Job Description

Role Summary

We’re seeking a Sr architect to build and lead our enterprise AI Center of Excellence. Our production platform runs on Azure. You’ll define the technical strategy, stand up secure AI lab and MLOps foundations, evaluate and integrate commercial/open-source AI responsibly, and turn high-value ideas into production outcomes. This is a remote, hands-on architecture role spanning strategy, system design, governance, and delivery leadership. LLMs may be used where appropriate, but the near-term emphasis is on classical ML and practical, data-driven solutions. Strong engineers from other major clouds will receive structured support to ramp on Azure.

What You’ll Do

•\tEstablish the AI COE mission, operating model, intake process, and KPIs.

•\tDesign and build secure Azure AI lab environments and MLOps foundations (networking, identity, secrets, observability).

•\tArchitect end-to-end AI solutions that integrate with enterprise platforms and data sources.

•\tTranslate business needs into actionable use cases and deliver proofs-of-concept.

•\tEvaluate and integrate commercial/open-source AI technologies with clear guardrails.

•\tPartner with Data Engineering on data tagging, cataloging, and readiness for AI workloads.

•\tLead governance and risk management in partnership with the AI Council.

•\tDeliver production-ready solutions with measurable business impact.

•\tMentor teams and publish reusable patterns, templates, and best practices.

•\tTrack and report adoption, model performance, and value realization.

Outcomes

•\tAI COE charter, intake, and KPI framework adopted across stakeholders.

•\tSecure AI lab operational with reference architectures and baseline pipelines.

•\tVendor and technology evaluation rubric in use for AI initiatives.

•\tWorking POCs promoted to MVP/production with appropriate MLOps and monitoring.

•\tReusable solution patterns documented for training, batch, streaming, and serving.

•\tGovernance playbook in place for data handling, model risk, and approval workflows.

Skills Desired

Machine learning, AI Architecture, Azure, AWS, CI/CD, ML Ops

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Required Qualifications

•\t5+ years delivering production ML/AI systems.

•\tAzure proficiency (Azure ML, Databricks/Delta/MLflow, ADLS, CI/CD, networking) or expertise in AWS/GCP with demonstrated ability to apply equivalent patterns on Azure (e.g., model registries, feature stores, lakehouse, private networking) and a clear willingness to develop Azure skills.

•\tMLOps skills including experiment tracking and model registry plus CI/CD for ML (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow, SageMaker/Vertex registries, or equivalents).

•\tWorking knowledge of common ML methods and predictive modeling.

•\tExperience implementing security and governance for data/AI workloads (data classification, privacy, encryption/KMS, IAM/RBAC, secrets management, network isolation/private endpoints) and managing vendor risk.

•\tAbility to translate business objectives into scoped use cases and delivered solutions.

•\tClear communication and stakeholder management across technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

•\tExperience leading cross-functional AI initiatives.

•\tExperience assessing vendors and integrating commercial/open-source AI responsibly.

•\tFamiliarity with data quality and cataloging; effective partnership with data engineering teams.

•\tExperience mentoring engineers and guiding contractors; strong documentation and enablement.

Experience Level

Expert Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Plymouth, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90.00 - $110.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.