AI Solutions Architect

About Carnegie Mellon University Computing Services

The Computing Services central IT department at Carnegie Mellon University provides services that strategically impact university goals. We base service decisions on valuable input from colleagues in education, research, and administration. As a learning organization, we embrace successes and mistakes to cultivate a culture of intelligent risk-taking. We seek versatile, inspired, and passionate team members committed to excellence, innovation, diversity, and growth.

About the Role: AI Solutions Architect

The AI Solutions Architect will collaborate closely with academic, administrative, and technical teams to leverage artificial intelligence, enhancing educational and operational effectiveness. This pivotal role involves translating institutional needs into functional, AI-enabled solutions by shaping technical requirements, designing solution architectures, and building proofs-of-concept and pilots to validate feasibility, value, and risk. Furthermore, the AI Solutions Architect contributes to broader enterprise AI solutions by developing reusable patterns and reference architectures, ensuring solutions adhere to institutional standards for security, compliance, and responsible use.

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior leadership to define and implement AI strategy aligned with institutional mission and goals.
• Translate business requirements into technical/functional requirements and design AI solution architectures supporting secure, scalable, and supportable implementations, including integration and operational expectations.
• Build and support proofs-of-concept and pilots to validate feasibility, value, and risk; partner with technical teams to evaluate results and recommend next steps for solution maturation.
• Contribute to technical and architectural foundations for repeatable, scalable AI solutions, including reference architectures, reusable design patterns, integration approaches, and operational considerations.
• Partner with platform, infrastructure, and service teams to enable deployment pathways for AI pilots and enterprise solutions, encompassing environment readiness, integrations, and production transition.
• Collaborate with security and compliance teams to ensure AI solutions align with relevant regulations and processes, including privacy, data protection, and risk management.
• Evaluate and recommend enterprise AI technologies, frameworks, and tools; identify and assess opportunities and core use-cases.
• Ensure ethical standards are applied, promoting fairness, transparency, and inclusivity; identify and mitigate risks such as bias and inappropriate data use.
• Build and maintain documentation for AI architectures, processes, and solutions, including architecture diagrams, solution decisions, and operational handoff materials.
• Lead and own technical workstreams and projects from concept to implementation, ensuring delivery within scope, timeline, and budget.
• Collaborate with multi-functional teams to transform requirements into practical AI solutions; cultivate secure architectures and operational efficiency across on-premise and cloud environments.
• Stay ahead of AI trends and emerging technologies in higher education and propose innovative ideas for AI integration.
• Participate in facilitating upskilling and training initiatives, such as the Generative AI Center of Excellence workshop, targeted training, executive enablement, and Community of Practice events.

Effort Distribution

• 40% – Design AI solution architectures and build/support proofs-of-concept and pilots, collaborating with developers and technical stakeholders.
• 20% – Support stewardship and operationalization of architected solutions in partnership with Service Delivery and Software Development teams.
• 15% – Partner with security, compliance, and other enterprise stakeholders to ensure AI solutions align with regulations and embed ethical considerations.
• 10% – Produce and maintain architecture and solution documentation; contribute to technical enablement and knowledge-sharing.
• 15% – Evaluate and recommend AI technologies, frameworks, tools, and solution patterns; contribute to technical direction and standards.

Education and Experience

A Bachelor's or Master's Degree, or equivalent experience, is required. Candidates should have 5-8 years of relevant work experience.

Skill Attributes

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Experienced (3)
• Machine Learning (ML) - Experienced (3)
• Cloud Technology - Experienced (3)
• Information Technology Consulting - Experienced (3)
• Technical Support - Experienced (3)
• Technical Communication - Experienced (3)
• Cloud Computing - Intermediate (2)
• Software Development - Intermediate (2)
• Data Modeling - Intermediate (2)
• IT Service Management (ITSM) - Intermediate (2)

Requirements

• Successful background check.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations.
• Adaptability and openness to change.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and manage frequent interruptions.
• Ability to understand and follow directions.
• Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work well with others and as part of a team.

Decision Making

Decisions may impact a work unit or department and contribute to business and operational decisions.

Working Conditions

Normal business hours are required; evening and weekend work may occasionally be necessary.

Accountability

Accountable for the successful completion of individual goals and priorities.

Direction

Receives little instruction on day-to-day work and general instructions on new assignments. Establishes methods and procedures for attaining goals, with guidance on broad goals.

Benefits at Carnegie Mellon University

Joining the CMU team offers exceptional benefits, including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions, and tuition benefits. Employees enjoy ample paid time off, observed holidays, and life and accidental death and disability insurance. Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team, and fitness center access.

Key skills/competency

• AI Solution Design
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Cloud Computing
• Enterprise AI Strategy
• Technical Architecture
• Proof-of-Concept Development
• Ethical AI Principles
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Data Protection & Compliance
• Technical Documentation