Principal AI Architect

Clera; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 270,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

Clera is seeking a senior, principal-level AI architecture leader to shape our AI strategy and design large-scale AI solutions across the organization. You will operate at the intersection of security and machine learning, influencing how AI is built, governed, and deployed enterprise-wide.

You will guide cross-functional teams, define governance and safety frameworks, and translate business needs into robust AI systems. This hybrid role is based in Manhattan, with regular office visits to NYC.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in AI/ML architecture or enterprise SaaS.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale ML/AI infrastructure.
• Strong cybersecurity knowledge across risk, compliance, or threat intel.
• Experience leading technical strategy across engineering and product teams.
• Familiarity with AI governance, safety, and enterprise regulation.
• Solid CS fundamentals and experience with distributed SaaS platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee end-to-end AI architecture strategies.
• Provide technical leadership across AI/ML initiatives.
• Define AI governance, safety, and compliance frameworks.
• Partner with engineering, product, and research to translate requirements.
• Establish best practices for ML infra, deployment, and reliability.

Skills

AI architecture

Enterprise SaaS

Security domain knowledge

Technical leadership

Governance & compliance

Distributed SaaS systems

Job description

About the Role

This is a senior, principal-level architecture role at a well-established cybersecurity SaaS company, focused on shaping AI strategy and designing large-scale AI solutions across the organization. Sitting at the intersection of security and machine learning, this position carries significant influence over how AI is built, governed, and deployed at enterprise scale. The work directly supports the company's mission to help organizations manage and reduce cyber risk.

What You'll Do

• Design and oversee end-to-end AI architecture strategies aligned with enterprise cybersecurity objectives.

• Provide technical leadership and direction across AI and ML initiatives, guiding cross-functional teams toward scalable, production‑grade systems.

• Evaluate and define AI governance, safety, and compliance frameworks appropriate for a security-focused product environment.

• Partner with engineering, product, and research stakeholders to translate business requirements into robust AI system designs.

• Establish best practices for large-scale ML infrastructure, model deployment, and ongoing system reliability.

What We're Looking For

• 12 or more years of experience spanning AI/ML systems architecture, enterprise SaaS, or related domains.

• Demonstrated background designing and delivering large-scale ML or AI infrastructure in production environments.

• Strong understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, including risk, compliance, or threat intelligence domains.

• Experience leading technical strategy and influencing across engineering and product organizations, not just individual contribution.

• Familiarity with AI governance, safety, and responsible AI principles in enterprise or regulated contexts.

• Solid computer science fundamentals and a history of working within complex, distributed SaaS platforms.

Compensation & Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $270,000 to $330,000 USD annually. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Location

This is a hybrid role based in Manhattan, New York. Candidates should be able to commute to the New York City office on a regular basis.