AI Architect

Position Overview

We are hiring a permanent AI Architect position based in New Zealand requiring candidates to be NZ Citizens or Permanent Residents eligible for Security Clearance. This role involves leading the design and implementation of advanced AI and Generative AI solutions leveraging Microsoft's Azure platform, playing a key role in large enterprise transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and deliver enterprise AI and Generative AI solutions on Microsoft Azure.
• Implement solutions using Azure OpenAI, AI Foundry, Cognitive Services, and other AI Azure tools.
• Design scalable AI infrastructures suitable for both cloud-native and hybrid environments.
• Lead development of Retrieval-Augmented Generation solutions using vector databases and Azure AI Search.
• Create prompt engineering strategies and AI orchestration frameworks.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams on best practices and effective delivery models for AI solutions.
• Develop AI-enabled automation and document processing applications.
• Collaborate actively with stakeholders to identify AI opportunities and translate business needs into technical implementations.
• Conduct workshops, discovery sessions, product demonstrations, and executive-level presentations.
• Establish AI governance, security protocols, responsible AI use policies, and operational frameworks.

Technical Skills and Experience

• Over 10 years in delivering enterprise technology projects.
• Minimum 5 years expertise with Microsoft Azure solution design.
• Proven track record in enterprise-level AI and Generative AI implementations.
• Deep experience with Azure OpenAI Service, Large Language Models (LLMs), prompt engineering, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Azure Cognitive Search, vector databases, document intelligence, AI agents, and orchestration frameworks like Semantic Kernel.
• Proficient in deploying, tuning, and optimizing AI models.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Experienced in handling both structured and unstructured data sources.
• Capability to lead technical teams and influence architectural decisions on comprehensive enterprise programs.

Preferred Additional Expertise

• Knowledge of Azure Machine Learning and MLOps/LLMOps practices.
• Familiarity with Azure data engineering, Databricks, Mosaic AI, and AI governance lifecycle management.
• Experience developing secure enterprise AI platforms and consulting on AI delivery projects.
• Exposure to Copilot technologies and agentic AI solutions.

Additional Information

This role is based onsite in the Greater Hamilton Area of New Zealand and strictly requires candidates to be either NZ Citizens or Permanent Residents with eligibility for security clearance. Interested applicants should forward an updated CV for consideration.