Lead AI Architect

Synechron; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Global exposure with Synechron’s 57+‑b

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Synechron in Charlotte, NC seeks a Lead AI Architect to define enterprise AI strategy and implementation roadmap across AI/ML, Gen AI and data platforms. You will lead design and delivery of scalable AI solutions while collaborating with stakeholders, data scientists, engineers, and architects.

The role requires 12+ years of tech experience and 5+ years in AI/ML leadership; strong cloud, MLOps, vector databases, governance, and exceptional leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12+ years of technology experience.
• At least 5+ years in AI/ML Architecture and Leadership roles.
• Expertise in designing AI/ML/Generative AI solutions and LLMs.
• Hands-on with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and MLOps.

Responsibilities

• Define enterprise AI architecture strategy and standards.
• Lead design and implementation of Gen AI, LLMs, vector databases, and AI agents.
• Drive AI governance, security, and responsible AI frameworks.
• Collaborate with cloud, data, security, and application teams for integration.

Skills

AI leadership

Architecture strategy

Stakeholder communication

Agile/Scrum

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in CS or related

Tools

Python

Cloud platforms

Job description

At Synechron, we believe in the power of digital to transform businesses for the better. Our global consulting firm combines creativity and innovative technology to deliver industry-leading digital solutions. Synechron’s progressive technologies and optimization strategies span end-to-end Artificial Intelligence, Consulting, Digital, Cloud & DevOps, Data, and Software Engineering, servicing an array of noteworthy financial services and technology firms. Through research and development initiatives in our FinLabs we develop solutions for modernization, from Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain to Data Science models, Digital Underwriting, mobile-first applications and more. Over the last 20+ years, our company has been honored with multiple employer awards, recognizing our commitment to our talented teams. With top clients to boast about, Synechron has a global workforce of 16,700+, and has 57 offices in 22 countries within key global markets.

As a Lead AI Architect, your challenge is to define and drive the enterprise AI strategy, architecture, and implementation roadmap across mission-critical business applications. You will lead the design and delivery of scalable Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Agentic AI solutions while collaborating with business stakeholders, product owners, data scientists, engineers, and enterprise architects. Leveraging expertise in LLMs, Generative AI, AI/ML platforms, Cloud Technologies, Data Architecture, MLOps, Vector Databases, RAG Frameworks, and AI Governance, you will help deliver innovative, secure, and high-performing AI solutions that drive business transformation and operational excellence.

Additional Information*

The base salary for this position will vary based on geography and other factors. In accordance with law, the base salary for this role if filled within Charlotte, NC is $120k - $130k/year & benefits (see below).

The Role

Responsibilities:

• Minimum 12+ years of technology experience with at least 5+ years in AI/ML Architecture and Leadership roles.
• Strong expertise in designing and implementing Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Generative AI solutions.
• Hands-on experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) including OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Llama, or Mistral.
• Strong knowledge of Agentic AI, AI Agents, Model Context Protocol (MCP), Multi-Agent Systems, and AI Orchestration frameworks.
• Experience building enterprise AI solutions using LangChain, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel, CrewAI, AutoGen, or similar frameworks.
• Expertise in designing and implementing Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures.
• Strong understanding of Vector Databases such as Pinecone, Weaviate, Chroma, Milvus, or FAISS.
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms including AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Strong knowledge of MLOps, AI model lifecycle management, CI/CD, monitoring, and deployment frameworks.
• Experience designing scalable data architectures supporting AI and analytics workloads.
• Strong programming experience with Python and familiarity with modern software engineering practices.
• Experience implementing AI governance, responsible AI, security, privacy, and compliance controls.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, APIs, microservices, and cloud-native architectures.
• Experience leading architecture reviews, technical design sessions, and enterprise modernization initiatives.
• Ability to translate business requirements into strategic AI roadmaps and technical solutions.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments and leading cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.
• Banking and Financial Services domain experience is highly preferred.

Requirements:

• Lead the enterprise AI architecture strategy across Generative AI, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Agentic AI initiatives.
• Define architectural standards, frameworks, and best practices for AI solution development and deployment.
• Design scalable AI platforms and reference architectures to support enterprise-wide AI adoption.
• Architect and implement Gen AI use cases utilizing LLMs, RAG, vector databases, AI agents, and enterprise data sources.
• Lead AI solution design workshops with business stakeholders, product teams, and technical leadership.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to AI engineers, data scientists, architects, and development teams.
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies and frameworks and recommend strategic adoption opportunities.
• Develop AI governance, security, compliance, and responsible AI frameworks to ensure enterprise standards are met.
• Oversee AI model lifecycle management including development, deployment, monitoring, and optimization.
• Collaborate with cloud, data, security, and application teams to ensure seamless AI solution integration.
• Drive implementation of MLOps and AIOps practices to improve delivery efficiency and operational reliability.
• Review solution architectures and conduct technical assessments to ensure scalability, performance, resiliency, and maintainability.
• Support proof-of-concepts, innovation programs, and modernization initiatives leveraging advanced AI technologies.
• Present architecture recommendations and roadmaps to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Ensure successful delivery of AI transformation programs by providing architectural oversight throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across the organization's AI ecosystem.

We offer:

• A highly competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A multinational organization with 57 offices in 22 countries and the possibility to work abroad.
• 10 days of paid annual leave (plus sick leave and national holidays).
• Maternity & paternity leave plans.
• A comprehensive insurance plan including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-/short-term disability (plans vary by region).
• Retirement savings plans.
• A higher education certification policy.
• Commuter benefits (varies by region).
• Extensive training opportunities, focused on skills, substantive knowledge, and personal development.
• On-demand Udemy for Business for all Synechron employees with free access to more than 5000 curated courses.
• Coaching opportunities with experienced colleagues from our Financial Innovation Labs (FinLabs) and Center of Excellences (CoE) groups.
• Cutting edge projects at the world’s leading tier-one banks, financial institutions and insurance firms.
• A flat and approachable organization.
• A truly diverse, fun-loving, and global work culture.

S YNECHRON’S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

Diversity & Inclusion are fundamental to our culture, and Synechron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative ‘Same Difference’ is committed to fostering an inclusive culture – promoting equality, diversity and an environment that is respectful to all. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce helps build stronger, successful businesses as a global company. We encourage applicants from across diverse backgrounds, race, ethnicities, religion, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientations, or disabilities to apply. We empower our global workforce by offering flexible workplace arrangements, mentoring, internal mobility, learning and development programs, and more.

All employment decisions at Synechron are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to the applicant’s gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.