Lead Enterprise AI Architect

We are seeking a AI Transformation Architect to serve as a corporate-level thought partner and technical authority for artificial intelligence initiatives across federal government contracts and internal enterprise operations . This role combines strategic consulting, enterprise architecture, and federal AI governance expertise to guide executive leadership in the responsible adoption, scaling, and operationalization of AI.

The ideal candidate will operate comfortably at C-suite and Program Executive levels , translating mission needs, regulatory constraints, and business strategy into cohesive AI architectures and multi-year roadmaps aligned with federal policies, risk tolerance, and security requirements.

This is not a pure engineering role —it is a strategic architecture and advisory position with hands-on technical credibility.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Advisory & Leadership

• Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on AI strategy, investment prioritization, and risk management across federal and corporate initiatives
• Define and maintain the enterprise AI vision, principles, and target architectures aligned to corporate growth objectives and federal mission needs
• Provide strategic guidance during contract transitions, and capability integrations involving AI or data platforms
• Brief executives, government stakeholders, and boards on AI readiness, risks, opportunities, and compliance posture

Federal AI & Regulatory Alignment

• Ensure AI initiatives align with federal policies and guidance , including:
  • OMB AI directives
  • NIST AI Risk Management Framework
  • FISMA / FedRAMP security requirements\
  • ISO Standards
  • Data governance and privacy regulations
• Advise on Responsible AI (RAI) implementation, including fairness, explainability, human-in-the-loop controls, and auditability
• Support proposal development and contract execution by defining AI approaches compliant with federal acquisition and security expectations

Enterprise AI Architecture

• Design scalable, secure, and interoperable AI architectures spanning:
  • Data ingestion and governance
  • Model development, deployment, and lifecycle management (MLOps)
  • Integration with enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, collaboration platforms, mission systems)
• Establish AI reference architectures, standards, and reusable patterns for programs and internal teams
• Evaluate and recommend AI platforms, cloud services, and tools appropriate for regulated federal environments

Portfolio & Roadmap Management

• Develop and maintain multi-year AI roadmaps aligned to mission outcomes, funding profiles, and organizational maturity
• Assess organizational AI maturity and recommend phased adoption strategies
• Identify opportunities for automation, decision augmentation, and operational efficiency using AI
• Balance innovation with risk, security, cost, and sustainment considerations

Collaboration & Enablement

• Partner with program managers, cybersecurity, legal, data, and engineering teams to ensure cohesive execution
• Mentor technical leaders and program staff on AI architecture best practices and federal expectations
• Support internal training, governance forums, and communities of practice related to AI

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, advanced analytics, or AI-enabled systems
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on technology strategy and transformation
• Deep understanding of federal government IT environments , including compliance, security, and acquisition constraints
• Hands-on knowledge of:
  • AI/ML concepts and architectures
  • Data platforms and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP, or GovCloud equivalents)
  • Model lifecycle management, governance, and operationalization
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear executive-level recommendations
• Demonstrated experience with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (formal training or certification preferred)
• Professional-level cloud architecture certification (AWS or Azure)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting federal civilian or DoD agencies
• Familiarity with NIST AI RMF, FedRAMP, FISMA Moderate/High environments
• Prior role as an enterprise architect, chief architect, or principal consultant
• Experience shaping AI strategies for proposals, capture efforts, or new contract wins
• Certifications (preferred but not required):
  • Cloud architecture (AWS, Azure)
  • Enterprise architecture (TOGAF or similar)
  • AI/ML or data engineering certifications
  • CISSP

Key Competencies

• Executive presence and communication
• Strategic thinking and systems-level design
• Risk-based decision making in regulated environments
• Ability to bridge business, mission, and technical domains
• Credibility with both technical teams and senior leaders

Why This Role Matters

This role will directly influence how the organization adopts AI responsibly, competes for federal work, and delivers mission-critical outcomes . The Principal AI Architect will help shape the company’s long-term AI posture , ensuring innovation is balanced with compliance, trust, and operational excellence.