Senior AI Solutions Architect - Data Engineering Focus

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous leave policy

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior AI Solutions Architect with a strong data engineering background for our Welkom, Free State client. Lead end-to-end AI/ML solution design, data pipelines, and cloud-based ML infrastructure, collaborating with data scientists and engineers to deliver scalable, production-ready solutions.

You will define architectures, evaluate technologies, and contribute to pre-sales efforts while communicating complex problems to clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in Data Engineering and AI/ML roles with solution-architecture focus.
• Proven experience designing scalable data pipelines using Spark, Kafka, or Flink.
• Extensive experience with cloud platforms and their data/ML services (S3, EC2, SageMaker, Azure ML, Vertex AI).
• Strong ML concepts, algorithms, and MLOps principles.
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, and Scala.
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client-facing skills.
• Ability to translate complex business problems into technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design end-to-end AI/ML solutions focusing on scalability and performance.
• Develop and implement robust data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, and prep for ML models.
• Define and manage cloud-based ML infrastructure and environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and stakeholders to deliver effective solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and best practices for AI development and deployment.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies and tools for AI and data engineering projects.
• Ensure integration of AI solutions into client systems and workflows.
• Contribute to pre-sales activities, including proposals and client demos.

Skills

Data engineering

AI/ML

Cloud platforms

Python

SQL

Scala

Docker

Kubernetes

Apache Spark

Kafka

Flink

MLOps

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in CS/Engineering/Data Science

Tools

SageMaker

Azure ML

Vertex AI

AWS

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the data analytics and AI consulting space, is seeking a Senior AI Solutions Architect with a strong Data Engineering background for their team in Welkom, Free State . This role is pivotal in designing, developing, and implementing scalable AI and machine learning solutions for a diverse range of clients. You will be responsible for architecting robust data pipelines, defining ML infrastructure, and ensuring the seamless integration of AI models into client business processes. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of cloud platforms, big data technologies, and the end-to-end lifecycle of AI solutions. Join our client in Welkom, Free State and help drive digital transformation through innovative AI and data engineering strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Architect and design end-to-end AI and machine learning solutions for clients, focusing on scalability and performance. Develop and implement robust data pipelines for data ingestion, transformation, and preparation for ML models. Define and manage cloud-based ML infrastructure and environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP). Collaborate closely with data scientists, software engineers, and business stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver effective solutions. Provide technical leadership and guidance on best practices for AI development and deployment. Evaluate and recommend appropriate technologies and tools for AI and data engineering projects. Ensure the successful integration of AI solutions into existing client systems and workflows. Contribute to pre-sales activities, including proposal development and client presentations.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field. Minimum of 6 years of experience in a combination of Data Engineering and AI/ML roles, with a strong focus on solution architecture. Proven experience designing and implementing scalable data pipelines using tools like Apache Spark, Kafka, or Flink. Extensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their data/ML services (e.g., S3, EC2, SageMaker, Azure ML, Vertex AI). Strong understanding of machine learning concepts, algorithms, and MLOps principles. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Scala. Experience with containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes. Excellent communication, presentation, and client‑facing skills. Ability to translate complex business problems into technical solutions.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, including an annual salary of R , comprehensive health insurance, performance bonuses, and opportunities for continuous professional development. You will work on exciting and challenging projects that leverage the latest advancements in AI and data engineering in the heart of Welkom, Free State . Our client fosters a collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and growth. Employees benefit from retirement savings plans and a generous leave policy. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in AI solutions architecture within a dynamic team.