Principal AI Architect

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

Topeka (KS)

Hybrid

USD 180,000 - 280,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks paid parental leave

Incentive pay program

Health & fitness benefits

Fertility/Adoption assistance

2 weeks paid caregiver leave

Job summary

A prominent healthcare insurance provider is seeking a Principal AI Architect to lead enterprise AI architecture. This role requires expertise in AI systems and collaboration across teams to ensure effective AI solutions. Candidates should possess a degree in Computer Science or a related field, with over 10 years in software engineering and experience in the healthcare sector. The position offers a competitive rewards package and a hybrid working environment in Kansas.

Qualifications

10+ years in software engineering, data architecture, or AI/ML development.
5+ years in a senior architecture role, preferably in healthcare or insurance.
Experience leading the design and implementation of enterprise-scale AI solutions.
Proven track record delivering enterprise-scale AI solutions.

Responsibilities

Design and maintain enterprise AI architecture with cross-functional teams.
Collaborate with data science, engineering, and DevOps teams for AI lifecycle management.
Evaluate and recommend tools for AI development and performance monitoring.
Mentor technical teams and develop internal AI standards.
Ensure AI systems meet HIPAA, privacy, and regulatory standards; lead responsible AI practices.
Partner with cybersecurity and compliance to ensure ethical AI implementations.
Mentor teams and contribute to internal AI standards and reusable components.
Stay informed on AI trends and regulatory developments affecting healthcare AI.
Communicate architectural decisions to technical and executive stakeholders.

Skills

Cloud platforms expertise

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Large Language Models (LLMs)

AI system design

Agile delivery methodologies

Exceptional communication skills

Kubeflow

Healthcare data formats

HIPAA knowledge

MLOps

Leadership

Communication

Agile

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

MLflow

Kubeflow

Azure

AWS

GCP (Google Cloud Platform)

Job description

Join to apply for the Principal AI Architect role at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is looking to add to our Information Technology team and has a new opportunity for a Principal AI Architect. This position is a senior technical expert responsible for defining and driving the enterprise AI architecture strategy. This position bridges advanced AI techniques with scalable, secure, and compliant system designs that support business transformation, operational efficiency, and improved member and provider experiences. The Principal AI Architect collaborates with the Director, AI Strategy, IT, and business teams to ensure the successful design, integration, and governance of AI solutions across the enterprise. This position reports to the Chief Information Officer (CIO).

“This position is eligible to work hybrid or onsite in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.”

Why Join Us?

Family Comes First: Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees.
Professional Growth Opportunities: Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs.
Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborate with a team of passionate and driven individuals.
Stability: 80 years of commitment, compassion and community.
Balance: paid vacation and sick leave with paid maternity and paternity available immediately upon hire.

What you’ll do

Design and maintain the enterprise AI architecture, including data infrastructure, system integration, and deployment pipelines in partnership with cross‑functional teams.
Collaborate with data science, engineering, and DevOps teams to ensure scalable and secure AI model lifecycle management (MLOps).
Evaluate and recommend tools, platforms, and technologies for AI development, governance, and performance monitoring.
Guide AI solution development across use cases to assess feasibility and support delivery planning in collaboration with Director, AI Strategy.
Ensure AI systems meet security, privacy, and regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA). Serve as a subject matter expert on responsible AI practices.
Partner with cybersecurity, data governance, and compliance teams to ensure ethical and compliant AI implementations.
Mentor technical teams and contribute to the development of internal AI standards, patterns, and reusable components.
Stay informed on emerging AI trends, frameworks, and legislative developments impacting healthcare AI.
Communicate architectural decisions and strategies effectively to technical and non‑technical audiences, including executive stakeholders.

What you need

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 10+ years of experience in software engineering, data architecture, or AI/ML development.
Minimum of 5+ years of experience in a senior or principal architecture role, preferably in a healthcare or payer organization.
Demonstrated success in leading the design and implementation of enterprise‑scale AI solutions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Deep expertise in cloud platforms, natural language processing (NLP), and large language models (LLMs) and experience working with AI embedded vendor solutions.
Strong knowledge of AI system design, cloud architecture (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP), and data engineering principles.
Proficiency with AI platforms and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, MLflow, Kubeflow).
Experience architecting production‑grade AI solutions in regulated industries, preferably healthcare or insurance.
In‑depth understanding of healthcare data formats (e.g., HL7, FHIR, EDI 837/835) and associated security considerations.
Familiarity with responsible AI practices, including fairness, bias mitigation, and explainability.
Ability to balance technical rigor with business practicality in solution design and execution.
Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Skilled in Agile delivery methodologies and DevOps/MLOps practices.
Leadership presence with the ability to mentor, influence, and align diverse technical teams.

Compensation & Benefits

Base compensation is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package.