Senior Data and AI Architect

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Data and AI Architect to join our Business Technology - Digital Engineering Solutions domain. This individual will be part of the Data & AI Technology group, helping to drive strategic Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) initiatives using cutting‑edge data technologies and analytics to deliver actionable business insights and robust solutions for AEC professionals and client outcomes. The Data & AI Technology group will lead the firm in AEC-focused Business Intelligence and data services by providing architectural guidance, technological vision, and solution development. The group specifically utilizes advanced analytics, data science, and AI/ML to give our business and products a competitive advantage. It involves understanding and managing data, its interconnections, and architecting and engineering data for self‑serve BI and BA opportunities. This position is for a person who has demonstrated excellence in data architecture capabilities, is experienced with data technology and processes, and enjoys framing problems, shaping and creating solutions, and helping to lead and champion implementation. As a member of the data group they will also engage in research and development and provide guidance and oversight to the AEC practices at CDM Smith, engaging in new product research, testing, and incubation of data technology-related ideas that arise from around the company.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record designing and implementing successful data and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning solutions, be a strategic thinker with a strong technical background, have exceptional communication and problem‑solving skills, and be curious and a continuous learner leading to tangible results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and design the architecture for various data and AI solutions, ensuring each solution is scalable, secure, and reliable.
• Engage with business units to understand their requirements and translate them into technical requirements and designs.
• Create data and AI architectural solutions for complex architecture, engineering, and environmental science problems.
• Design and implement strategies to scale data and AI solutions across business units.
• Create detailed architecture and technical design documentation for our data and AI solutions.
• Assist with initiatives and efforts as part of a collaborative team, working with data scientists, engineers, analysts, and stakeholders.
• Eagerness to learn and work as part of a multidisciplinary team across a global practice.
• Stay abreast of latest developments and advancements, including new and emerging technologies, best practices, new tools, and software applications and how they could impact CDM Smith.
• Assist with the development of documentation, standards, best practices, and workflows for data technology hardware and software across the business.
• Present to external audiences as needed.
• Assist with marketing, communications, and business development descriptions and activities as needed.
• Assist with internal and external website descriptions as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills & Abilities

• Advanced understanding and experience with all functions of the data management lifecycle including governance, architecture, integration, metadata, development, quality, administration, security, operations, stewardship, and master data management.
• Strong knowledge and experience with Microsoft Azure cloud services and Databricks, and understanding of the Azure well‑architected framework to apply to data and AI solutions.
• Expert knowledge and proven ability to develop highly complex data and AI architectures.
• Inquisitive, with a desire to ask questions and gain deeper understanding of business and data challenges.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to communicate well with technical and non‑technical audiences, listen, build rapport, and credibility as a strategic partner.
• Innovative and able to apply critical thinking to generate new solutions or ideas that create value and improve processes.
• Detail oriented with the ability to assist with executing highly complex or specialized projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 5 years of related experience.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Domestic and/or international travel may be required. Frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties and essential functions, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Amount of Travel Required

No Travel is required.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Pay Range

USD $144,477.00 – USD $252,824.00

Visa Sponsorship

No. The position is not offering immigration sponsorship.

Accessibility

CDM Smith attracts top talent and supports learning and growth. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider accommodations for protected characteristics in good faith, per policies and applicable laws.

EEO/ADA Statement

CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We consider all accommodation requests related to protected characteristics in good faith, in accordance with internal policies and all applicable laws.