Lead AI Solutions Architect - Cloud & Big Data

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Lead AI Solutions Architect to design and implement scalable AI solutions on cloud platforms, guiding architectural direction for complex AI projects.

You will translate business requirements into robust technical strategies, lead cross-functional teams of data scientists and engineers, and ensure deployment with governance and cost optimization across the AI lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science or Engineering; related certifications a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and document scalable AI/ML architectures on cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• Lead architectural roadmap for AI solutions aligned with business goals.
• Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and product managers to translate requirements.
• Oversee AI model and data pipeline deployment with governance and quality.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to enhance AI capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership across project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain architectural standards and best practices.
• Present designs to stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Troubleshoot complex AI system issues and optimize costs.

Skills

Cloud architecture

AI/ML concepts

CI/CD practices

Leadership & Stakeholder management

Communication & presentation

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in CS or Engineering

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Hadoop

Spark

Kafka

NoSQL

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the AI & Emerging Technologies domain, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead AI Solutions Architect to spearhead their initiatives in Cape Town, Western Cape . This is a critical role where you will design and implement scalable AI solutions leveraging cloud infrastructure and big data technologies. You will be at the forefront of technological innovation, guiding the architectural direction for complex AI projects and ensuring their successful deployment. Your expertise will be crucial in translating business requirements into robust technical strategies. This position offers a unique chance to shape the technological landscape, work with cutting‑edge cloud platforms, and make a tangible impact in a rapidly evolving field. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of cloud architectures, big data ecosystems, and AI/ML principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and document scalable, secure, and high‑performance AI/ML architectures on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Lead the technical vision and architectural roadmap for AI solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and product managers to define requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Oversee the implementation and deployment of AI models and data pipelines, ensuring robust data governance and quality.
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies and tools to enhance our AI capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to development teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain architectural best practices, standards, and documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to AI systems and infrastructure.
• Conduct technical assessments and provide recommendations for optimization and cost‑effectiveness.
• Present architectural designs and solutions to stakeholders at various levels of the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; relevant certifications are a plus.
• Extensive experience in designing and implementing cloud‑based solutions, with a strong focus on AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Proven experience with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and NoSQL databases.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML concepts, algorithms, and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit‑learn).
• Demonstrated experience in architecting end‑to‑end AI/ML pipelines from data ingestion to model deployment.
• Excellent knowledge of software development principles, microservices architecture, and CI/CD practices.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and drive technical decisions.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading technical teams and projects.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive remuneration package, including an attractive salary and comprehensive benefits that cover health, retirement, and more. We offer ample opportunities for professional development, including access to advanced training, certifications, and conference participation. Employees benefit from a dynamic and collaborative work environment in our state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Cape Town . We promote a healthy work‑life balance with generous leave policies. Opportunities for career growth and advancement are significant within this rapidly expanding field. We believe in fostering innovation and providing the resources necessary for our team to excel. This role comes with the responsibility of shaping the future of AI solutions for our client.