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Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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About the job

Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.

Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership.

We are seeking a hands-on Solution Architect to lead the design and implementation of AI-ready cloud platforms and data solutions within our Azure ecosystem. This role is responsible for modernizing our technology stack with an AI-first approach, enabling scalable, secure, and intelligent applications. The ideal candidate is an experienced cloud and data architect with deep expertise in Azure services who thrives in a fast-paced, agile environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Design and implement environments for data analytics platforms leveraging Azure services. Establish governance, security and deployment frameworks for data pipelines, data lakes, as well as Python Spark and non-Spark Python applications.

Optimize data ingestion, processing, and storage for real-time analytics and AI applications.

Evaluate and recommend emerging cloud, data and AI technologies that align with business goals.

Ensure data quality, governance, and compliance while implementing ETL/ELT and data integration workflows.

Design and optimize serverless and containerized solutions using AKS, Function apps, and other Azure components.

Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues

Mentor and train team members throughout the organization

Collaborate with other architects, developers, engineering leaders, directors, etc.

Develop best-practices and guidelines for cloud development and data engineering.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Deep experience in cloud architecture, data engineering and software development

Extensive knowledge of Azure ecosystem, Synapse or Databricks or Fabric, Azure Data Lake, Azure Kubernetes, Azure Functions, Azure App services, Event Grid, Key Vault, Application Insights and Azure Log Analytics

Strong proficiency in Python (primary), with working knowledge of C#

Familiarity with enterprise architecture tools, related graphical models, and frameworks

Strong background in SQL and NoSQL databases, including data architecture, modeling and query

Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Skills

Open AI, AI Foundry, AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Experience with AI/ML frameworks (OpenAI, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and LLM implementations.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in information technology or related subject matter required

5+ years of experience architecting and designing cloud and data solutions

Financial services environment preferred

Multiple relevant certifications preferred

#LI-CH

#LI-HYBRID

A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at time of posting is below. Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, specific degrees and certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position.

This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives.

Our featured benefit offerings include medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid short & long-term disability and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, Maven family & fertility benefit, parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement), as well as other voluntary benefits.

Salary Range $170,000 — $212,000 USD

About Our Firm

William Blair strives to attract qualified candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth management, and other strategic resource groups. We are committed to empowering our colleagues to deliver client success and engage in our communities. Our firm has delivered trusted advice for nine decades, continuing to deepen our expertise and relationships across asset classes and markets throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs amid dynamic market conditions and varying industries. What sets us apart is that we are an independent partnership, with colleagues who have unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We empower our people to bring their best thinking so we can deliver the tailored, thoughtful work and problem-solving abilities that our clients expect. We invite you to learn more about us by visiting williamblair.com .

William Blair is an equal opportunity employer. It complies with all laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment practice because of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military service or on the basis of a physical or mental disability that is unrelated to the employee's ability to perform the duties of the job applied for. EOE m/f/d/v

Be aware of hiring scams : William Blair has clear processes and guidelines with regards to recruiting. We do not request personal financial information in connection with an employment application nor does William Blair extend any employment offers without first conducting an interview through one of its registered offices. William Blair does not use instant messaging services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage as part of the recruiting or interviewing process.

Note to External Recruiters / Search Firms : William Blair does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not pay for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Any unsolicited resumes received will not be considered as a valid submission.

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