Principal AI Architect (The AI Visionary Architect) - Unreal Gigs
San Francisco, CA
About the Job
Are you passionate about designing scalable, innovative AI systems that push the boundaries of what's possible? Do you have the architectural expertise and strategic insight to lead the design of AI solutions that enhance products, optimize processes, and deliver value across diverse applications? If you’re ready to create the blueprint for cutting-edge AI infrastructure and applications, our client has the perfect role for you. We’re seeking a Principal AI Architect (aka The AI Visionary Architect) to lead the design, integration, and optimization of AI architecture that powers transformative solutions and enables seamless deployment at scale.
As the Principal AI Architect at our client, you’ll work closely with engineering, data science, and product teams to establish the architecture and frameworks that underpin AI-driven products. You’ll design scalable, high-performance systems that support model deployment, data integration, and computational efficiency, ensuring that AI solutions meet business objectives and are built to last. Your role will be critical in setting the standard for AI architecture and ensuring that the company’s AI capabilities are agile, reliable, and future-ready.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and Lead AI Architectural Strategy:
- Develop a comprehensive AI architectural strategy that aligns with the company’s goals. You’ll establish design principles and best practices that guide the development of scalable, robust AI systems and ensure they are built with flexibility and performance in mind.
- Design End-to-End AI Solutions:
- Architect AI solutions from data ingestion to model deployment, integrating data pipelines, model serving infrastructure, and performance monitoring. You’ll ensure these solutions are optimized for efficiency, security, and scalability.
- Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams for Seamless Integration:
- Work closely with data scientists, software engineers, and product teams to embed AI capabilities across applications. You’ll ensure alignment between AI architecture and business requirements, driving consistency and quality in AI deployments.
- Optimize AI and Data Infrastructure:
- Oversee the design and management of data and computational infrastructure, leveraging cloud and high-performance computing resources. You’ll implement best practices in resource optimization, model training, and deployment to meet both technical and cost objectives.
- Establish Standards for Model Lifecycle Management:
- Create frameworks for model versioning, monitoring, and retraining to support the continuous improvement and adaptability of AI solutions. You’ll ensure that deployed models remain reliable and relevant as data and requirements evolve.
- Promote Responsible and Ethical AI Practices:
- Implement AI governance frameworks to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI deployments. You’ll lead initiatives to mitigate bias, enhance model interpretability, and build AI systems that earn user trust.
- Stay Current with AI and Architectural Advancements:
- Keep up with the latest developments in AI architectures, cloud computing, and scalable systems. You’ll incorporate new technologies and methodologies that enhance infrastructure capabilities and maintain a competitive edge.
Requirements
Required Skills:
- AI Architecture and System Design Expertise: Extensive experience in designing AI systems and architectures, including data pipelines, model serving, and deployment frameworks. You’re skilled in creating scalable architectures that support complex machine learning workflows.
- Cloud and High-Performance Computing Proficiency: Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and high-performance computing, including experience with containerization, distributed computing, and resource optimization for ML workloads.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration and Integration: Proven ability to work with data science, engineering, and product teams to align AI architecture with business needs. You understand the technical requirements and can bridge the gap between AI research and real-world applications.
- Model Lifecycle Management: Knowledge of model versioning, monitoring, and retraining practices. You’re experienced in building frameworks for maintaining model performance over time and ensuring robustness in production environments.
- Ethics and Governance in AI: Familiarity with responsible AI practices, including model fairness, interpretability, and compliance standards. You’re committed to building AI systems that prioritize transparency, ethical considerations, and user trust.
Educational Requirements:
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field. Equivalent experience in AI architecture may be considered.
- Certifications in cloud computing, data engineering, or architecture (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer) are advantageous.
Experience Requirements:
- 10+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, or a related field, with a strong background in system design and architecture.
- 5+ years of experience in a leadership or principal role, with a focus on AI or data infrastructure.
- Proven experience in deploying large-scale AI systems in production, with a focus on scalability, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Benefits
- Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low co-pays and premiums.
- Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, sick leave, and 20 paid holidays per year.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and telecommuting options.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification reimbursement, and career advancement programs.
- Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, including gym memberships, health screenings, and mental health resources.
- Life and Disability Insurance: Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in community service and volunteer activities.
- Recognition Programs: Employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements and milestones.