Solutions Architect, Data & AI - US-Based

Job Summary:
As a Solutions Architect for Toptal’s Data & AI Practice, you will play a critical role in designing and implementing innovative AI and data-driven solutions for our clients. Reporting to the Director of Data & AI, you will work closely with clients, sales, and technical teams to craft scalable, high-impact architectures that drive business value.
This leader will be a proven expert in AI, machine learning, and data solutions, with a deep understanding of cross-industry target buyers, their priorities, and the trends impacting them. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in AI/ML solution architecture, including areas such as predictive modeling, NLP, computer vision, and Generative AI (e.g., large language models, fine-tuning, and retrieval-augmented generation). Their extensive knowledge will inform critical business decisions, such as which services and offerings we build, determining pricing and packaging strategies, and developing a compelling value position that ensures Toptal’s competitiveness in the evolving market.
This is a remote position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US at the time of hire. Resumes and communication must be submitted in English.
Responsibilities:
The following information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or required skills.
You will be responsible for designing and implementing AI and data-driven solutions that drive business impact. This includes:
·       Solution Architecture: Design scalable and efficient AI/ML and data-driven solutions that align with client needs and business goals.·       Client Engagement: Collaborate with clients to assess requirements, define technical strategies, and develop solution roadmaps.·       Technical Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert in AI/ML, data engineering, and analytics, guiding internal teams and client stakeholders.·       GenAI & Advanced AI Integration: Leverage AI techniques, including Generative AI, NLP, and deep learning, to drive innovation in client solutions.·       Cloud & Infrastructure: Design solutions that leverage cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and modern data stack technologies.·       Pre-sales & Business Development: Support sales teams by providing technical expertise, developing proposals, and presenting solutions to prospective clients.·       Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with Toptal’s Sales, Marketing, and Talent Operations teams to align AI and data strategies with market demand.·       Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest AI/ML advancements and emerging technologies to enhance solution offerings.
In the first week, expect to:
·       Onboard and integrate into Toptal; meet your colleagues.·       Learn about Toptal’s history, culture, and vision, with a focus on the state of our industry, the Future of Work, and the core messages important to Toptal.·       Shadow critical teams throughout the organization to learn Toptal’s core operations and capabilities.
In the first month, expect to:
·       Begin developing relationships with key leaders and stakeholders across the organization.·       Dive deeper into the operations of key teams (e.g., Sales, Talent Operations) across the company.·       Conduct a comprehensive review of client demand in AI & data, the talent that exists in the network, and any work we may already be doing or have done.·       Start contributing to technical pre-sales discussions and client solutioning.
In the first three months, expect to:
·       Be a well-integrated member of the organization with positive relationships in Sales (Enterprise and SMB), Marketing, and Talent Operations.·       Lead technical solutioning for AI and data opportunities with clients, while exercising discretion and independent judgment.·       Build foundational assets, such as reference architectures and best practices, to accelerate AI/ML adoption at Toptal.
In the first six months, expect to:
·       Be the go-to expert for AI and data solutions within Toptal.·       Have established initial market traction and contributed to key AI & data initiatives.·       See a commercial impact from your involvement in early client engagements.
In the first year, expect to:
·       Make a significant impact on the growth and success of Toptal’s Data & AI Practice·       Help scale Toptal’s Data and AI revenue, expanding our market presence and technical capabilities.
Qualifications and Job Requirements:
·       Bachelor’s degree is required.·       12+ years of experience in AI/ML, data engineering, or cloud architecture, with at least 3+ years in AI/ML-focused solution architecture.·       Strong background in AI/ML, including predictive modeling, NLP, deep learning, and Generative AI (e.g., large language models, fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation).·       Expertise in designing AI/ML solutions in cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure).·       Proficiency in AI/ML development frameworks and tools (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, LangChain, etc.).·       Experience with big data technologies (Spark, Kafka, Snowflake, Databricks, etc.).·       Strong understanding of MLOps best practices and model deployment strategies.·       Track record of leading technical pre-sales efforts and architecting client solutions.·       Ability to communicate complex AI/ML concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Passion for AI innovation and ability to drive thought leadership in the field.·       Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.·       Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and handle a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a diverse array of contacts.·       You must be a world-class individual contributor to thrive at Toptal. You will not be here just to tell other people what to do.
Essential Job Functions
·       Regularly and reliably attend scheduled virtual team meetings on camera.·       Work independently with minimal supervision.·       Use all required digital collaboration tools.·       Prioritize and self-manage workflows and deadlines.
US FLSA Classification: Full-Time/Exempt