Senior Data and AI Architect

CDM Smith; United States; Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Data and AI Architect to lead architectural design within the Data & AI Technology group. You will drive data and AI projects across the organization, shaping solutions that deliver actionable insights and robust AEC outcomes.

The role requires strong communication, strategic thinking, and hands-on experience with Azure and Databricks. You will guide data governance and architecture across multiple business units, traveling as needed.

Qualifications

• Advanced understanding and experience with the data management lifecycle including governance, architecture, integration, metadata, development and data quality.
• Experience with security & operations, data stewardship and master data management.
• Strong Azure cloud services and Databricks knowledge; understanding of the Azure well‑architected framework.

Responsibilities

• Develop and design the architecture for data and AI solutions ensuring scalability, security, and reliability.
• Translate business requirements into technical designs and architecture.
• Create architecture docs and lead collaboration with data scientists, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Stay current with new data technologies and assist with documentation, standards, and workflows.

Skills

Data governance

Data architecture

Data integration

Metadata management

Data development

Data quality management

Security & operations

Data stewardship

Master data management

Azure cloud services

Databricks

Azure well-architected framework

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Databricks

Azure cloud services

Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co‑workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world‑class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Data and AI Architect to join our Business Technology - Digital Engineering Solutions domain. This individual will be part of the Data & AI Technology group, helping to drive strategic Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) initiatives using cutting‑edge data technologies and analytics to deliver actionable business insights and robust solutions for AEC professionals and client outcomes. The Data & AI Technology group will lead the firm in AEC‑focused Business Intelligence and data services by providing architectural guidance, technological vision, and solution development. The Data & AI Technology group will specifically utilize advanced analytics, data science, and AI/ML to give our business and our products a competitive advantage. It includes understanding and managing the data, how it interconnects, and architecting & engineering data for self‑serve BI and BA opportunities. This position is for a person who has demonstrated excellence in data architecture capabilities, experienced with data technology and processes, and enjoys framing a problem, shaping and creating solutions, and helping to lead and champion implementation. As a member of the Data & AI Technology group will also engage in research and development and provide guidance and oversight to the AEC practices at CDM Smith, engaging in new product research, testing, and the incubation of data technology‑related ideas that arise from around the company.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record designing and implementing successful data and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) solutions, is a strategic thinker with a strong technical background, has exceptional communication, problem‑solving skills, with a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity leading to tangible results.

Under the direction of the Data & AI Technology Leader, the duties and responsibilities for this position include:

• Develop and design the architecture for various data and AI solutions, ensuring each solution is scalable, secure, and reliable.
• Engage with our business units to understand their requirements and translate them into technical requirements and designs.
• Create data and AI architectural solutions to complex architecture, engineering, and environmental science problems.
• Design and implement strategies to scale data and AI solutions across different business units.
• Create detailed architecture and technical design docs for our data and AI solutions.
• Assist with initiatives and efforts, as part of a collaborative team, with your data scientists, data engineers, data analysts, and stakeholders.
• Eagerness to learn and work as part of a multidisciplinary team across a global practice.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments and advancements, including new and emerging technologies & best practices and new tools & software applications and how they could impact CDM Smith.
• Assist with the development of documentation, standards, best practices, and workflows for data technology hardware/software in use across the business.
• Present to external audiences as needed.
• Assist with marketing, communications, and business development descriptions and activities as needed.
• Assist with internal and external website descriptions as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills & Abilities

• Advanced understanding and experience with all functions of the data management lifecycle including data governance, data architecture, data integration, metadata management, data development, data quality management, data administration, security & operations, data stewardship and master data management.
• Strong knowledge and experience with Microsoft Azure cloud services and Databricks.
• Understands the principles of the Azure well‑architected framework and can apply those principles to our Data and AI solution.
• Expert knowledge and proven ability to develop highly complex data and AI architectures. Inquisitive, with a desire to ask questions and get a deeper understanding of business and data challenges.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate well with people from both technical and non‑technical backgrounds. Ability to listen, build rapport, and credibility as a strategic and diplomatic partner with our business units.
• Innovative and able to apply critical thinking skills to generate new solutions/ideas that create value and improve processes.
• Detail oriented with the ability to assist with executing highly complex or specialized projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 5 years of related experience.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Amount Of Travel Required

No Travel is required

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Pay Range Min

USD $122,595.00

Pay Range Max

USD $214,510.00

Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.