AI Architect

The AI Architect is responsible for designing and delivering production-ready AI solutions across the organization. This individual will manage a small team of AI Engineers and occasionally flex roles from UX, front-end, and subject matter experts to create innovative solutions that leverage machine learning for enterprise-wide impact. The AI Architect will provide direct oversight of AI solution design, infrastructure, and deployment using standardized coding best practices. This position will mentor team members in technical development and ensure alignment with business objectives in the K12 and broader enterprise context. The AI Architect is deeply experienced, passionate about applied AI, comfortable building end-to-end ML pipelines in cloud environments, and able to set priorities and organize the collaborative work of a small technical team. They will drive the timely delivery of AI products directly linked to actionable business decisions.

Responsibilities

Drives the conception, prototyping, and deployment of machine learning models—particularly in natural language processing (NLP) and recommender systems—across multiple product lines; Leverages AWS and Azure ecosystems, containerization, and infrastructure-as-code tools to create and maintain production-ready AI systems that can scale efficiently; Works from proof-of-concept through full productization, including data ingestion, model training, deployment, monitoring for performance drift, and iteration for continuous improvement; Informs, influences, and supports product decisions; Directly supervises 1–3 AI Engineers and occasional flex contributors on specific projects; Works closely with Product, Engineering, IT Managers, Data Stewards, and high-level executives to align AI initiatives with organizational objectives; Ensures AI solutions adhere to governance and compliance requirements, including student data privacy; Provides critical input and execution support, identifying practical opportunities for applied AI to drive business outcomes; Ensures AI deliverables are well-documented, reproducible, and monitored for ongoing performance and data integrity; Stays abreast of emerging trends and tools—such as large language models—and evaluates their applicability; Advocates for robust DevOps/MLOps, agile methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration; Aligns K12’s AI capabilities with the needs of schools & school services teams; Identifies and defines strategic opportunities for leveraging data science across other businesses and functions; Demonstrates a passion for education and the K12 experience, actively motivating and encouraging the same passion in employees; Carries out supervisory responsibilities including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning, directing work, appraising performance, rewarding, disciplining, addressing complaints and resolving problems

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Math, Physics, Engineering, or related field; Six (6) years’ related experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience; Experience designing and deploying machine learning models—especially NLP and recommender systems—using Python and common ML libraries; Proficiency with AWS, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform to build scalable, secure, and high-performing environments; High attention to detail and high level of accuracy; Strong analytical skills; Strong customer service orientation; Professional integrity necessary to maintain confidentiality; Strong planning skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Ability to complete assigned duties within critical deadlines; Ability to work independently and in a team environment; Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook); Proficiency with modern reporting platforms and tools; Ability to grasp complex platform concepts and business models, in a digital context; Ability to clear required background check

Nice to have

Certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect or Azure Solutions Architect are a plus but not mandatory; Experience with MLOps frameworks such as MLflow or Kubeflow; Familiarity with K12 education data or prior EdTech experience; Experience working in an environment that emphasizes responsible AI, ethical AI, or complex governance practices

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive a bonus; health benefits; retirement contributions; paid time off