Principal AI Architect

Hansell Tierney is assisting our client, a Fortune 500, with their search for Principal AI Architect. This critical role centers on guiding a large, global enterprise through a multi-year AI transformation. In this capacity, you will combine executive-level communication, deep architectural expertise, and hands-on AI leadership to define how intelligent systems reshape the organization.

Location: Greater Seattle Area - relocation assistance is available

Duration: Direct Hire

Compensation: Compensation for the role is dependant on skills and experience and estimated to be $160,000 to $250,000 along with bonus, stock options

Job Description:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop the long-term AI/ML architecture and technology roadmap.
• Connect enterprise strategies with AI-driven capabilities that deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Champion responsible AI practices, regulatory alignment, and ethical governance across all teams.

Architecture & Technical Execution

• Establish enterprise-wide AI/ML reference architectures, guardrails, standards, and integration patterns.
• Build models of business value streams, capabilities, information flows, and systems—capturing both traditional and AI-first processes.
• Design and review intelligent solutions for scalability, interoperability, performance, and compliance.
• Define data requirements for AI (feature stores, pipelines), collaborating closely with data engineering and platform teams.

AI/ML Program Development

• Lead design and deployment of production-grade machine-learning systems.
• Direct improvements across the MLOps lifecycle: model monitoring, drift detection, observability, governance, and continuous optimization.
• Develop reusable AI and generative AI patterns (e.g., RAG architectures, agentic workflows).
• Evaluate emerging technologies—including GenAI, computer vision, advanced ML—and build adoption business cases.

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Cross-Functional Influence & Enablement

• Partner with engineering, cybersecurity, PMO, enterprise architecture, and business groups to embed AI into large-scale initiatives.
• Guide teams in operationalizing use cases such as forecasting, workflow automation, NLP, and advanced analytics.
• Mentor and upskill cross-functional teams in AI/ML foundations and modern architectural thinking.
• Support planning, testing, implementation, and transition of AI capabilities into steady-state operations.

Key Qualifications & Skills

Core Enterprise Architecture

• 5+ years architecting enterprise-scale systems using frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman.
• Demonstrated experience mapping business processes, value streams, capabilities, and data models.
• Proven track record defining future-state architectures and aligning technology with organizational strategy.
• Strength in communication—able to translate complex topics for executives and technical teams.
• Strong relationship building, governance, negotiation, and collaboration skills within matrixed environments.
• Ability to drive architecture change within agile delivery environments.

Specialized AI/ML Expertise

• 3+ years designing and deploying production-grade AI/ML solutions.
• Hands-on experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar frameworks.
• Experience designing MLOps pipelines (MLflow, Kubeflow, Vertex-based systems, etc.).
• Understanding of responsible AI: bias mitigation, explainability, audit controls, and regulatory considerations.
• Familiarity with public cloud AI/ML platforms and distributed data systems (data lakes, feature stores).

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• Demonstrated knowledge of cutting-edge AI trends such as generative AI and agentic systems.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Experience leading cross-functional efforts and influencing at senior levels.
• Strong mentorship skills focused on elevating AI/ML competency across the enterprise.
• People leadership experience is a plus.

Recommended Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of technology experience in enterprise or large-scale environments.
• Background in retail, supply chain, ERP, or large distributed systems (IBM i, SAP, etc.).
• Experience in both classic SDLC and scaled agile delivery models.
• Certifications in TOGAF, cloud platforms, or AI strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with DevOps, continuous improvement, and enterprise architecture practices.
• Published thought leadership in AI or participation in industry forums is a plus.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace tools.

About Hansell Tierney

Hansell Tierney is one of the premier staffing and recruiting companies in the Pacific Northwest. Launched in 2001, we are a woman-owned business that serves and staffs Northwest organizations by doing things the right way, not just the easiest way. Hansell Tierney partners with candidates and clients to match the best candidates with interesting local opportunities. We navigate every relationship with the highest level of discretion and service while holding ourselves accountable to our promises. Our business thrives on our deep understanding of the job market and our ability to skillfully tailor our recruitment process to meet our clients’ unique needs.

Compensation and Benefits Disclosure

The compensation range listed above represents the expected range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including experience, skills, internal equity, and geographic location.

Benefits available to eligible employees or consultants may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid sick leave, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and other employer-sponsored programs.

This role may also be eligible for bonus, commission, or other incentive compensation depending on the position and company policies.