Principal AI Software Architect Contract-to-Hire | Hybrid (Columbus, OH) Important: This position requires working onsite in a hybrid capacity in Columbus, Ohio. This opportunity is not open to C2C candidates and does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future. Position Summary Our client is seeking a highly experienced Principal AI Software Architect to lead the design, development, and implementation of enterprise-scale artificial intelligence and software engineering solutions. This role combines deep technical expertise in AI/ML technologies with strategic software architecture leadership to drive innovation, scalability, and operational excellence across the organization. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of architecting and delivering AI-powered platforms, establishing engineering best practices, and leading cross-functional teams in the successful execution of complex technology initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect and lead the development of AI-driven platforms and scalable software systems aligned with strategic business objectives.
- Partner with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to identify opportunities and deliver impactful AI and software solutions.
- Evaluate, select, and implement AI technologies, development frameworks, and architectural standards to optimize performance, scalability, and maintainability.
- Establish and promote best practices across AI model development, MLOps, software engineering, DevOps, and system architecture.
- Mentor and guide engineering teams while fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Define technical strategy and long-term architectural roadmaps that support enterprise growth and transformation initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, security policies, and ethical AI standards.
- Champion engineering quality through code reviews, automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, and Agile delivery methodologies.
- Provide thought leadership on emerging technologies and industry trends.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Demonstrated success driving innovation through emerging technologies and modern software development methodologies.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with experience mentoring technical teams.
- Proven experience designing and deploying enterprise-scale AI/ML and software solutions within cloud environments such as Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
- Deep expertise in:
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Computer Vision
- Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to align technical vision to business outcomes.
- Ability to influence and build consensus across executive leadership, technical teams, and business stakeholders.
- Advanced proficiency in software architecture, application development, and enterprise system design.
- Strong knowledge of data governance, privacy regulations, and AI security best practices.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and consultative communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong collaborative mindset with experience working in cross-functional teams.
Technical Requirements
- Expertise with modern programming languages and frameworks, including .NET/C#, Python, Java, or comparable technologies.
- Experience building cloud-native applications and microservices architectures.
- Hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, LangChain, Azure AI Services, AWS SageMaker, or equivalent platforms.
- Experience implementing MLOps practices, model lifecycle management, and enterprise AI governance.
- Knowledge of containerization and orchestration technologies including Docker and Kubernetes.
- Strong experience with CI/CD automation and DevOps practices.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
- 7+ years of experience in software engineering and architecture roles, including enterprise application design and development.
- 2+ years of experience focused on AI/ML systems, generative AI, or intelligent automation initiatives.
- 5+ years of hands-on development experience using application development tools such as Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET ecosystem.
- 5+ years of experience working with relational database technologies, preferably Microsoft SQL Server.
- Experience leading large-scale enterprise software and AI transformation initiatives is strongly preferred.
Employment Details
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid
- Position Type: Contract-to-Hire
- Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
- C2C: Not Accepted
This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior technology leader to influence enterprise AI strategy, shape next-generation software solutions, and drive innovation within a highly collaborative environment.
By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions.
