Solution Architect

Job Summary:

The Solution Architecture Manager role involves leading the design and implementation of next-generation enterprise systems with a strong focus on integrating artificial intelligence technologies. This hybrid position requires strategic leadership to bridge enterprise and cloud architecture with AI/ML innovations, ensuring scalable, secure, and compliant AI-driven software solutions within a state agency environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and integration of scalable, secure AI-enabled enterprise architectures.
• Bridge business needs and technical solutions by translating operational requirements into AI and architecture strategies.
• Oversee evaluation and prototyping of AI vendor solutions, open-source models, and APIs to determine build vs. buy approaches.
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate cross-functional technical teams including cloud architects, data scientists, and engineers.
• Create and maintain strategic AI and architecture roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
• Negotiate technical contracts and manage vendor relationships to optimize budgets and project outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy, AI ethics, and security standards in AI deployments.
• Communicate complex AI concepts and architectural decisions effectively to executives and stakeholders.
• Anticipate and mitigate technical, security, and ethical risks associated with AI solutions.
• Adapt continuously to evolving AI technologies and industry best practices.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Deep knowledge of enterprise and cloud architecture including microservices, API-first design, and major cloud platforms (Salesforce, Azure, GCP) with AI/ML stacks.
• Comprehensive understanding of AI/ML lifecycle, foundation models (LLMs, SLMs), NLP, computer vision, and RAG architectures.
• Experience with MLOps, data pipelines, model deployment, monitoring, and retraining.
• Familiarity with security, privacy regulations (e.g., CCPA), AI compliance frameworks (NIST AI RMF, EU AI Act), and AI ethics.
• Proficiency in architectural frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman and Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Technical leadership and mentoring skills.
• Strong communication skills for executive-level presentations.
• Foundational programming knowledge in Python, SQL, Java, or Go.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Experience with cloud cost management and FinOps, especially related to AI compute resources.
• Knowledge of vector databases and retrieval-augmented generation techniques.
• Experience in strategic roadmapping and vendor contract negotiations.
• Hands-on experience with open-source AI tools such as Hugging Face.

Special Considerations:

• Must be authorized to work in the specified region (***** ONLY).
• Background checks and drug screenings conducted through HireRight.
• Candidates must specify current location in their resumes.
• Availability for in-person interviews within one week after the posting closes.
• Ability to start within two weeks of receiving an offer.
• Compliance with strict budget and markup limits for billing.

Scheduling:

• Hybrid work schedule with 4 days per week working from home.

Tentative start date dependent on interview completion, onboarding, and purchase order issuance