k) Plan Paid time off Disability benefits Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance Parental leave Critical caregiving leave Discounts and savings Commuter benefits Tuition reimbursement Scholarships for dependent children Adoption reimbursement Posting End Date: 7 Jul 2026 *Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants. We Value Equal Opportunity Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic. Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements. Applicants with Disabilities To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo. Drug and Alcohol Policy Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more. Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements: a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo. b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $2.1 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 33 on Fortune’s 2025 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. Additional information may be found at: wellsfargo.com wellsfargojobs.com For questions on how to search and apply, visit frequently asked questions.