AI Solutions Architect

Colorado School of Mines; Colorado; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 110,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental care options

13 paid holidays

Generous retirement plan

Tuition benefits

RTD Ecopass

On-campus daycare

Job summary

Colorado School of Mines is seeking an AI Solutions Architect to drive the rapid development, integration, and scaling of AI-powered solutions aligned with institutional goals. This role blends strategic vision with hands-on execution to create secure, ethical, user-centered tools across academic, administrative, and operational areas.

The position is hybrid, with regular campus commuting required. Candidates should have a strong foundation in AI/ML concepts, cloud platforms, data governance,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years in product ownership, AI architecture, or IT project management.
• Strong understanding of generative AI, prompt engineering, and model evaluation.
• Ability to translate complex concepts for diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with cloud-based AI platforms (Azure, Google Cloud, AWS).
• Knowledge of data privacy and compliance frameworks (FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR).
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Eagerness to learn agentic AI skills.
• Self-starter with initiative and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Embed AI tools into university systems and processes to ensure successful adoption.
• Integrate Microsoft, Google, and other approved AI services into workflows.
• Support onboarding, training, and change management for responsible AI use.
• Ensure compliance with Mines data governance and AI policies.
• Develop, deploy, and align AI solutions with institutional goals and long-term value.
• Identify and fast-track opportunities for AI-driven innovation that enhance programs and operations.
• Accelerate the full lifecycle of AI product development, from discovery to deployment.
• Understand roadmaps and assess features, feasibility, and institutional value.
• Translate complex AI concepts into actionable product strategies.
• Develop and track KPIs and user feedback to measure impact.

Skills

Product ownership

AI architecture

AI/ML concepts

Prompt engineering

Data governance

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or related field

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Azure

Google Cloud

AWS

Job description

Engineering a world of possibilities. The AI Solutions Architect drives the rapid development, integration, and scaling of AI‑powered solutions that align with institutional goals and regulatory requirements. This role bridges the gap between university needs and technical capabilities, translating emerging AI technologies, including agentic AI, into secure, ethical, and user‑centered tools that enhance academic, administrative, and operational outcomes.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship now, nor in the future. This is an individual contributor role with high visibility and impact, requiring both strategic vision and hands‑on technical execution to create and maintain AI agents, perform system and data integrations, and validate outputs for accuracy and reliability. The role is currently hybrid and requires regular commuting to campus.

Primary Responsibilities

AI Integration, Enablement & Governance

• Embed AI tools into university systems and business processes to ensure successful adoption.
• Integrate Microsoft, Google, and other approved AI services into workflows.
• Support onboarding, training, and change management for responsible AI use.
• Ensure compliance with Mines data governance and AI policies.
• Contribute to AI governance frameworks, including model transparency and risk mitigation.

AI Solutions & Strategy

• Develop, deploy, and align AI solutions with institutional goals and long‑term value.
• Identify and fast‑track opportunities for AI‑driven innovation that enhance academic programs, student experiences, and operational efficiency.
• Accelerate the full lifecycle of AI product development, from discovery and prototyping to deployment and iteration.
• Understand product roadmaps and assess features, technical feasibility, and overall institutional value.
• Translate complex AI concepts (e.g., large language models, prompt engineering, RAG, AIOps) into actionable product strategies.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and user feedback to measure the success and impact of AI initiatives.

Stakeholder Collaboration & AI Literacy

• Emphasize cross‑functional engagement and build AI fluency across the institution.
• Establish relationships and partner with academic, administrative, and IT stakeholders to implement requirements and align AI solutions with institutional goals.
• Serve as a liaison between technical teams and end users to ensure clear communication and shared understanding.
• Contribute to AI literacy initiatives by developing documentation, training resources, and awareness campaigns for faculty, staff, and students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university in computer science, data science, information systems, engineering, or a related field. Individuals without a degree may be considered if they demonstrate possession of substantially the same knowledge level as found in a degree but have attained the advanced knowledge through a combination of work experience and intellectual instruction.
• 3+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: product ownership in a technology‑driven environment, AI architecture or implementation (including ML development or implementation), business analysis or digital transformation, data analytics, data governance, or data strategy, technology enablement or IT project management.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts, including generative AI, prompt engineering, and model evaluation.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable strategies for diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with cloud‑based AI platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, AWS).
• Knowledge of data privacy and compliance frameworks (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and drive organizational change.
• Eagerness to learn agentic AI skills that will immediately be put to use.
• Self‑starter with a high degree of initiative, accountability, and adaptability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience managing AI or data‑driven products in complex, regulated environments.
• Experience in higher education, research institutions, or public sector organizations.
• Hands‑on experience with AI/ML development processes, including model evaluation, prompt design, and iterative testing.
• Experience contributing to or leading AI governance initiatives, including model transparency and risk mitigation.
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO).
• ITIL for IT Service Management.
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate.
• Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer.
• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP).
• Familiarity with AIOps tools and practices for continuous integration and monitoring of AI systems.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 Copilot, Google Gemini Enterprise, and other enterprise AI tools.
• Proficiency with Agile methodologies and product management tools.

Salary and Benefits

• $100,000 - $110,400 annual salary.
• Flexible health and dental care options.
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year, including a week‑long winter break for campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution.
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50% discount for dependents).
• Free RTD Ecopass.
• Discount programs through the State of Colorado, free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, access to Recreation Center, and outdoor recreation facilities.
• On‑campus daycare center.

Successful completion of a Background Investigation is required for this Position.

Equal Opportunity Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Mines complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations to prevent discrimination and harassment and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.