Job Title: Software Architect AI - Direct Hire
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Software Architect, AI to define and evolve the technical architecture for AI-driven systems across manufacturing, research and development, and business operations. This role is responsible for establishing architectural direction, enabling scalable and reliable AI solutions, and partnering cross-functionally to ensure AI capabilities deliver measurable operational and business impact.
This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role for someone excited to build foundational AI systems in a high-growth, technology-driven manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities Define AI Architecture and Technical StrategyDesign and own the end-to-end architecture for AI and machine learning systems, including data ingestion, model development, deployment, and monitoring.
Establish architectural patterns and standards for scalable, secure, and maintainable AI platforms.
Ensure AI systems integrate effectively with manufacturing systems (e.g., MES, ERP), laboratory tools, and enterprise applications.
Partner with Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, and Operations teams to identify high-value AI use cases such as process optimization, quality prediction, and anomaly detection.
Translate business and technical requirements into robust AI system designs.
Guide model lifecycle management, including experimentation, deployment, retraining, and performance monitoring.
Serve as a technical authority and advisor on AI architecture, best practices, and technology trade-offs.
Review technical designs, mentor engineers and data scientists, and elevate engineering standards across teams.
Support build-versus-buy decisions and evaluate vendors, tools, and platforms.
Collaborate closely with software, data, and infrastructure teams to ensure architectural alignment and successful execution.
Partner with IT and Security teams to ensure AI systems meet reliability, security, and compliance requirements.
Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
10+ years of experience in software engineering, data platforms, or AI/ML systems with demonstrated architectural ownership.
Extensive experience building applications leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), including OpenAI, Anthropic, open-weight models, or comparable technologies.
Hands-on expertise with:
Prompt engineering and design
Function/tool calling
Structured outputs
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures
Agent frameworks
Proven experience integrating software with enterprise systems using REST APIs, GraphQL, message queues, webhooks, and ETL pipelines.
Strong knowledge of cloud architecture, with Azure experience preferred.
Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and orchestration platforms including Kubernetes and/or serverless environments.
Demonstrated programming expertise in Python, Rust, and R.
Strong understanding of modern AI/ML frameworks, data pipelines, cloud-native architectures, and MLOps concepts.
Experience integrating AI systems within operational or industrial environments is preferred.
Ability to balance short-term delivery needs with long-term architectural strategy.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the capability to thrive in ambiguous and fast-paced environments.
Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or deep-tech environments.
Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
Experience with edge AI, time-series analytics, or physics-informed machine learning.
Passion for clean technology, sustainable innovation, or climate-positive initiatives.
Equity participation through stock option grants.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Mental health benefits and support programs.
401(k) plan with company matching.
Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Opportunity to work in a collaborative, high-performing, and innovative environment.