Data & AI Architect

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Data & AI Architect to join our team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a one-year engagement. This role requires a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in designing enterprise data systems and AI/ML solutions for production environments. Knowledge of English is essential, and Arabic proficiency is an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Design comprehensive enterprise data architectures encompassing data modeling, warehousing, and master data management.
• Develop AI and machine learning systems suitable for deployment in live production settings.
• Manage cloud data platforms such as Azure, AWS, or GCP, and build modern data stack architectures including data lakes, lakehouses, and ETL/ELT pipelines.
• Oversee the AI/ML lifecycle including model selection, MLOps, as well as deployment and ongoing monitoring.
• Design architectures for large language models and generative AI systems, integrating technologies like RAG pipelines, vector databases, prompt engineering, and model orchestration frameworks.
• Convert business needs into detailed technical architecture plans.
• Collaborate effectively with engineering teams and communicate technical concepts to executive leadership.
• Architect APIs and facilitate integration between various platforms and systems.
• Ensure all designs comply with data governance and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Support initiatives in smart-city development, government, and enterprise platforms involving multiple stakeholders and integrated systems.

Required Skills and Experience

• A minimum of 8 years in data architecture with at least 2 to 3 years focused on designing AI/ML production systems.
• Hands-on experience managing cloud data platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and implementing data lakes, lakehouses, and ETL/ELT pipelines.
• Proven track record in designing enterprise-grade data architectures including data modeling, warehousing, and master data management.
• Strong knowledge of the AI/ML lifecycle including model selection, MLOps, deployment, and system monitoring.
• Experience with advanced AI technologies like LLM and GenAI including RAG pipelines, vector databases, and prompt engineering.
• Familiarity with data governance standards and compliance requirements.
• Skillful at translating complex business requirements into clear technical solutions and communicating across technical and executive audiences.
• Expertise in API design and systems integration.
• Technical proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language, preferably Python.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with regulatory frameworks such as PDPL, NCA ECC, NDMO, GDPR, or HIPAA.
• Knowledge of real-time and streaming data systems including Kafka and event-driven architectures.
• Experience with IoT data ingestion from city infrastructure or parking sensors.
• Relevant enterprise architecture certifications such as TOGAF or cloud architect certifications.
• Background in government or public sector smart city platforms, especially within multi-stakeholder or consortium environments.
• Arabic language skills are an advantage.