AI/ML Technical Architect Lead

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an AI/ML Technical Architect Lead based in Saudi Arabia. This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role focused on transforming advanced AI and machine learning capabilities into secure, scalable, production-ready solutions. You will shape AI/ML strategy and architecture while directly contributing to model development, deployment, integration, and operationalization. The role combines solution architecture, software engineering, MLOps, cybersecurity, and responsible AI practices. You will work on complex decision-support, automation, and predictive analytics initiatives in highly regulated environments. You will also guide cross-functional teams, advise senior stakeholders, and help move innovative prototypes into reliable operational systems. The position offers the opportunity to work with modern technologies including AWS, SageMaker, Bedrock, RAG, agentic AI, and leading ML frameworks. You will play a key role in ensuring that AI solutions are secure, explainable, compliant, and aligned with demanding enterprise and mission requirements. Lead AI/ML strategy, solution architecture, technical implementation, and modernization initiatives across complex programs. Design, develop, integrate, and deploy scalable AI/ML models and intelligent systems supporting decision-making, automation, productivity, and operational readiness. Lead the development of predictive analytics capabilities, automation frameworks, and intelligent decision-support solutions. Provide hands-on technical leadership throughout the AI/ML development lifecycle, from experimentation and prototyping through production deployment and ongoing optimization. Oversee data engineering pipelines, MLOps processes, model lifecycle management, validation, monitoring, explainability, and bias mitigation. Integrate AI/ML capabilities into secure enterprise and restricted environments while incorporating cybersecurity, data governance, ethical AI, and compliance requirements into development workflows. Support security risk management activities, including threat assessments, authorization documentation, configuration management, incident response documentation, audits, and governance reviews. Ensure AI/ML solutions align with applicable risk management and cybersecurity frameworks and maintain continuous compliance. Collaborate with security teams, business owners, technical stakeholders, and program leadership to deliver secure and effective AI solutions. Advise leadership on emerging AI technologies, practical mission applications, modernization opportunities, and responsible AI practices. Help transition experimental and prototype AI capabilities into reliable, scalable production systems. Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across multidisciplinary teams. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline; a Master’s degree or PhD is preferred. 10+ years of progressive experience in AI/ML, data science, software engineering, advanced analytics, or a closely related field, including substantial hands-on experience with modern AI technologies. At least 5 years of hands-on experience designing, developing, and deploying AI/ML solutions in production environments, including experience with MLOps practices. Demonstrated ability to personally develop AI/ML solutions rather than focusing exclusively on architecture or management. Strong programming skills in Python, R, Java, or comparable languages. Deep knowledge of machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, ideally with implementation experience using AWS SageMaker. Experience integrating AI/ML solutions into secure enterprise environments and working within cybersecurity, data governance, regulatory, and compliance requirements. Practical experience building AI products or function