Lead AI Architect for Astronomy & Science

Assn of Univ for Res in Astronomy, Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 179,000 - 226,000; Full time

Job summary

NOIRLab in the United States seeks a Principal AI Engineer to define and lead the organization's AI strategy, architecture, and engineering capabilities. This leadership role shapes foundational AI platforms and governance to empower scientists, software engineers, and operations teams in astronomical research and observatory operations.

You will build enterprise-scale AI capabilities, identify high-impact opportunities, and deliver AI solutions that accelerate discovery, improve productivity,

Qualifications

• Extensive experience designing, building, and deploying production-scale AI systems.
• Deep expertise with ML, generative AI, LLMs, and AI governance.
• Experience deploying LLM apps, RAG, and AI agents.
• Strong cloud-native, distributed systems, and data platform skills.
• Proven leadership and collaboration across research, software, and operations.
• Ability to define strategy, architecture, and governance for enterprise AI.

Responsibilities

• Define enterprise AI strategy, roadmap, and governance.
• Lead architecture and engineering practices across NOIRLab.
• Deliver production-ready AI platforms integrating with research systems.
• Mentor engineers, scientists, and operations teams.
• Partner with external institutions to advance collaboration.

Skills

Experience in leadership

Principal Engineer

Production-scale AI

LLMs & RAG

Cloud-native

Security & governance

Leadership & communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/AI/Data Science

Job description

NOIRLab in the United States seeks a Principal AI Engineer to define and lead the organization's AI strategy, architecture, and engineering capabilities. This leadership role shapes foundational AI platforms and governance to empower scientists, software engineers, and operations teams in astronomical research and observatory operations.

You will build enterprise-scale AI capabilities, identify high-impact opportunities, and deliver AI solutions that accelerate discovery, improve productivity,