Job Description

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state, and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. By being deeply invested in our work, showing compassion in our interactions, and embodying the spirit of a team player, each member contributes to a thriving community.

UW is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff; your experiences, perspectives, and unique identities will be honored at the University of Washington. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

University of Washington is at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge technologies to transform education, research and healthcare. UW Information Technology (UW-IT) is the central IT organization for the University of Washington, collaborating with partners across the University community to advance teaching, learning, innovation and discovery. UW-IT delivers critical IT services and support to all three campuses, UW medical centers and global research operations. Innovation and discovery are at the heart of what UW-IT does and drive the work in advancing the University of Washington's role and mission.

We are seeking an innovative and experienced AI Solution Architect to support the artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives across the university and its three campuses. This role is a pivotal role in shaping and implementing our AI strategy to transform UW into an AI-powered University. This role will work with various campus stakeholders, IT teams and external partners to drive innovation through consulting, evangelism, agent-building, and AI model evaluation to ensure the successful integration of AI technologies into UW systems and applications. The AI Solution Architect role will work within Service Management and AI Platform team under the UW's IT infrastructure Umbrella that provides critical technology support to all three campuses, UW Medicine, and research operations around the world.

The AI Solutions Architect role demands a deep and comprehensive technical background, encompassing expertise in artificial intelligence, data architecture, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems integration. Equally important is a high degree of political acumen and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures, where competing priorities and decentralized decision-making are common. Operating effectively in an environment where technology choices may occur at the department or college level requires exceptional skills in influence, negotiation, and collaboration. The AI Solutions Architect must build consensus among diverse stakeholders to drive alignment with an institution-wide AI strategy. In addition, this role requires the capability to design and implement AI solutions across multiple technology platforms and systems, ensuring robust data governance, security, and compliance with all regulatory and privacy standards. Overall, this position requires a unique set of skills, including strong AI technology expertise, leadership, political acumen, and the ability to balance competing interests and priorities. We are looking for an experienced leader with a demonstrated track record of (a) leading matrixed teams, (b) developing and deploying disruptive Tech products. To be successful in the role, we need a motivated self-starter with an engaging personality and strategic mentality that thrives in a multifaceted and fast-moving environment.

The AI Solutions Architect will collaborate closely with Lead AI Architect and other stakeholders across the campus to develop and implement an AI strategy and roadmap that aligns with the University's mission and objectives. This involves identifying the most critical needs and opportunities where AI can bring values to meet the University's goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Solution Architecture and Integration - 30%

Define processes to facilitate the AI opportunities from ideation, exploration to realization. -Collaborate with IT teams (central and distributed) to design, develop and deploy scalable and robust AI solutions or integrate AI technologies into existing IT systems and applications seamlessly based on the roadmaps. -Evaluate emerging AI technologies, and tools, making recommendations for adoption. Integrate AI solutions with existing university IT infrastructure seamlessly. -Design, develop, and implement integrations between AI solutions and existing university IT systems, ensuring scalability, security, and maintainability.

Training, Consultancy and Community Building - 30%

Work with university AI experts and external partners to develop training programs for university staff to enhance AI literacy. -Serve as AI SME (Subject Matter Expert) for university staff and provide consultancy on how AI can be integrated into various University functions. -Co-lead AI Community of Practice with Lead Architect in UW-IT and foster continuous innovation.

Strategy and Roadmap Development - 15%

Work closely with leadership teams and stakeholders to develop and implement the AI strategy in alignment with university mission and goals. -Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI technologies and assess their potential applications within the university context. -Work closely with leadership teams and stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into AI opportunities. -Collaborate with stakeholders and leverage governance structures to prioritize the AI opportunities, develop roadmaps and fund the critical efforts.

External Partnership - 15%

Identify and establish partnership with key external technology providers (e.g. Microsoft) to provide AI solutions for the University. -Partner with other higher education institutions and look for opportunities to collaborate on AI initiatives. -Identify and engage with external technology providers (e.g., Microsoft) to co-develop and integrate AI platforms, APIs, and services that enhance the university’s software infrastructure.

AI Governance - 10%

Work closely with Campus leadership teams and stakeholders to identify the potential risks of using AI technologies and develop mitigation plans. -Collaborate with UW Enterprise Technology Governance domain and establish governance of AI solutions to ensure responsible use of AI technologies and AI solutions adhere to ethical guidelines and data privacy regulations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Information School, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in software engineering, and experience in evaluating, architecting, and integrating AI solutions, preferably in a consulting, academic or research environment.
• Hands-on experience with AI algorithms, machine learning, natural language processing, LLM APIs for inference, and data analytics, in particular Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated excellent customer service skills driven by a desire to empower customer success and strong problem ownership orientation.
• Demonstrated broad knowledge of software technologies with experience supporting a variety of productivity for a diverse customer base consisting of personnel with various skill levels and technical/non-technical backgrounds.
• An understanding of APIs, distributed systems architecture, cloud platform services, SaaS integration, data governance and security.
• Experience with API integration, MCP, AI-assisted software engineering, agentic AI, prompt engineering, Python or equivalent interpreted languages, IAC / DevOps, Agile.
• Cloud and AI Platforms: Experience with cloud services, especially Microsoft Azure (e.g. Azure OpenAI, cognitive services or similar AI/ML platforms).

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience with Microsoft Azure AI offerings.
• Experience in enterprise level architecture and design in a decentralized organization. 
• Prior experience in a university IT support role or similar large enterprise environment, demonstrating an understanding of academic technology needs and culture.
• Experience with and demonstrated understanding of handling confidential material with the ability to work with minimal supervision both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment; ability to manage varied workload under pressure and time constraints, including escalation when appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse groups of co-workers, colleagues and customers across multiple organizations while under the policies and constraints of a large public entity.
• Experience working in a service-oriented organization. 
• Demonstrated excellent written/oral communication skills, technical documentation skills, user liaison skills, and personal interaction abilities. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Work in an open office environment and contribute to collaborative teamwork focused on problem-solving. Daily interactions with other team members, subject matter experts and stakeholders at all levels of the organization. While the general working hours are within Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., the AI Solution Architect will, on occasion, need to adjust hours to accommodate the business needs and deadlines. Attend and occasionally present at conferences.

A satisfactory outcome from a criminal history verification may be required prior to hire.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.