Job Title: Azure AI Architect
Location – Moline, IL
Duration: 6- 12 months
Rate: $60 on W2 , Need only w2 candidates
Primary Skills: Azure, AI, Python, C#
Description:
We are seeking an experienced Azure AI Architect to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of AI solutions within Microsoft Azure's ecosystem. This senior role requires deep expertise in AI/ML architectures, Azure cloud services, and enterprise AI strategy, with a strong ability to drive innovation and scalability.
Key Responsibilities
AI Strategy & Architecture
- Define and execute enterprise-wide AI strategies leveraging Azure AI, Azure OpenAI Service, Azure copilot studio, Azure AI Foundry, Azure AI Services, Azure Machine Learning, and Azure Cognitive Services
- Architect scalable and secure AI solutions using Azure Functions, Kubernetes Service (AKS), and Databricks
- Develop AI governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with responsible AI principles and security best practices
AI Development & Model Optimization
- Lead the development of generative AI applications, including LLMs, RAG models, AI Agents and custom AI pipelines
- Implement prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and retrieval mechanisms for improved AI performance
- Design vector-based search architectures using Azure Cognitive Search and vector databases
Cloud & DevOps Excellence
- Drive MLOps best practices, automating AI model lifecycle with Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions
- Optimize cloud AI workloads, balancing performance, cost, and security
- Ensure scalability and resilience of AI applications using Azure infrastructure as code (Terraform, Bicep, ARM)
Cross-Team Leadership & Innovation
- Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and stakeholders to design AI-driven solutions
- Evaluate emerging AI technologies, integrating innovations like LangChain, Semantic Kernel, and multi-agent AI frameworks
- Lead AI architectural reviews, providing mentorship and best practices guidance to teams.
Required Qualifications
Technical Expertise
- 9+ years of experience in AI/ML architecture and Azure cloud environments
- Strong proficiency in Python, C#, or R, with expertise in Azure AI services
- Hands-on experience with Azure OpenAI, Azure Bot Framework, and Cognitive Services
- Deep understanding of LLMs, RAG models, and vector database implementations
AI & Cloud Certifications
- Azure certifications preferred (AI-102, AZ-305, DP-100, AZ-305)
- Experience with Terraform, Bicep, and ARM templates for cloud automation
- Familiarity with MLOps frameworks for scalable AI deployment
Leadership & Business Impact
- Proven ability to translate business needs into AI solutions
- Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and innovation mindset
- Excellent communication skills, capable of influencing senior stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Computer Science, AI, or a related field
- Experience with multi-cloud AI strategies, predominantly on Azure
- Expertise in AI security, privacy, and compliance frameworks
Prior experience in enterprise AI solutions with large-scale deployments