AI Architect

Job#: 3019020

Job Description:
AI Solution Architect (Google Cloud) - Remote Contract Role

We are seeking a highly hands-on AI Solution Architect to join our AI Solutions team and help design, build, and evolve next-generation AI infrastructure on Google Cloud. This role is ideal for a senior engineer or emerging architect who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys continuous learning, and is ready to step up into a broader architectural scope-without losing their hands-on edge.

You will drive the technical architecture for Google Cloud-based AI platforms powering AI Agents and applications across Adtalem institutions. This includes deep work with Vertex AI, Gemini models, agentic AI patterns, multimodal capabilities, and enterprise AI data foundations (BigQuery, AlloyDB, Cloud Storage).

Beyond Google Cloud, we value a problem solver who can think beyond platform boundaries: if a business requirement cannot be solved in Google Cloud Platform, you will explore what's possible with third-party SaaS platforms, marketplace solutions, or domain-specific AI tools-always balancing scalability, cost, governance, and long-term strategy.

Key Responsibilities
AI Architecture & Evaluation

• Design, evaluate, and implement AI Infrastructure on Google Cloud using Vertex AI, Gemini, BigQuery, AlloyDB, Cloud Storage, and agentic AI architectures.
• Continuously track and test the latest Google Cloud AI features and apply them to real business problems.
• Compare Google Cloud Platform-native solutions with third-party SaaS and marketplace offerings; identify when to use managed services vs. custom builds.
• Define functional and non-functional evaluation criteria, benchmarks, and scorecards.
• Lead proofs of concept (POCs), RPIs/RFIs/RFPs, and vendor assessments.

Analysis, Governance & Alignment

• Analyze solution trade-offs and document findings for leadership.
• Assess compatibility with existing AI infrastructure and collaborate with enterprise architects.
• Ensure alignment with data security, privacy, governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Secure necessary approvals from legal, compliance, and architecture governance teams.

Solution Implementation & Delivery

• Oversee procurement and onboarding of selected AI solutions.
• Support implementation within Adtalem's AI Infrastructure to ensure business fit.
• Work within an Agile delivery model using Azure DevOps, adhering to enterprise standards.
• Maintain vendor relationships to monitor solution performance and address issues.

Strategic Contribution & Leadership Support

• Communicate findings, recommendations, timelines, and status updates to leadership and stakeholders.
• Advise on build-versus-buy decisions and long-term platform strategy.
• Define reference architectures and integration patterns for SaaS AI solutions.
• Contribute to AI architecture standards, evaluation templates, and governance artifacts.
• Serve as a reviewer/advisor in Architecture Review Board (ARB) and AI governance forums.

Requirements:

• Google Cloud expertise, including hands-on experience with:
  • Vertex AI (pipelines, training, endpoints, feature store)
  • Gemini models and multimodal/agentic capabilities
• GenAI and agentic AI frameworks
• Strong hands-on engineering background
  • Ideal for someone ready to grow into architect responsibilities while still building and prototyping solutions
• Curiosity & continuous learning mindset
  • Ability to evaluate whether a solution belongs in Google Cloud-or if a better alternative exists externally
• Ability to work independently in a remote contract capacity

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.