AI Software Architect

AI Software ArchitectWesterville, OH - Hybrid (2-3 days per week in office) Candidates must be local to Columbus, OHContract to HirePay Range: $60-65 per hour W2Position OverviewWe are seeking a Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software Architect to lead the architecture, development, and deployment of advanced AI and enterprise software solutions.This is a highly technical leadership role for an experienced architect who can combine deep AI/ML expertise with enterprise software architecture and engineering. You will help define technical strategy, evaluate emerging technologies, architect scalable AI-driven platforms, and guide engineering teams in delivering secure, reliable, production-ready solutions.The ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and a hands-on technologist who can translate business objectives into scalable technical solutions while driving engineering excellence across the organization.Key ResponsibilitiesArchitect and lead the development of AI-driven platforms and scalable enterprise software systems aligned with strategic business objectives.Partner with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to identify AI use cases and translate them into impactful technology solutions.Evaluate and select AI/ML technologies, software frameworks, platforms, and development tools based on performance, scalability, security, and maintainability.Establish architectural standards and best practices across AI/ML development, MLOps, software engineering, DevOps, and system architecture.Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams, promoting innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.Drive long-term technical strategy and ensure engineering initiatives remain aligned with enterprise priorities.Ensure AI and software solutions comply with applicable data privacy, security, governance, and ethical standards.Champion engineering excellence through code reviews, automated testing, CI/CD, Agile development, and modern software engineering practices.Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to improve products, platforms, processes, and engineering capabilities.Required Qualifications7+ years of experience in software architecture and engineering, including at least 2 years focused on AI/ML systems.Proven experience designing and deploying AI/ML and enterprise software solutions at scale.Strong expertise across areas such as:Machine learningDeep learningNatural language processing (NLP)Generative AIComputer visionMLOpsExperience architecting solutions within Azure, AWS, and/or Google Cloud Platform environments.5+ years of hands-on application development experience, including Visual Studio/.NET.5+ years of relational database experience, preferably Microsoft SQL Server.Advanced programming and software engineering knowledge.Strong understanding of enterprise architecture, scalability, maintainability, security, and system integration.Experience with modern DevOps, CI/CD, automated testing, and Agile development practices.Understanding of applicable data privacy, security, and ethical considerations surrounding enterprise AI.Demonstrated ability to evaluate emerging technologies and drive technical innovation.Leadership & Business SkillsAbility to define a technical vision and connect architecture decisions to business objectives.Strong communication and consultative skills with the ability to explain complex technology to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.Proven ability to mentor engineers and influence technical teams without relying solely on organizational authority.Ability to build consensus across engineering, product, business, and leadership teams.Advanced analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills.Ability to prioritize and execute effectively in a fast-paced environment.Collaborative approach with the ability to lead complex, cross-functional technology initiatives.EducationBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.Ideal CandidateThe strongest candidate will bring a combination of enterprise software architecture, hands-on .NET engineering, cloud architecture, and production AI/ML experience. This role is best suited for someone who has moved beyond experimentation with AI and has experience architecting AI capabilities that can operate securely, reliably, and at scale within an enterprise environment.