Contractual Azure Databricks Jobs in Chicago, IL

The AI Architect Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for designing, developing, and scaling enterprise AI solutions aligned to business strategy and measurable outcomes. This role serves as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, enabling clients to establish, mature, and scale their AI programs across the Microsoft ecosystem.
The incumbent will lead AI architectural design and technical solutioning efforts by evaluating business processes, operating models, and application architectures to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performing AI solutions tailored to client environments. This role is responsible for translating complex business requirements into actionable AI architectures that deliver tangible value.
The AI Architect Manager will partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders and global teams across Avanade, Accenture, Microsoft, and partner ecosystems to ensure a cohesive, enterprise-wide approach to AI solution delivery, innovation, and capability development.
This position requires a strategic and hands-on leader capable of operating effectively in a complex, matrixed environment while driving innovation, collaboration, and high-quality outcomes for clients.
Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership and oversight for AI solution architecture, ensuring alignment with client business strategies, technical requirements, and industry best practices.
Translate business requirements into AI solution scope, value propositions, and scalable architectural designs in collaboration with AI teams and Solution Architects.
Analyze client processes, systems, and data landscapes to identify AI transformation opportunities and recommend appropriate approaches based on client maturity.
Lead solutioning activities including estimation, technical design, and proposal development across the pre-sales and delivery lifecycle.
Deliver AI engagements in roles including AI SME, Solution Architect, or Technical Architect, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
Provide governance, quality assurance, and best practice guidance across AI project teams related to delivery approach, design, and implementation.
Facilitate client workshops, stakeholder meetings, and pre-sales presentations to articulate AI value and solution approaches.
Develop and contribute to AI assets, accelerators, and methodologies to enhance organizational capability and delivery efficiency.
Collaborate across global teams and partner ecosystems to share knowledge, drive innovation, and scale AI capabilities.
Priority Skill
Agentic AI Solution Architecture
Job Requirements
Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as operational needs dictate
Travel including internationally, as needed
IMPORTANT before applying for a job internally:
Review this application criteria.
You must already possess the appropriate visas and/or work permits required to live and work in the country the job is based. Do not apply until you have confirmed these authorizations are in place, or the job description states that international applicants will be considered.
If you apply and are selected for a job at a higher level, it will be offered at your current level. You will be considered for promotion at the next eligible promotion period, except where subject to local law or contractual obligations.
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in AI, Data, or consulting roles.
5 years' experience designing and delivering enterprise AI solutions aligned to business outcomes.
5 years' experience with Microsoft AI ecosystem, including Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Foundry, and Azure Machine Learning.
5 years' experience developing or supporting Agentic AI and Generative AI solutions.
5 years' experience Python for analytics and software engineering, including experience with modern AI libraries (e.g., LangChain, DSPy).
5 years' experience applying data and analytics to solve business problems, including data preparation and pipeline development.
5 years' experience with DevOps, MLOps, SDLC, and Agile development practices.
5 years' experience working in client-facing environments, including stakeholder engagement and solution delivery.
Bachelor's degree in computer science or quantitative field experience or equivalent experience (Minimum 12 years of experience with no degree or 6 years with an Associate's Degree).
Preferred Qualifications
Microsoft Certified AI Engineer or equivalent certification.
Experience in management consulting and/or systems integration environments.
Strong background in software engineering, data engineering, or solution architecture.
Experience with Azure Databricks and distributed data processing environments.
Knowledge of real-time and streaming data analytics, time-series analytics, and system integration patterns.
Strong understanding of data science and machine learning principles.
Experience operating across multiple architectural domains, including enterprise and infrastructure architecture.
Ability to articulate AI use cases across multiple industries (e.g., Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, Resources).
Strong communication, stakeholder management, and client-facing skills with the ability to influence decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to write high-quality, production-ready code.
Ability to think strategically while breaking down complex problems into scalable architectural components.
Comfortable operating in a hands-on role within a fast-paced, global environment.
Professional Skills
Highly organized with strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse, matrixed teams and global environments.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically, balancing big-picture thinking with technical execution.
Commitment to innovation, continuous learning, and delivering high-quality client outcomes.
Compensation at Avanade varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Avanade provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired as set forth below.
We anticipate this job posting will be posted on 07/08/2026 and open for at least 30 days.
Avanade offers a market competitive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, bonus opportunities, paid holidays, and paid time off.
See more information on our benefits here: Benefits and Total Rewards | Avanade United States
California - $150,400 - $184,300
Cleveland - $139,200 - $165,300
Colorado - $139,200 - $165,300
District of Columbia - $155,200 - $184,300
Illinois - $150,400 - $178,600
Maryland - $155,200 - $184,300
Massachusetts - $155,200 - $184,300
Minnesota - $139,200 - $165,300
New York / New Jersey - $164,800 - $195,700
Washington - $155,200 - $184,300