Principal AI software Architect

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Principal AI Software Architect to lead the design, development, and implementation of enterprise-scale artificial intelligence and software engineering solutions. This role combines deep technical expertise in AI/ML technologies with strategic software architecture leadership to drive innovation, scalability, and operational excellence across the organization.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of architecting and delivering AI-powered platforms, establishing engineering best practices, and leading cross-functional teams in the successful execution of complex technology initiatives., * Architect and lead the development of AI-driven platforms and scalable software systems aligned with strategic business objectives.

• Partner with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to identify opportunities and deliver impactful AI and software solutions.
• Evaluate, select, and implement AI technologies, development frameworks, and architectural standards to optimize performance, scalability, and maintainability.
• Establish and promote best practices across AI model development, MLOps, software engineering, DevOps, and system architecture.
• Mentor and guide engineering teams while fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Define technical strategy and long-term architectural roadmaps that support enterprise growth and transformation initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, security policies, and ethical AI standards.
• Champion engineering quality through code reviews, automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, and Agile delivery methodologies.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Perform additional duties as assigned., Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
• California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.

Software Architecture, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Consulting, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Leadership, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technical Strategy, Team Lead/Manager, Best Practices, * Demonstrated success driving innovation through emerging technologies and modern software development methodologies.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with experience mentoring technical teams.
• Proven experience designing and deploying enterprise-scale AI/ML and software solutions within cloud environments such as Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Deep expertise in:
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Deep Learning
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Computer Vision
• Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to align technical vision to business outcomes.
• Ability to influence and build consensus across executive leadership, technical teams, and business stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in software architecture, application development, and enterprise system design.
• Strong knowledge of data governance, privacy regulations, and AI security best practices.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and consultative communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong collaborative mindset with experience working in cross-functional teams.

Technical Requirements

• Expertise with modern programming languages and frameworks, including .NET/C#, Python, Java, or comparable technologies.
• Experience building cloud-native applications and microservices architectures.
• Hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, LangChain, Azure AI Services, AWS SageMaker, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience implementing MLOps practices, model lifecycle management, and enterprise AI governance.
• Knowledge of containerization and orchestration technologies including Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong experience with CI/CD automation and DevOps practices., * Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• 7+ years of experience in software engineering and architecture roles, including enterprise application design and development.
• 2+ years of experience focused on AI/ML systems, generative AI, or intelligent automation initiatives.
• 5+ years of hands-on development experience using application development tools such as Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET ecosystem.
• 5+ years of experience working with relational database technologies, preferably Microsoft SQL Server.
• Experience leading large-scale enterprise software and AI transformation initiatives is strongly preferred.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

• the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations;
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring’s use of AI can be found here (https://www.highspring.com/ai-use-notices/). Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client’s use of AI products in hiring.