MS Azure Data and AI Solution Architect

DEPARTMENT: Data Insights and Innovation JOB TITLE: Microsoft Azure Data and AI Solution ArchitectJOB CODE: MZDASAREPORTS TO: Chief Innovation OfficerFLSA STATUS: Non-ExemptEMPLOYMENT TYPE: Contract-to-PermJOB PURPOSE: This role at Arbitration Forums is as unique as it is rewarding because of the AF IPAAL Values (Integrity, Passion, Accountability, Achievement, Leadership) and TRI Model (Trust, Respect, Inclusion). The Microsoft Azure Data and AI Solution Architect will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing data and AI solutions that meet our business needs. This role will work closely with cross-functional teams, including data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders, to design and implement Azure architectures, and manage Azure services and products as the Azure Data and AI ecosystem. DEPARTMENTAL EXPECTATION OF EMPLOYEE Adheres to AF Policy and Procedures and the AF Leadership BrandActs as a role model within and outside AF.Performs duties as workload necessitates. Maintains a positive and respectful attitude. Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues. Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload. Consistently reports to work on time, prepared to perform duties of the position.Meets Department productivity standards.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Azure Data and AI Ecosystem:Design, implement, and integrate Azure services such as Azure Data Fabric, Azure Data Factory, OneLake, Purview Unified Catalog, AI Foundry, Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, Power BI, Power Automate, and application services to deliver high quality data and AI products to our members.Generate and spearhead the execution of a multi-year implementation roadmap for the Azure data and AI ecosystem that includes individual components and their integration to create a continuum to support AF’s AI-powered solutions.Optimize the Azure data and AI ecosystem to iteratively support growing complexity and more sophisticated operations as new use cases and AI solutions are identified and delivered.Ensure that Azure-based data and AI solutions include embedded metrics to understand performance and aid in maintenance and support activities.Operate and administer AF’s data and AI Azure ecosystem to ensure that best practices are utilized and alignment of AF’s operating, security and compliance polices are observed.Manage the Azure data and AI ecosystem costs, working with stakeholders to identify and set budgets for Azure services, and monitoring consumption and licensing for Azure data and AI products and services.Orchestrate the utilization of Azure AI suite of products and services to support best practices in the development, testing, integration, and deployment of AI models and algorithms.Coordinate with data engineers and teams, AI engineers and developers, application and infrastructure teams, and data governance and security teams to ensure that deployed AI-powered solutions are ready for hand off to support teams, ensuring knowledge transfer is adequate for the successful maintenance and support of AI solutions. Identify and resolve technical issues related to cloud infrastructure and applications, providing timely support and solutions.Collaboration and Strategy:Work closely with IT, data engineers, data analysts, data scientists, and business stakeholders.Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior data team members.Stay updated on Azure cloud products and services as well as best practices, making recommendations for continuous improvement.ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Support data observability and AI explainability efforts to ensure the data continuum and enforce governance standards.Other duties assigned by manager or project needs.QUALIFICATIONS Experience, Education and Licensure Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field.Minimum of 8 years of experience in cloud architecture, defining end to end ecosystems to support advanced analytics and AI solutions.Relevant Azure certifications (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Data Engineer Associate) are a plus. Proven experience as a solutions architect in a cloud environment.Technical Skills:In-depth knowledge of Azure data services (e.g., Azure Fabric, Azure Data Factory, OneLake, Data warehouse), AI services (AI Foundry, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Cognitive Services, etc.), Azure Application and Integration Services (API Management, Application Gateway, Power Automate).Strong understanding of data modeling, ETL processes, and data warehousing concepts.Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL, and familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI).Strong knowledge of data governance, data security, and compliance practices.Experience with data catalogs and lineage plotting tools.Deep understanding of AI models lifecycles, from initial data sourcing to deployment and production model upkeep. Working knowledge and proficiency in the development of implementation and adoption plans for composable AI offerings, including documentation of configuration requirements.Soft Skills:Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.Ability to lead projects and mentor junior staff.Auto Insurance claims industry experience preferred.AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT This is a fully remote position requiring reliable high-speed internet access and a dedicated workspace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.