Job Title: Cloud AI Architecture
Description:
Center of Excellence (COE) Technical Lead / Cloud AI Architect
Role Summary
We’re seeking an experienced 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 a 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
- Establish the AI COE mission, operating model, intake process, and KPIs.
- Design and build secure Azure AI lab environments and MLOps foundations (networking, identity, secrets, observability).
- Architect end-to-end AI solutions that integrate with enterprise platforms and data sources.
- Translate business needs into actionable use cases and deliver proofs-of-concept.
- Evaluate and integrate commercial/open-source AI technologies with clear guardrails.
- Partner with Data Engineering on data tagging, cataloging, and readiness for AI workloads.
- Lead governance and risk management in partnership with the AI Council.
- Deliver production-ready solutions with measurable business impact.
- Mentor teams and publish reusable patterns, templates, and best practices.
- Track and report adoption, model performance, and value realization.
Expectations:
- Ideally seeking a technical leader who can set vision, mentor team members, and guide long-term architecture decisions.
- Must be capable of operating independently, carrying substantial responsibility, and defining solution paths from high-level business outcomes.
Top Skills Details
Machine LearningAI ArchitectureAzureAWSCI/CDML OpsAdditional Skills & Qualifications
- Deep, hands-on experience with Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Azure
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Ideally 8–9+ years of relevant industry experience.
Experience Level
Expert Level
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Plymouth, MN.
Pay and BenefitsThe 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 TypeThis is a fully remote position.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Feb 23, 2026.
About ActalentActalent 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.
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