AI Architect (Microsoft Azure)

Description & Requirements

Position Summary

TheAzure Senior AI Architectis responsible for leading the design and implementation of advanced AI solutions and strategic architecture, focusing predominantly on Microsoft Azure services but not limited to them. Working closely with technology leaders from our global client community, you will be their senior Trusted Advisor for their AI-enabled transformation journey.

This role demands a deep understanding of AI and related technologies running in Edge, on-prem, and Public Cloud environments, with a specific emphasis on Azure. Acting at the forefront of our industry, you will be fully conversant with Generative AI and its impact at both the individual employee and strategic organizational levels.

The ideal candidate will be an established thought-leader with solid architectural and engineering credentials, deeply passionate about technology-enabled business transformation, and demonstrating a strong innovation-led posture. As a thought leader, you will interact frequently with CxO level clients, AI industry leaders, provide expert opinions, and contribute to HCL’s strategic vision.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Engineering Leadership

• Design comprehensive AI solution and technology architecture, integrating the latest AI technology developments into world-class solutions, predominantly focusing onAzure.
• Lead high-level architectural discussions with clients, providing expert guidance on best practices for AI implementations across AI PC, Edge, Data Centre, and Public Cloud environments.
• Ensure solutions align with modern best practices across the full spectrum of platforms and environments. Deep understanding across GPU/NPU, Cognitive Infrastructure, Application and Copilot/agent domains.
• Contribute to HCL’s thought leadership in the AI & Cloud domains with a deep understanding of open-source technologies (e.g., Kubernetes, OPEA) and partner technologies.
• Collaborate on joint technical projects with global partners, including Google, Microsoft, AWS, NVIDIA, IBM, Red Hat, Intel, and Dell.

Service Delivery & Innovation

• Architect innovative AI solutions from ideation to MVP, rapidly enabling genuine business value.
• Optimize AI and cloud architectures to meet client requirements, balancing efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness.
• Assess and review existing complex solutions and recommend architectural improvements to transform applications with the latest AI technologies.
• Drive the adoption of cutting-edge GenAI technologies, spearheading initiatives that push the boundaries of AI integration across the full spectrum of environments.

Thought Leadership and Client Engagement

• Provide expert architectural and strategy guidance to clients on incorporating Generative AI into their business and technology landscape.
• Conduct workshops, briefings, and strategic dialogues to educate clients on AI benefits and applications, establishing strong, trust-based relationships.
• Act as a trusted advisor, contributing to technical projects with a strong focus on technical excellence and on-time delivery.
• Author whitepapers, blogs, and speak at industry events, maintaining a visible presence as a thought leader in AI and associated technologies.
• Engage with multiple customers simultaneously, providing high-impact consultative relationships.
• Work closely with internal teams and global partners to ensure seamless collaboration and knowledge sharing across projects.
• Maintain a hands-on technical credibility, staying ahead of industry trends and mentoring others in the organization.

Mandatory Skills & Experience

Experience:

• 10+ years architecture design, predominantly Azure but not limited to Azure.
• 7+ years in software engineering

Technologies:

• Professional-level expertise in Public Cloud environments, with a focus on Azure services: Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Fabric, Azure Storage, Azure SQL Database, and Azure Data Lake.
• Demonstrable coding proficiency with Python, Java, or Go languages.
• Knowledge of GCP and/or AWS is an advantage.

AI Expertise:

• Advanced machine learning algorithms, GenAI models (e.g., GPT, BERT, DALL-E, GEMINI), NLP techniques.
• Working familiarity with Copilot solutions, in both software engineering and office productivity domains.
• Experience with Azure Machine Learning Studio, Azure ML SDK, and Automated ML.
• Proficiency in creating and managing chatbots using Azure Bot Framework, with a strong understanding of NLP and NLU.
• Experience with deploying and fine-tuning generative models using OpenAI APIs.
• Data Processing: Proficiency in data processing tools: Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks.

Communication:Exemplary verbal and written communication skills.

Project Methodologies:Agile and Scrum project management.

Desired Skills & Experience

LLMOps & AI Governance:Proficient in GenAI operations, including managing AI models in production.

Data Engineering:Skilled in data preprocessing, feature engineering, and pipeline creation for AI.

Model Fine-Tuning:Expertise in fine-tuning and evaluating AI models to enhance performance for specialized tasks.

Copilot Engineering:Experience in designing, engineering, and extending Copilot solutions.

Responsible AI:Knowledgeable in Responsible AI practices, including governance, ethics, and bias mitigation strategies.

Deep Learning:Proficiency with frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.

Emerging Tech Trends:Keen awareness of innovation and emerging technology trends.

Strategic Vision:Ability to develop strategic AI visions and roadmaps.

Dynamic Environment:Enthusiastic about working in a fast-paced, cutting-edge environment,

Verifiable Certification

• Recognized Professional certification from Microsoft in an AI and/or Cloud-related domain.

Soft Skills and Behavioural Competencies

Exemplary communication and leadership skills, capable of inspiring teams and making strategic decisions that align with business goals. Demonstrates a strong customer orientation, innovative problem-solving abilities, and effective cross-cultural collaboration. Expert at driving organizational change and fostering a culture of innovation.