Strategic Principal AI Architect — Lead Enterprise AI

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Principal AI Architect in Centurion to shape the architectural vision for enterprise AI and ML initiatives. You will define scalable AI systems, guide complex projects, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver business value and competitive advantage.

The role calls for deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for transforming organizations through AI, with significant autonomy and influence in decision-making.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI, or closely related field.
• 10+ years of software architecture experience with AI/ML focus.
• Deep understanding of DL, NLP and RL.
• Cloud-native architectures, microservices and distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and oversee the architectural blueprint for enterprise-wide AI and machine learning platforms.
• Lead the design and implementation of complex AI solutions ensuring scalability, security and performance.
• Evaluate and select AI technologies, tools and frameworks for various business needs.
• Provide mentorship to engineering and data science teams on AI best practices and patterns.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align AI strategy with business goals.
• Establish and enforce architectural standards and governance for AI development and deployment.

Skills

AI Architecture

Cloud-native

Microservices

Distributed systems

Leadership

Stakeholder alignment

Education

PhD or MSc in CS/AI

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Principal AI Architect in Centurion to shape the architectural vision for enterprise AI and ML initiatives. You will define scalable AI systems, guide complex projects, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver business value and competitive advantage.

The role calls for deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for transforming organizations through AI, with significant autonomy and influence in decision-making.