Practice Architect-AI/ML

About the role

This is a mid-level technical individual-contributor role within the Azure Platform and AI practice at TEKsystems Global Services. The Practice Architect I supports the design, implementation, and delivery of Azure cloud, DevOps, and AI-enhanced solutions under the guidance of senior architects and practice leads. Approximately 85% of time is spent on delivery support and 15% on internal practice and pre-sales activities.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and implementation of client DevOps solutions and Azure cloud architectures under the direction of senior architects.
• Assist in architecting and building Development, Testing, and Infrastructure environments on Azure.
• Contribute to project scoping by gathering requirements and documenting technical specifications.
• Participate in Azure Migrate efforts, assisting app teams with migration of custom and third-party applications to Azure.
• Create and deploy Terraform Templates and contribute to Infrastructure as Code (IaC) development.
• Operate and maintain Azure DevOps pipelines; assist with workflow configuration and troubleshooting.
• Build automation frameworks to support scaling of environments and new application deployments.
• Develop scripts and tools to automate manual procedures and increase operational efficiency.
• Support monitoring and analytics systems; assist with continuous improvement initiatives.
• Adhere to production change control policies and document process improvement opportunities.
• Contribute to high-level design documentation, technical assessments, and implementation guides.
• Assist with disaster recovery and business continuity planning documentation under guidance.
• Support the implementation of AI solutions using Azure services such as Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, and Azure Synapse Analytics.
• Assist in integrating AI models into enterprise applications, DevOps pipelines, and data workflows.
• Contribute to MLOps practices including pipeline configuration using Azure DevOps, AKS, and Azure Container Registry.
• Apply AI tooling to support automation, monitoring enhancement, and anomaly detection on client engagements.
• Help develop and maintain reusable AI architecture patterns and reference implementations.
• Ensure implemented AI components meet documented performance, security, and compliance requirements.
• Actively learn and stay current with emerging Azure AI technologies and share findings with the team.
• Work closely with lead architects, delivery managers, and client stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions.
• Participate in client-facing meetings; assist with presentations, status updates, and technical walkthroughs.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing, documentation, and practice asset development.
• Proactively seek mentorship and feedback from team members to accelerate skill growth.
• Support pre-sales activities including technical research, proposal contributions, and solution brief preparation.
• Collaborate across practices (InfoSec, Network, Data Center Support, Managed Services) to support integrated delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field — or commensurate real-world experience.
• 3–5 years’ experience working in cloud infrastructure, DevOps, or Azure-related roles.
• Exposure to or foundational experience with Azure AI/ML services is a plus.
• Experience in a consulting, professional services, or client-facing delivery environment preferred.

Skills

• Working knowledge of the Azure GUI, Azure CLI, PowerShell, ARM Templates, Azure DevOps, Terraform, and Git.
• Foundational understanding of Azure AI and ML services: Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, and/or Azure Synapse Analytics.
• Basic proficiency in Python, R, or other scripting/AI-related languages.
• Understanding of cloud-native design principles and Infrastructure as Code concepts.
• Familiarity with VMware, Windows Server, Linux, and LAN/WAN concepts.
• Exposure to data engineering tools such as Azure Data Factory or Databricks is a plus.
• Awareness of security and governance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).
• Familiarity with Microsoft’s Cloud Adoption Framework and cloud enablement concepts.
• Eagerness to learn and grow within a fast-paced, client-facing consulting environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to colleagues and clients.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.
• Enthusiasm for AI innovation and cloud transformation.

Qualifications

Preferred certifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)

Nice to have certifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
• ITIL Foundations

Career Growth

The Practice Architect I role is designed as a launching pad for a long-term career within TEKsystems Global Services. High performers will have clear pathways to advance to the AI Enhanced Azure Platform Practice Architect II level and beyond, with access to mentorship from lead architects, sponsored certification programs, and exposure to a wide range of enterprise client environments.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $136,000.00 - $204,000/yr. Additional earnings may be available through incentive programs like annual bonuses and profit sharing.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life and AD&D for employee and dependents)
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a full-time, fully remote position based out of Hanover, MD.