AI Architect

AI Strategy & Enterprise Architect

Birmingham, AL (Hybrid Preferred)

Contract-to-Hire

$90 - $92 per hour

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our client is seeking an experienced AI Strategy & Enterprise Architect to lead and accelerate enterprise-wide AI transformation initiatives. This contract-to-hire role, based in Birmingham, AL (hybrid preferred), requires a strategic leader who can bridge executive vision with technical implementation, serving as a trusted advisor to both business and technology stakeholders. The successful candidate will guide the execution and evolution of the organization's AI strategy and roadmap, identify high-value AI opportunities, and drive adoption of Generative AI and emerging technologies. You will operate as an internal consultant and strategic leader, balancing innovation with governance, risk, and security considerations. Responsibilities include advising on AI architecture, governance, security, and compliance, as well as collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation. This position offers the opportunity to influence high-visibility initiatives, work closely with executive leadership, and pursue long-term career growth within a supportive environment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Guide the execution and evolution of the enterprise Artificial Intelligence strategy and roadmap
• Partner with executive leadership, business stakeholders, and technical teams to identify high-value AI opportunities
• Advise on AI architecture, governance, security, compliance, and implementation best practices
• Drive adoption of Generative AI and emerging AI technologies across the organization
• Evaluate platforms, frameworks, and cloud solutions to recommend scalable enterprise architectures
• Collaborate with engineering, data, security, and architecture teams to ensure successful implementation of AI initiatives
• Serve as an internal consultant and trusted advisor to bridge executive vision and technical execution
• Balance innovation with governance, risk, and security considerations in AI adoption
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to inform enterprise AI strategy
• Support change management and organizational readiness for AI transformation

WHAT YOU BRING

• 10+ years of experience in architecture, software development, cloud, data, AI, or related enterprise technology disciplines
• Proven experience developing or implementing enterprise AI strategies and roadmaps
• Strong executive presence with experience influencing senior business and technology stakeholders
• Hands-on understanding of AI/ML technologies, Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and RAG architectures
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
• Knowledge of AI governance, risk management, security, and compliance in regulated environments
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field
• AI consulting, enterprise architecture, or digital transformation leadership experience (preferred)
• Experience implementing enterprise AI solutions at scale (preferred)
• Familiarity with Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, Vertex AI, or similar platforms (preferred)
• Knowledge of modern application architectures, microservices, containerization, and cloud-native technologies (preferred)
• Experience in healthcare, financial services, insurance, or another highly regulated industry (preferred)

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• Opportunity to influence enterprise-wide AI strategy and innovation
• Exposure to executive leadership and high-visibility initiatives
• Long-term career growth with potential for permanent placement
• 401(k) Matching Plan
• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Relationship-driven support throughout your engagement
• Paid holidays and ongoing consultant care

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