Director, AI Architect & Engineer
GRAYSON SEARCH PARTNERS, Chicago, IL, United States
Job Description Summary
A technology-driven organization is seeking an
AI Architect & Engineering Director
to design, build, and deploy enterprise AI solutions across the business. This hands-on leadership role combines deep technical expertise in Databricks-based machine learning, modern AI platforms, and Microsoft AI tools with the ability to translate business needs into scalable, production-grade systems. The position also plays a key role in defining AI strategy, governance, and adoption across operational and investment functions.
Responsibilities • Design, build, and maintain end-to-end AI and machine learning solutions using Databricks • Develop and deploy ML models for forecasting, classification, NLP, and generative AI use cases • Build and manage feature engineering pipelines, model training workflows, and production monitoring systems • Leverage Databricks capabilities including MLflow, feature stores, notebooks, jobs, and orchestration tools • Integrate AI solutions with enterprise systems such as ERP platforms, CRM tools, and internal applications • Prototype and validate AI use cases, then transition solutions into production-ready systems • Design AI solutions using Microsoft Copilot Studio and Azure AI services where appropriate • Determine appropriate use of ML, generative AI, and automation based on business needs • Define and manage the enterprise AI roadmap aligned with measurable business outcomes • Identify and prioritize high-impact AI opportunities focused on efficiency, cost reduction, and revenue generation • Implement practical AI governance including model versioning, monitoring, lineage, and data security controls • Ensure AI systems are explainable, auditable, and aligned with organizational standards • Lead AI solution development, deployment, and ongoing optimization efforts • Manage external vendors and strategic technology partners • Build, lead, and mentor an AI engineering and data science team • Develop documentation, standards, and best practices for enterprise-wide AI adoption
Qualifications • 5+ years of experience in a senior technical or leadership role building and deploying AI/ML systems at scale • Hands-on experience building machine learning models in Databricks (required) • Strong expertise in PySpark/Spark ML, Python, and modern ML frameworks • Experience managing full ML lifecycle including training, deployment, and monitoring in production environments • Proven ability to translate business problems into technical AI solutions • Experience integrating AI/ML systems into enterprise production environments • Strong understanding of AI architecture, scalability, and system design
Education & Experience • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related technical field required (or equivalent experience) • Experience applying AI in real estate, finance, operations, or asset-heavy industries preferred • Experience with MLOps, CI/CD pipelines, and modern data engineering practices strongly preferred
Compensation & Benefits • Base salary: $205,000 - $215,000 • Healthcare, dental, and vision insurance • Life insurance coverage
A technology-driven organization is seeking an
AI Architect & Engineering Director
to design, build, and deploy enterprise AI solutions across the business. This hands-on leadership role combines deep technical expertise in Databricks-based machine learning, modern AI platforms, and Microsoft AI tools with the ability to translate business needs into scalable, production-grade systems. The position also plays a key role in defining AI strategy, governance, and adoption across operational and investment functions.
Responsibilities • Design, build, and maintain end-to-end AI and machine learning solutions using Databricks • Develop and deploy ML models for forecasting, classification, NLP, and generative AI use cases • Build and manage feature engineering pipelines, model training workflows, and production monitoring systems • Leverage Databricks capabilities including MLflow, feature stores, notebooks, jobs, and orchestration tools • Integrate AI solutions with enterprise systems such as ERP platforms, CRM tools, and internal applications • Prototype and validate AI use cases, then transition solutions into production-ready systems • Design AI solutions using Microsoft Copilot Studio and Azure AI services where appropriate • Determine appropriate use of ML, generative AI, and automation based on business needs • Define and manage the enterprise AI roadmap aligned with measurable business outcomes • Identify and prioritize high-impact AI opportunities focused on efficiency, cost reduction, and revenue generation • Implement practical AI governance including model versioning, monitoring, lineage, and data security controls • Ensure AI systems are explainable, auditable, and aligned with organizational standards • Lead AI solution development, deployment, and ongoing optimization efforts • Manage external vendors and strategic technology partners • Build, lead, and mentor an AI engineering and data science team • Develop documentation, standards, and best practices for enterprise-wide AI adoption
Qualifications • 5+ years of experience in a senior technical or leadership role building and deploying AI/ML systems at scale • Hands-on experience building machine learning models in Databricks (required) • Strong expertise in PySpark/Spark ML, Python, and modern ML frameworks • Experience managing full ML lifecycle including training, deployment, and monitoring in production environments • Proven ability to translate business problems into technical AI solutions • Experience integrating AI/ML systems into enterprise production environments • Strong understanding of AI architecture, scalability, and system design
Education & Experience • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related technical field required (or equivalent experience) • Experience applying AI in real estate, finance, operations, or asset-heavy industries preferred • Experience with MLOps, CI/CD pipelines, and modern data engineering practices strongly preferred
Compensation & Benefits • Base salary: $205,000 - $215,000 • Healthcare, dental, and vision insurance • Life insurance coverage