Sr AI Architect

1026 Avanade Inc. Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Avanade is seeking an AI Architect Manager to lead design, development, and scaling of enterprise AI solutions aligned with business strategy and measurable outcomes.

You will translate complex requirements into actionable AI architectures, guiding clients to mature AI programs across the Microsoft ecosystem and delivering tangible value across engagements.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of AI, data, or consulting experience.
• 5 years’ experience designing and delivering enterprise AI solutions.
• 5 years’ experience with the Microsoft AI ecosystem, including Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Azure ML.
• 5 years’ experience Python analytics and software engineering (LangChain, DSPy).
• 5 years’ experience applying data analytics to solve business problems.
• 5 years’ experience with DevOps, MLOps, SDLC, and Agile practices.
• 5 years’ experience in client-facing environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS or quantitative field, or equivalent experience (12 years with no degree or 6 years with Associate).

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for AI solution architecture.
• Translate business requirements into AI solution scope and designs.
• Analyze client processes and data landscapes for AI opportunities.
• Lead solutioning activities including estimation, design, and pre-sales.
• Deliver AI engagements as AI SME, Solution Architect, or Technical Architect.
• Provide governance and best-practice guidance across AI projects.
• Facilitate client workshops, meetings, and pre-sales presentations.
• Develop AI assets, accelerators, and methodologies.
• Collaborate with global teams and partner ecosystems.

Skills

AI Solutions

Data Analytics

Python

Azure AI

Generative AI

LangChain

MLOps

DevOps

SDLC

Client-facing

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or quantitative field

Equivalent experience

12+ years without degree

6 years with Associate's Degree

Tools

Azure Databricks

Azure Machine Learning

Job description

The AI Architect Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for designing, developing, and scaling enterprise AI solutions aligned to business strategy and measurable outcomes.

As a trusted advisor and subject–matter expert, the incumbent enables clients to establish, mature, and scale their AI programs across the Microsoft ecosystem, translating complex business requirements into actionable AI architectures that deliver tangible value.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for AI solution architecture, ensuring alignment with client business strategies, technical requirements, and industry best practices.
• Translate business requirements into AI solution scope, value propositions, and scalable architectural designs in collaboration with AI teams and Solution Architects.
• Analyze client processes, systems, and data landscapes to identify AI transformation opportunities and recommend appropriate approaches based on client maturity.
• Lead solutioning activities including estimation, technical design, and proposal development across the pre‑sales and delivery lifecycle.
• Deliver AI engagements in roles including AI SME, Solution Architect, or Technical Architect, ensuring high‑quality outcomes.
• Provide governance, quality assurance, and best‑practice guidance across AI project teams related to delivery approach, design, and implementation.
• Facilitate client workshops, stakeholder meetings, and pre‑sales presentations to articulate AI value and solution approaches.
• Develop and contribute to AI assets, accelerators, and methodologies to enhance organizational capability and delivery efficiency.
• Collaborate across global teams and partner ecosystems to share knowledge, drive innovation, and scale AI capabilities.

Mandatory Requirements

• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as operational needs dictate.
• Travel including internationally, as needed.
• Must possess appropriate visas and/or work permits required to live and work in the country the job is based.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in AI, Data, or consulting roles.
• 5 years’ experience designing and delivering enterprise AI solutions aligned to business outcomes.
• 5 years’ experience with the Microsoft AI ecosystem, including Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Foundry, and Azure Machine Learning.
• 5 years’ experience developing or supporting Agentic AI and Generative AI solutions.
• 5 years’ experience in Python for analytics and software engineering, including modern AI libraries (e.g., LangChain, DSPy).
• 5 years’ experience applying data and analytics to solve business problems, including data preparation and pipeline development.
• 5 years’ experience with DevOps, MLOps, SDLC, and Agile development practices.
• 5 years’ experience working in client‑facing environments, including stakeholder engagement and solution delivery.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a quantitative field, or equivalent experience (minimum 12 years of experience with no degree or 6 years with an Associate’s Degree).

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified AI Engineer or equivalent certification.
• Experience in management consulting and/or systems integration environments.
• Strong background in software engineering, data engineering, or solution architecture.
• Experience with Azure Databricks and distributed data processing environments.
• Knowledge of real‑time and streaming data analytics, time‑series analytics, and system integration patterns.
• Strong understanding of data science and machine learning principles.
• Experience operating across multiple architectural domains, including enterprise and infrastructure architecture.
• Ability to articulate AI use cases across multiple industries (e.g., Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, Resources).
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and client‑facing skills with the ability to influence decision‑making.
• Demonstrated ability to write high‑quality, production‑ready code.
• Ability to think strategically while breaking down complex problems into scalable architectural components.
• Comfortable operating in a hands‑on role within a fast‑paced, global environment.
• Priority Skill: Agentic AI Solution Architecture.

Professional Skills

• Highly organized with strong problem‑solving and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse, matrixed teams and global environments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically, balancing big‑picture thinking with technical execution.
• Commitment to innovation, continuous learning, and delivering high‑quality client outcomes.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is based on location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Avanade offers a market‑competitive range including a 401(k) plan, bonus opportunities, paid holidays, and paid time off. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability coverage.