Software Architect - AI Accelerated Engineering Lead (Central) (Chicago)

MissionAs a Software Architect, you will contribute to the architecture of client solutions while advancing AI-empowered software development. We value diverse perspectives and experiences that can foster innovation and drive success in building with generative AI, leading the organization towards cutting-edge advancements.Who you’ll work withYou'll join a collaborative product team, comprised of engineers, product leaders, designers, and data practitioners from diverse backgrounds. We co-create modern software with our customers, embracing collective creativity and inclusive practices. Together, we transition from discovery to delivery, pairing on code, pressure-testing ideas with real users, and transforming learnings into ship-ready increments. You'll work closely with customer stakeholders and field teams to integrate outside-in insights into the roadmap and aid clients in adopting sustainable practices and tools post-launch. Think craft-guided Builders who care about outcomes, not just output.What you’ll do* Redefine the AI-first SDLC: Design flows, patterns, and guardrails that integrate generative AI from ideation through operations.* Guild with context engineering: Apply and guide strategies like prompt templating, embeddings, retrieval-augmented generation, and data grounding to ensure AI-guided development is accurate, reliable, and safe.* Manage GenAI-aligned teams: Orchestrate multi-developer environments where AI agents and engineers work side by side, ensuring productivity, quality, and responsible adoption.* Ship AI-enabled platforms: Build and codify repeatable practices such as evaluation harnesses, code-review agents, context packs, and CI/CD hooks.* Stay hands-on: Own product architecture while prototyping and hardening AI-driven solutions using modern DevOps and observability practices.* Enable and transform: Coach teams and client stakeholders on AI-accelerated ways of working; translate complex AI concepts into clear business outcomes.What you’ll bring* Experience: You should have significant experience (typically 6+ years) in building and operating production software. Leadership skills in system or platform architecture would be an asset. We welcome applicants with non-traditional career paths or equivalent skills gained through various experiences.* Hands-on AI-accelerated development: Daily use of agentic IDEs and advanced tooling (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code) beyond basic chat interfaces.* Proven track record with GenAI integration: Experience delivering solutions where multiple developers collaborated with generative AI and AI agents using context engineering strategies.* Architecture expertise: Deep knowledge of APIs, microservices, eventing, reliability, and security.* Programming skills: Proficiency in languages like TypeScript/Node, Python, or Java; comfort with React/Next and modern frameworks.* Cloud & DevOps: Strong background with AWS/Azure/GCP, Kubernetes, CI/CD, IaC, and production observability.* Leadership & communication: Ability to guide teams, mentor engineers, and articulate value to both technical and business audiences.Bonus Skills* AI orchestration frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex), vector databases, or model routing experience.* MLOps, AI governance, or safety practices.* Contributions to open source or thought leadership in AI-accelerated engineering.Application Deadline: We will accept applications until the position is filled.About UsSlalom is a fiercely human business and technology consulting company that leads with outcomes to bring more value, in all ways, always. From strategy through delivery, our agile teams across 52 offices in 12 countries collaborate with clients to bring powerful customer experiences, innovative ways of working, and new products and services to life. We are trusted by leaders across the Global 1000, many successful enterprise and mid-market companies, and 500+ public sector organizations to improve operations, drive growth, and create value. At Slalom, we believe that together, we can move faster, dream bigger, and build better tomorrows for all.Compensation and BenefitsSlalom prides itself on helping team members thrive in their work and life. As a result, Slalom is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful time off and paid holidays, parental leave, 401(k) with a match, a range of choices for highly subsidized health, dental, & vision coverage, adoption and fertility assistance, and short/long-term disability. We also offer yearly $350 reimbursement account for any well-being-related expenses, as well as discounted home, auto, and pet insurance.Slalom is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. For the role, we are hiring at the following levels and targeted base pay salary ranges:All locations:* Architect: $133,000-$163,000* Senior Architect: $163,000-$200,000* Senior Principal: $193,000-236,000In addition, individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. Actual compensation will depend upon an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time. We are committed to pay transparency and compliance with applicable laws. If you have questions or concerns about the pay range or other compensation information in this posting, please contact us at: View email address on apply.placed-app.com and AccommodationsSlalom is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting, developing and retaining highly qualified talent who empower our innovative teams through unique perspectives and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veterans’ status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Slalom will also consider qualified applications with criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Slalom welcomes and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates during all aspects of the selection process. Please advise the talent acquisition team if you require accommodations during the interview process.