Lead AI Solutions Architect

Placements24; Kempton Park; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first within SA

Advanced training & certifications

Challenging AI projects

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead AI Solutions Architect to drive the design and implementation of AI-driven solutions from conception to deployment in Gauteng. You will translate business needs into robust technical blueprints, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure scalable, secure AI systems across the project lifecycle.

The role requires a strong blend of deep AI expertise and strategic thinking, with remote-first flexibility within South Africa.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in software architecture, with a significant focus on AI/ML systems.
• Proven experience designing and implementing complex AI solutions.
• Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and data science principles.
• Proficiency in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their AI/ML services.
• Strong knowledge of programming languages (Python, Java, Scala).
• Experience with data pipelines, MLOps, and CI/CD for AI.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams.
• Experience in Tembisa, Gauteng or similar technology hubs is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and development of enterprise AI solutions.
• Define technical roadmaps and strategies for AI adoption and integration.
• Evaluate and select AI technologies, platforms, and tools.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical specs.
• Oversee development and deployment of AI models and applications.
• Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and performant.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering and data science teams.
• Stay current with emerging AI trends, tools, and best practices.
• Conduct feasibility studies and PoCs for new AI initiatives.
• Develop and maintain architectural documentation.

Skills

AI/ML systems design

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Python/Java/Scala

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

CI/CD for AI

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Lead AI Solutions Architect to drive the design and implementation of sophisticated AI-driven solutions for diverse business needs. This is a critical role based in Tembisa, Gauteng , where you will be responsible for architecting scalable, robust, and efficient AI systems. You will translate complex business requirements into technical blueprints, ensuring that our AI strategies are aligned with organizational goals and leverage the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. This position requires a deep understanding of AI technologies, cloud infrastructure, and software architecture. You will act as a technical leader, guiding development teams and stakeholders through the entire lifecycle of AI solution development, from conception to deployment and optimization. The ideal candidate possesses a strong blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and development of enterprise-level AI solutions.
• Define technical roadmaps and strategies for AI adoption and integration.
• Evaluate and select appropriate AI technologies, platforms, and tools.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Oversee the development and deployment of AI models and applications.
• Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and performant.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering and data science teams.
• Stay current with emerging AI trends, tools, and best practices.
• Conduct technical feasibility studies and proof-of-concepts for new AI initiatives.
• Develop and maintain architectural documentation.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (8+ years) in software architecture, with a significant focus on AI/ML systems.
• Proven experience designing and implementing complex AI solutions.
• Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and data science principles.
• Proficiency in cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and their AI/ML services.
• Strong knowledge of various programming languages relevant to AI development (e.g., Python, Java, Scala).
• Experience with data pipelines, MLOps, and CI/CD for AI.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams.
• Experience in Tembisa, Gauteng or similar technology hubs is advantageous.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive contract rate, commensurate with experience and expertise. As a remote-first position, you will enjoy the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, eliminating commute times.
• Our client provides opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth, including access to advanced training and certifications.
• You will work on challenging and impactful projects that utilize cutting-edge AI technologies.
• Collaboration with a talented and diverse team of experts is a key aspect of this role.
• Experience the freedom and autonomy of a remote role while contributing to transformative AI initiatives.