Lead AI Solutions Architect

Placements24; Rustenburg; Remote; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Travel opportunities (to Rustenburg)

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead AI Solutions Architect to drive end-to-end AI architecture for diverse clients. This remote role with occasional travel to Rustenburg requires translating complex business needs into scalable AI systems and architectures.

You will collaborate with sales, engineering, and client teams to define blueprints, ensure feasibility, and oversee successful delivery of AI projects, mentoring architects and engineers along the way.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in software architecture with AI/ML focus.
• Experience in NLP, CV, analytics, recommender systems.
• Cloud platforms and AI/ML services.
• Data engineering, big data tech, databases.
• MLOps for automating ML lifecycles.
• Mentor teams and communicate with execs.
• Consulting or client-facing experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect end-to-end AI solutions, data pipelines, models and deployment strategies.
• Translate business requirements into technical specifications and designs.
• Evaluate and select AI/ML technologies for client needs.
• Provide technical leadership to development teams across projects.
• Develop architectural documentation and best practices for AI solutions.
• Conduct feasibility studies and proof-of-concepts for AI projects.
• Stay updated on AI, ML, cloud technologies.
• Mentor junior architects and engineers in AI design.
• Present technical solutions to technical and executive audiences.

Skills

AI/ML architecture

Cloud computing

Leadership

Client-facing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering/IT

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

MLOps tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in enterprise AI solutions, is seeking a visionary Lead AI Solutions Architect to join their expanding team. This role, based remotely but requiring occasional travel to Rustenburg, North West, is crucial for designing and guiding the implementation of cutting‑edge AI architectures for our diverse clientele. You will be the technical authority, translating complex business needs into robust, scalable, and efficient AI systems. This position offers the chance to work with a wide array of technologies and industries, shaping the future of AI adoption. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills. You will collaborate closely with sales, engineering, and client teams to define solution blueprints, ensure technical feasibility, and oversee the successful delivery of AI projects. As a Lead Architect, you will play a key role in mentoring other architects and engineers, contributing to the growth of our AI practice, and staying ahead of industry trends. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional to drive significant impact in the AI space.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect end‑to‑end AI solutions, encompassing data pipelines, machine learning models, and deployment strategies.
• Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into technical specifications and architectural designs.
• Evaluate and select appropriate AI/ML technologies, tools, and platforms for specific client needs.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to development teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain architectural documentation, standards, and best practices for AI solutions.
• Conduct feasibility studies, proof‑of‑concepts, and technical assessments for potential AI projects.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, deep learning, and cloud technologies.
• Mentor junior architects and engineers, fostering their growth and expertise in AI solution design.
• Present technical solutions and strategies to both technical and non‑technical audiences, including senior executives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in software architecture, with at least 5 years focused specifically on designing and implementing AI/ML solutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in various AI/ML domains, including natural language processing, computer vision, predictive analytics, and recommendation systems.
• Proficiency with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, and their AI/ML services.
• Strong understanding of data engineering principles, big data technologies, and database systems.
• Experience with MLOps principles and tools for automating ML lifecycles.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and influence stakeholders.
• Experience in consulting or client‑facing roles is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance‑based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including extensive health coverage, retirement contributions, and generous paid time off. As this is a remote role, you’ll enjoy the flexibility and autonomy to work from anywhere, with occasional travel to our Rustenburg, North West hub for key meetings and team collaborations. We also provide a professional development budget for training, certifications, and conference attendance, along with access to the latest AI tools and platforms. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, providing a supportive environment for professional growth and career advancement.