Azure Practice Architect – AI/ML

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Design and implement client DevOps solutions along with public and hybrid cloud architectures.

• Architect and maintain Azure infrastructure, as well as development and testing environments.

• Define complex projects based on business needs and potential benefits.

• Lead intricate projects to ensure timely and budget-compliant completion.

• Align customer business challenges with comprehensive technology solutions.

• Develop and deploy Terraform templates, architecting Infrastructure as Code solutions.

• Utilize and manage Azure DevOps pipelines and workflows effectively.

• Construct systems and platforms to enhance scalability for existing environments, new applications, and initiatives through automation frameworks.

• Create tools and processes to automate manual tasks, increasing overall efficiency.

• Supervise continuous enhancement and optimization of monitoring and analytics systems.

• Ensure compliance with production change control policies while identifying areas for process improvement.

• Plan infrastructure technology initiatives, encompassing technical analysis, budgets, resources, deadlines, and objectives.

• Assist with Azure Migrate efforts for both custom and third-party applications.

• Generate high-level designs, technology assessments, architecture reviews, implementation schedules, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans.

• Design comprehensive AI solutions utilizing Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, and Azure Synapse Analytics.

• Establish scalable AI architectures for real-time analytics, predictive modeling, and intelligent automation.

• Integrate AI models within enterprise applications, DevOps pipelines, and data pipelines.

• Set up and oversee MLOps practices using Azure DevOps, AKS, and Azure Container Registry.

• Employ AI tools for DevOps automation, infrastructure monitoring, anomaly detection, and predictive capacity planning.

• Create reusable AI architecture patterns and reference implementations.

• Ensure AI systems comply with performance, security, and regulatory standards, including ISO 27001 and NIST.

• Stay updated with the latest AI technologies and Azure platform enhancements.

• Lead technical design sessions and guide engineering teams through various implementation phases.

• Conduct meetings with senior management and executive stakeholders.

• Collaborate with clients as a trusted advisor to enhance IT Cloud Operations.

• Direct teams and cross-team meetings across various practices.

• Provide technical guidance to platform engineers, AI engineers, and developers.

• Cultivate executive-level client relationships and engage senior technology decision-makers on agility, AI value, and business transformation.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field — or equivalent real-world experience.

• 8–10 years of experience managing DevOps implementations across on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure deployments.

• At least 3 years concentrated on Azure AI solutions design and execution.

• Prior management and consulting experience is essential.

• Practical experience with Azure GUI, Azure CLI, PowerShell, ARM Templates, Azure DevOps, Terraform, and Git.

• Knowledge of Azure AI and ML services including Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory, and Databricks.

• Proficient in Python, R, or other AI/ML programming languages.

• Strong grasp of cloud-native design principles and microservices architecture.

• Previous experience or familiarity with VMware, Windows Server, Linux, and LAN/WAN concepts.

• Experience with data engineering tools and frameworks is preferred.

• Understanding of security and governance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).

• Proven track record assisting customers with Cloud Enablement and familiarity with Microsoft’s Cloud Adoption Framework.

• Strategic thinker with practical technical expertise across both platform and AI domains.

• Effective at cultivating and maintaining executive-level client relationships.

• Demonstrated capability to engage in discussions with senior-level technology decision-makers regarding agility, AI value, and business outcomes.

• Strong skills in presentation, documentation, and analysis.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Team-oriented with established leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Passionate about AI innovation and driving enterprise transformation.

• Comfortable working in complex, multi-cloud environments.

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.

• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with options for Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions.

• Life Insurance options (Voluntary Life and AD&D for employee and dependents).

• Short and Long-Term Disability benefits.

• Health Spending Account (HSA).

• Transportation Benefits available.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Paid Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave).

• Opportunities for additional earnings through incentive programs such as annual bonuses, profit sharing, etc.