Principal AI software Architect

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. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an

Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. Representation Notice By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications.

You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

For residents of Ontario, Canada: Based on Highspring’s discussions with its Client, Highspring’s understanding is that this position for employment is a current vacancy (either through Highspring as a contractor or with the client directly). Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.

Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring’s use of AI can be found here (https://www.highspring.com/ai-use-notices/).

Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client’s use of AI products in hiring.

Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.