Azure AI Architect - W2

Position: AI Architect

Location : Moline , IL

Position: W2

We are seeking an experienced Azure AI Architect to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of AI solutions within Microsoft Azure's ecosystem. This senior role requires deep expertise in AI/ML architectures, Azure cloud services, and enterprise AI strategy, with a strong ability to drive innovation and scalability.

Key Responsibilities

AI Strategy & Architecture

Define and execute enterprise-wide AI strategies leveraging Azure AI, Azure OpenAI Service, Azure copilot studio, Azure AI Foundry, Azure AI Services, Azure Machine Learning, and Azure Cognitive Services

Architect scalable and secure AI solutions using Azure Functions, Kubernetes Service (AKS), and Databricks

Develop AI governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with responsible AI principles and security best practices

AI Development & Model Optimization

Lead the development of generative AI applications, including LLMs, RAG models, AI Agents and custom AI pipelines

Implement prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and retrieval mechanisms for improved AI performance

Design vector-based search architectures using Azure Cognitive Search and vector databases

Cloud & DevOps Excellence

Drive MLOps best practices, automating AI model lifecycle with Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions

Optimize cloud AI workloads, balancing performance, cost, and security

Ensure scalability and resilience of AI applications using Azure infrastructure as code (Terraform, Bicep, ARM)

Cross-Team Leadership & Innovation

Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and stakeholders to design AI-driven solutions

Evaluate emerging AI technologies, integrating innovations like LangChain, Semantic Kernel, and multi-agent AI frameworks

Lead AI architectural reviews, providing mentorship and best practices guidance to teams.

Required Qualifications

Technical Expertise

9+ years of experience in AI/ML architecture and Azure cloud environments

Strong proficiency in Python, C#, or R, with expertise in Azure AI services

Hands-on experience with Azure OpenAI, Azure Bot Framework, and Cognitive Services

Deep understanding of LLMs, RAG models, and vector database implementations

AI & Cloud Certifications

Azure certifications preferred (AI-102, AZ-305, DP-100, AZ-305)

Experience with Terraform, Bicep, and ARM templates for cloud automation

Familiarity with MLOps frameworks for scalable AI deployment

Leadership & Business Impact

Proven ability to translate business needs into AI solutions

Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and innovation mindset

Excellent communication skills, capable of influencing senior stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

Master s degree in Computer Science, AI, or a related field

Experience with multi-cloud AI strategies, predominantly on Azure

Expertise in AI security, privacy, and compliance frameworks

Prior experience in enterprise AI solutions with large-scale deployments