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# Principal, Technology Consulting (Applied AI)

- **Company:** EPAM Systems, Inc.
- **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States (Remote available)
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing, Information Technology Consulting, Data Governance, Identity and Access Management, OpenAI, Software Engineering, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Large Language Models, Agentic-AI, Event Driven Architecture, AI Platforms, Machine Learning Operations, Service Stack
- **Published:** November 13, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.chicagocareersite.com/job.asp?id=3517361103&tx=KL3737FFF&pt=1&aff=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54&utm_source=Job%20Feed&utm_medium=textkernel&utm_campaign=DE&utm_term=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54

## About the Role

* Software engineering or solution architecture foundation with real hands-on experience, so you can speak credibly with architects and engineers and, where needed, build as well as advise
 * Proven track record in client-facing technology consulting or AI pre-sales: partnering with clients to define outcomes, qualify complex opportunities and shape AI solutions that span multiple technical domains
 * Hands-on experience building with GenAI and agentic AI, including LLM selection, capabilities and limitations, enterprise adoption, and evaluation of quality and safety
 * Working knowledge of common GenAI solution patterns such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and agentic workflows, including orchestration, autonomy boundaries and human-in-the-loop design. Deep production experience with any specific pattern or framework is not required
 * Depth in one or two primary technology stacks (for example, Anthropic, OpenAI, AWS or Azure), with the breadth of a strong technical generalist and a technology-agnostic approach
 * Ability to quickly turn around a clickable prototype with a client. Production-grade delivery is not expected
 * Strong written and verbal communication in ambiguous client settings: solution narratives, technical proposals, architecture recommendations and executive presentations
 * Experience leading complex technical pursuits, coordinating specialist teams, mentoring senior consultants and engaging senior client stakeholders
 * Collaboration and negotiation skills to partner effectively across practices and with technology partners

Nice to have

 * Deeper expertise in a specific industry domain. Generalists are welcome
 * Exposure to AI governance, responsible AI, compliance assurance, risk management, privacy and model oversight
 * Experience conducting AI maturity assessments and applying enterprise maturity models
 * Experience leading vendor evaluation and technology selection, including platform assessments and proof-of-concept reviews
 * Familiarity with enterprise architecture topics such as Identity and Access Management, security, APIs, event-driven architectures and integration patterns
 * Knowledge of AI observability, AI data governance (quality, lineage, stewardship) and AI platform lifecycle management
 * Understanding of agentic operating model transformation: the organizational, process and governance changes needed to scale AI-enabled ways of working
 * Experience with solution estimation, cost modeling and Cloud FinOps principles

## Description

You will partner with Applied AI colleagues, Forward Deployed AI Architects, product management, Engineering and delivery teams to make technical trade-offs, risks and costs explicit before a client commits. This role focuses on technical strategy, pre-sales and integrated solution shaping, and complements our Forward Deployed AI Architects, who concentrate on client-embedded architecture and technical implementation. Principals may stay involved selectively during early delivery to ensure a smooth transition, but long-term implementation is not the primary focus, and the role does not carry account ownership. You will work across a portfolio of clients at once, from short pre-sales pursuits to consulting engagements lasting a couple of months., * Lead technical qualification and AI pre-sales for complex opportunities, partnering with Growth Leads and client partners to define business outcomes, connect them to technical capabilities and shape technically credible solution propositions

 * Lead integrated solution shaping across multiple EPAM practices, coordinating specialist teams to deliver cohesive, delivery-ready solutions and guiding complex technical pursuits from first conversation through commitment
 * Engage and advise senior client stakeholders, including business and technology executives, building trust through clear solution narratives and credible technical judgment
 * Advise on agentic AI, RAG, automation, model and platform choices, and build-versus-buy options, making trade-offs explicit through vendor evaluation and selection across a vendor-neutral landscape (OpenAI, Anthropic, AWS, Microsoft, Google)
 * Turn ideas into evidence quickly by building or directing clickable prototypes with clients to demonstrate value
 * Lead AI readiness assessments across business processes, data, platforms, integration and security, using maturity models where they help
 * Define enterprise AI foundation requirements for identity, models, agents, knowledge, AI governance, evaluation and AI observability as solutions scale
 * Contribute architecture options and pre-sales proposal content, working with Growth Leads and Applied AI Leads to turn shaped solutions into compelling client propositions
 * Review design and proof evidence from architects and engineers, and issue documented technical readiness recommendations
 * Collaborate and negotiate across EPAM practices (Data, Intelligent Automation, hyperscaler and AI partner teams) to build win-win propositions for clients
 * Align scope, risks and estimates with the delivery organization before commitment, ensure solutions are delivery-ready, and support a clear, accepted technical handoff, with selective involvement in early delivery as needed
 * Create reusable technical playbooks and solution packs, coach client-facing teams and senior consultants, and measure technical conversion