Enterprise AI Architect Lead — Microsoft Stack

Avanade; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & vision coverage

401(k) plan with company match

Bonus opportunities

Paid holidays

Job summary

Avanade is seeking an AI Architect Manager in Chicago to lead design, solutioning, and delivery of enterprise AI programs aligned to client strategy. You will translate complex requirements into scalable AI architectures and guide cross‑functional teams across Avanade, Accenture, Microsoft, and partners.

The role blends strategic thinking with hands‑on engineering, requiring deep Microsoft AI expertise, strong stakeholder management, and a track record of delivering value through AI initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in AI, Data, or consulting roles.
• 5 years’ experience designing and delivering enterprise AI solutions aligned to business outcomes.
• 5 years’ experience with Microsoft AI ecosystem, including Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Foundry, and Azure Machine Learning.
• 5 years’ experience developing or supporting Agentic AI and Generative AI solutions.
• 5 years’ experience Python for analytics and software engineering, including LangChain, DSPy.
• 5 years’ experience applying data and analytics to solve business problems, including data prep and pipeline development.
• 5 years’ experience with DevOps, MLOps, SDLC, and Agile development practices.
• 5 years’ experience working in client‑facing environments, including stakeholder engagement and solution delivery.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or quantitative field, or equivalent experience (minimum 12 years of experience with no degree or 6 years with an Associate’s Degree).

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for AI solution architecture, ensuring alignment with client business strategies, technical requirements, and industry best practices.
• Translate business requirements into AI solution scope, value propositions, and scalable architectural designs in collaboration with AI teams and Solution Architects.
• Analyze client processes, systems, and data landscapes to identify AI transformation opportunities and recommend appropriate approaches based on client maturity.
• Lead solutioning activities including estimation, technical design, and proposal development across the pre‑sales and delivery lifecycle.
• Deliver AI engagements as an AI SME, Solution Architect, or Technical Architect, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Provide governance, quality assurance, and best practice guidance across AI project teams related to delivery approach, design, and implementation.
• Facilitate client workshops, stakeholder meetings, and pre‑sales presentations to articulate AI value and solution approaches.
• Develop and contribute to AI assets, accelerators, and methodologies to enhance organizational capability and delivery efficiency.
• Collaborate across global teams and partner ecosystems to share knowledge, drive innovation, and scale AI capabilities.

Skills

AI solution architecture

Microsoft Azure

Generative AI

Python for analytics

DevOps / MLOps

Stakeholder engagement

Enterprise AI delivery

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS or quantitative field

Tools

Azure Databricks

LangChain

DSPy

Azure OpenAI

Azure Machine Learning

Job description

Avanade is seeking an AI Architect Manager in Chicago to lead design, solutioning, and delivery of enterprise AI programs aligned to client strategy. You will translate complex requirements into scalable AI architectures and guide cross‑functional teams across Avanade, Accenture, Microsoft, and partners.

The role blends strategic thinking with hands‑on engineering, requiring deep Microsoft AI expertise, strong stakeholder management, and a track record of delivering value through AI initiatives.