Cloud AI Engineer

The Cloud AI Engineer leads the design, development, and implementation of enterprise AI solutions in cloud environments. This role combines hands-on engineering with strategic leadership, enabling the agency to leverage AI technologies to improve services, automate processes, and make data-driven decisions. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams, ensures compliance with security and data governance policies, and drives innovation in AI and machine learning initiatives.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(30%) Leads CTO strategic initiatives and technology projects with a focus on AI and cloud solutions. The engineer is responsible for defining, designing, and delivering AI-enabled systems tailored to meet business objectives. Key responsibilities include conducting studies and preparing detailed reports that encompass findings, recommendations, and implementation guidance. The role also involves developing As-Is and To-Be analyses, gap analyses, SWOT assessments, technical diagrams, and cost/benefit estimates to support decision-making. Additionally, provides technical leadership in advanced systems analysis and AI architecture, ensuring innovative and effective solutions are implemented across the organization.

(25%) Responsible for driving data and AI initiatives across multiple agency systems, IT groups, and state entities. This includes coordinating planning and scheduling throughout project development and implementation, offering architectural options and solution recommendations, and ensuring that all AI designs adhere to data security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.

(15%) Designing, developing, and administering highly scalable AI systems on cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP, the Cloud AI Engineer is responsible for implementing essential capabilities including model training, inference, reporting, and seamless system integration. In addition, the engineer optimizes AI system performance, scalability, and reliability to ensure robust and effective solutions across the organization.

(15%) Leads and actively participates in the end-to-end delivery of AI solutions, encompassing system analysis, coding, testing, deployment, and ongoing support. This includes troubleshooting issues, coordinating problem resolution efforts, and ensuring the seamless adoption of AI technologies throughout the organization. Additionally, the engineer is responsible for developing or updating technical standards, procedures, and documentation to support effective and consistent AI solution implementation.

(5%) Responsible for evaluating the current state of technical solutions against desired outcomes, identifying gaps, and formulating strategies to address these deficiencies. This involves collaborating closely with HHS IT groups to provide recommendations and support IT planning efforts. Additionally, the engineer assists in the development of roadmaps, planning documents, and investment justifications to help guide future technology initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

(5%) Responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of training programs for staff focused on AI tools, technologies, and platforms. Additionally, the engineer actively promotes the adoption of AI technologies throughout both technical and programming teams to ensure successful integration and utilization across the organization.

(5%) Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support AI and technology initiatives.

Cloud Computing, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Department of Health and Human Services, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Software Engineering, Systems Analysis, Mathematics, Leadership, * Skilled in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their AI/ML services.

• Strong knowledge of machine learning workflows, model training, inference pipelines, and data integration.
• Knowledge of AI system deployment, monitoring, and scaling in production environments.
• Skilled in data governance, security, and privacy compliance for AI systems.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives and collaborate with business stakeholders.
• Skilled in advanced AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, MLflow).
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and promote AI best practices.
• Skilled in large-scale data engineering and cloud-native analytics platforms.
• Knowledge of the limitations and capabilities of computer systems, the techniques used in the design of non-automated systems, information technology equipment, applicable programming languages, computer hardware and software, computer operating systems, writing program code, and automated mapping.
• Skill in solving problems; in scheduling, testing, installing, and implementing programs; and in troubleshooting computer systems.
• Ability to analyze systems and procedures, to write and revise standards and procedures, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Preferred Certification: Certifications in Cloud Architecture and AI/ML, such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or equivalent industry-recognized credentials.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Bachelors degree in computer science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience on a year for year basis).
• 8+ years of experience in cloud computing
• 2+ years of experience in cloud-based AI/ML system design, development, or administration preferred

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Selected candidate must be willing to commute to the office on the required days.

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.