Artificial Intelligence Architect (Solutions Architect 4/5)

Define and lead enterprise-wide AI architecture at a premier national security institution

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to architect and drive the delivery of AI and machine learning capabilities to every laboratory bench, workstation, and operational system across the Laboratory. This role requires a balanced combination of deep technical expertise and the ability to navigate complex organizational and cultural dynamics in support of our National Security mission. The selected candidate’s expertise in AI, agentic AI systems, and advanced machine learning models will help shape the strategic direction and future application of AI technologies at LANL. This position resides within the Innovative Customer Experience (ICE) Division.

This position will be filled at either the Solution Architect 4 or Solution Architect 5 level, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities, as outlined below, will be assigned to candidates hired at the higher level.

Solution Architect 4 - $138,500 - $233,200

In this role, the successful candidate will collaborate with internal and external NNSA senior leadership, scientists, engineers, IT solution architects, and program stakeholders across LANL to advance responsible AI adoption and enhance services and operational efficiency. The selected individual will serve as the lead AI Architect for the LANL AI Portal, designing and implementing AI infrastructure across both cloud and on-premises environments.

The candidate must demonstrate strong leadership in AI/ML initiatives that improve Laboratory effectiveness through the strategic use of AI services. This role also requires the ability to coordinate enterprise AI roadmap initiatives, contribute to long-range strategic planning, and ensure alignment with applicable federal regulations to guide the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence technologies across the Laboratory.

Solution Architect 5 - $166,900 - $289,000

In addition to the responsibilities of the Solution Architect 4 role, the candidate selected at the Solution Architect 5 level will be expected to assess and evaluate the impact of architectural proposals and provide informed guidance to ensure optimal AI outcomes for the Laboratory. This individual will also deliver strategic counsel to executive leadership across the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE), including other National Laboratories and NNSA/DOE Headquarters, to support enterprise-wide AI initiatives and alignment.

ICE division consists of more than 350 talented Solution Architects, Computer Systems Professionals, and Computer System Technician employees who provide the varied Laboratory organizations with Information Technology experts who design, build, and support their mission-driven technical needs, on the unclassified and classified networks through several different service touchpoints. In addition, optimize the use of information technology, ensure seamless delivery and operation of IT services by monitoring system performance, applying configuration management practices, creating processes and standards for selection and implementation.

• Ability to partner closely with technology, data, research and development, and business leaders to define the AI vision, design reference architectures, and guide delivery teams in building high-impact AI solutions
• Experience leading large-scale enterprise AI/ML tool deployments, particularly reusable, multi-team solutions
• Proven experience designing scalable, modular, and resilient AI infrastructures across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments
• Strong understanding of cloud architecture design patterns for major providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-native data and AI services (e.g., managed ML platforms, serverless architectures)
• Experience supporting AI/ML training, education, and outreach initiatives
• Prior ownership of AI/ML technology strategy and governance roadmap oversight
• Experience architecting observability, performance monitoring, and data quality metrics for AI systems
• Experience designing, validating, and operating systems leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), vector databases, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic AI tools
• Experience delivering systems within restrictive security and compliance environments (approximately 15-20% of role)
• Ability to establish and review AI system designs for alignment with security, cost, implementation, and efficiency standards
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills
• Knowledge of the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, NIST SP 800-53, and NIST SP 800-171
• Ability to translate business requirements into AI solutions, * Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining a multi-agency or industry-wide level strategy
• Experience presenting technical architecture and alternatives to C-Suite and Senior Federal staff
• Research or technical publications, or contributions to open-source AI projects
• Initiates and leads large-scale technical projects, with project teams spread across organizational boundaries and/or outside the Laboratory to solve highly complex problems

Education/Experience at Solution Architect 4: Position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 12 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, applicable advanced vendor and/or professional certification is desirable.

Education/Experience at Solutions Architect 5 : Position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 15 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, applicable advanced vendor and/or professional certification is desirable.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior job experience as an AI Solutions Architect, Customer Engineer, or Technical Customer Success Manager
• Experience delivering AI Systems to production in a large enterprise environment
• 5-8 years of experience in software engineering, data science, or machine learning
• Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning)

Work Location: The work location for this position has the potential for remote work. Remote work is defined as working offsite that is greater than 2 hours of the Laboratory location. Reporting onsite may be periodically necessary. All work locations are at the discretion of management., *Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-border-a-chg1-ltdchg/@@images/file) for additional information.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High-Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and Vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius)