Principal Data & AI Architect - Operations & Asset Analytics

job summary:
Randstad is seeking a high-caliber Principal Data & AI Architect - Operations & Asset Analytics to lead the end-to-end delivery of enterprise data, advanced analytics, and AI/GenAI solutions within the rail and transportation operations domain for a major Washington, DC-based client. Operating at the intersection of business strategy and hands-on technical execution, this role will serve as the technical authority owning the Databricks Lakehouse architecture to modernize infrastructure asset management (EAM), condition monitoring, and long-term capital planning. The ideal candidate will blend strategic program leadership with deep expertise in asset analytics-transforming traditional fixed-interval maintenance into predictive, risk-based interventions while supporting critical infrastructure projects.

 
location: Washington, Washington, D.C.
job type: Contract
salary: $65 - 75 per hour
work hours: 9am to 5pm
education: Bachelors

responsibilities:

Architect & Deliver Data/AI Solutions: Lead the technical vision and end-to-end delivery of analytics, machine learning, predictive modeling, and GenAI use cases on the enterprise Databricks platform.

Build Scalable Data Pipelines: Design, optimize, and oversee production data pipelines utilizing Databricks Workflows and the Medallion Architecture to ingest and curate complex sensor feeds, inspection records, maintenance histories, and operational/financial datasets.

Advanced Predictive & Lifecycle Modeling: Guide the design and deployment of predictive health models, failure probability algorithms, and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) indicators, alongside financial lifecycle cost models for risk-based capital allocation.

Governance & Platform Optimization: Implement enterprise-grade data governance, lineage, and security frameworks using Unity Catalog, while continuously evaluating and integrating modern Databricks features (e.g., Delta Live Tables, MLflow, Vector Search).

Cross-Functional & Business Stakeholder Alignment: Partner closely with engineering, reliability, and asset management teams to deploy interactive dashboards and risk-scoring frameworks aligned with industry standards (e.g., ISO 55000) and regulatory requirements.

Workstream Program Leadership: Serve as a core technical anchor within the Infrastructure EAM workstream, bridging executive strategy and technical execution during high-demand project phases to reduce operational risk and project costs.

qualifications:
7+ years of progressive experience in data architecture, data engineering, or advanced asset analytics roles.

3+ years of program or project leadership experience driving complex enterprise data solutions or asset management initiatives.

Proven Hands-On Databricks Expertise: Strong practical command of the Databricks Lakehouse ecosystem, Medallion Architecture, Unity Catalog, and modern ML/AI tooling.

Domain Knowledge: Solid understanding of reliability engineering, condition-based monitoring, predictive maintenance techniques, or enterprise asset management (EAM) concepts.

Preferred Experience: Direct experience working with rail infrastructure, transit networks, or linear assets.

Preferred Certifications: Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional or Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional/Associate.

skills:
AI,AI Solutions,Analytics,Lakehouse architecture,data architecture,data governance,Scalable Data Pipelines,Databricks,Databricks platform,enterprise data,data engineering,machine learning,MLflow,production data,Platform Optimization,reliability engineering,Vector Search,leadership,reliability,algorithms,advanced analytics,Architecture,asset management,enterprise asset management,project costs,business strategy,capital allocation,capital planning,Certified Machine Learning,condition monitoring,condition-based monitoring,cost models,interactive dashboards,Governance,security frameworks,infrastructure,financial,maintenance,Modeling,operational risk,predictive,predictive maintenance,predictive modeling,Certified Data Engineer,project leadership,regulatory requirements,use cases,risk,AI tooling,Workflows

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact View email address on randstadusa.com.


Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.