Senior Data & AI Architect — Equity & Hybrid Role

Charter Next Generation, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Holiday pay

Paid vacation

401(k) with company match

Performance-based bonuses

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Charter Next Generation, Inc. is seeking a Senior Data/AI Architect to lead data and AI initiatives in a hybrid Chicago office.

You will design scalable data architectures, stay hands-on with Python and SQL, and drive API development and cross-functional integrations across ERP and manufacturing systems. Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in data/ML disciplines, strong cloud experience, and a proven track record in production ML and MLOps.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience across data architecture, data engineering, ML engineering, software engineering, data science, or related disciplines.
• Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, data science, statistics, or operations research is a plus.
• Strong hands-on Python and SQL experience.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable architectures for enterprise data, analytics, ML, and AI solutions.
• Remain hands-on in Python, SQL, data pipelines, APIs, and production applications.
• Design and build integrations across ERP, manufacturing, operational, finance, and other enterprise systems.
• Develop APIs and services using Python frameworks such as FastAPI.
• Establish architecture and patterns for productionizing forecasting, optimization, ML, and AI solutions.
• Develop and promote MLOps and software engineering practices including CI/CD, testing, deployment, monitoring, and observability.
• Define reusable patterns for integrating models and AI into business applications and workflows.
• Partner with manufacturing and business teams to translate operational processes into technical solutions.
• Establish standards for data modeling, quality, security, governance, integration, and platform architecture.
• Evaluate technologies and architecture decisions based on scalability, maintainability, cost, and business value.
• Mentor data engineers, analytics engineers, data scientists, and analysts to raise engineering standards.
• Support modernization and simplification of legacy data and analytics systems.
• Periodically travel to CNG manufacturing locations to support high-value initiatives.

Skills

Python

SQL

Data architecture

ML engineering

Cloud platforms

APIs

CI/CD

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in engineering/CS

Tools

Git

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Senior Data/AI Architect

Full Time Salary Chicago, IL, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 3546

At CNG, we are owners. We empower every individual to make a significant impact — because every moment matters. Whether you’re starting your career journey or aiming for the next level, we foster a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.

Why Join CNG?

Employee Ownership: Every employee receives equity shares, enabling you to participate in our company's growth and prosperity.

Work-Life Balance: We support true work-life integration for all CNG employee owners.

Career Growth: Advance your career within our expanding network of manufacturing facilities with comprehensive training and development programs.

Purpose-Driven Work: Help create sustainable packaging solutions that reduce food waste and protect our environment for future generations.

The Role

From supporting internal teams to developing next-gen materials, our professional roles span strategy, innovation, and purpose. At CNG, you’ll do work that matters—and own it all.

Schedule : Hybrid, Business Hours

What You'll Do

• Design scalable architectures for enterprise data, analytics, machine learning, and AI solutions.
• Remain hands-on in the development of Python, SQL, data pipelines, APIs, and production applications.
• Design and build integrations across ERP, manufacturing, operational, commercial, finance, and other enterprise systems.
• Develop APIs and services using Python frameworks such as FastAPI.
• Establish architecture and engineering patterns for productionizing forecasting, optimization, machine learning, and AI solutions.
• Develop and promote MLOps and software engineering practices including CI/CD, automated testing, model deployment, monitoring, and observability.
• Define reusable patterns for integrating models and AI capabilities into business applications and workflows.
• Partner directly with manufacturing and business teams to understand operational processes and translate them into technical solutions.
• Help establish standards for data modeling, data quality, security, governance, integration, and platform architecture.
• Evaluate technologies and architecture decisions based on scalability, maintainability, cost, and business value.
• Mentor data engineers, analytics engineers, data scientists, and analysts and raise engineering standards across the team.
• Support modernization and simplification of legacy data and analytics systems.
• Periodically travel to CNG manufacturing locations to support high-value operational and manufacturing initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience across data architecture, data engineering, machine learning engineering, software engineering, data science, or related technical disciplines.
• Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, data science, statistics, operations research, or a related discipline is a plus.
• Strong hands-on Python and SQL experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering production data and/or ML systems.
• Experience with modern cloud data platforms and enterprise data architecture.
• Experience designing APIs, services, or integrations between analytical platforms and business applications.
• Understanding of modern software engineering practices including Git, CI/CD, automated testing, monitoring, and deployment.
• Experience leading complex technical initiatives and mentoring technical professionals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical teams and senior business stakeholders.

Total Rewards:

• Employee Ownership – Become a company owner day 1!
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance upon hire
• Holiday Pay
• Paid vacation
• 401(k) with company match
• Performance-based bonuses
• Career advancement opportunities across 18+ facilities

Ready to Own Your Future?

Join a team where every voice matters, every contribution counts, and every employee shares in our success.

Charter Next Generation is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.