Senior Projects Architect - 60062540

Requisition No: 845465 

Agency: Children and Families

Working Title: SENIOR PROJECTS ARCHITECT - 60062540

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 60062540 

Salary:  $80,000 - $88,000 

Posting Closing Date: 02/09/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Senior Projects Architect

Working Title: Senior AI Architect

This is an Open Competitive Opportunity

This position is in Tallahassee, FL in the office of Information Technology Services

The Office of Information Technology Services (OITS) is seeking a results-driven AI Architect to join our dynamic team. This role focuses on designing, deploying, and optimizing AI and machine learning (ML) solutions across diverse platforms, contributing to the development of cutting-edge, AI-powered technology solutions.

The ideal candidate will work on creating robust AI systems by leveraging advanced tools and platforms such as Azure OpenAI, AWS, TensorFlow, PyTorch, MLOps frameworks, and Hugging Face. Responsibilities include designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced AI architectures, data pipelines, machine learning models, and AI-driven applications. Proficiency in data engineering technologies (e.g., Databricks, Azure Synapse Analytics, and ETL pipelines), Databases and APIs for real-time AI integration is crucial for success.

This role requires a strong focus on building and managing AI and ML models, ensuring ethical AI implementation, data governance, and security compliance. The AI Architect will also contribute to MLOps workflows for model lifecycle management, optimization, and deployment. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure the seamless integration of AI solutions into enterprise systems.

This position is located at the DCF Headquarters in Tallahassee, within the Office of Information Technology Services.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• Design, train, and deploy AI models using Azure OpenAI, AWS, and Google to address business challenges such as fraud detection, customer insights, and process automation. 
• Fine-tune large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 or GPT-4o on Azure OpenAI for custom enterprise applications such as chatbots, summarization tools, or content generation. 
• Build predictive models with minimal manual intervention.
• Develop and deploy scalable AI solutions on cloud platforms, leveraging built-in features such as model training, hosting, and monitoring.
• Implement automated workflows for model retraining and version control.
• Monitor deployed models to ensure performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Conduct proof-of-concept (PoC) projects to evaluate new AI tools or frameworks.
• Build and manage data pipelines on cloud services like Azure Synapse Analytics to prepare data for AI model training.
• Ensure data preprocessing, feature engineering, and storage in cloud-based data lakes, optimizing data flow for real-time AI applications.
• Collaborate with data engineering teams to integrate data from APIs for use in AI projects.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI and machine learning technologies, tools, and frameworks.
• Evaluate new AI tools and platforms for potential integration into existing workflows.
• Document AI models, workflows, and deployment processes for reproducibility and knowledge sharing.
• Support cross-functional teams by providing technical expertise and AI-related insights.
• Implement best practices for data governance, ensuring compliance with data privacy and ethical AI standards.
• Conduct audits to ensure AI models align with organizational and regulatory guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:

• Knowledge of basic Florida Legislative and IT processes, principles, and practices. 
• In-depth knowledge of AI tools and platforms like Azure OpenAI, AWS, and Google AI, including their capabilities, and workflows for developing and deploying AI/ML models.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or Java, with a focus on developing AI/ML models and scripting for data processing.
• Experience with cloud SDKs for AI platforms (e.g., Azure SDK for Python, Boto3 for AWS, or Google Cloud SDK).
• Skilled in designing, training, and deploying AI/ML models using cloud-native tools.
• In-depth knowledge of machine learning algorithms, deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch), and natural language processing (NLP) techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of Azure SQL, DML, and Stored procedures.
• Knowledge of cloud-based data storage and processing services such as Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory.
• Ability to optimize models for performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency in cloud environments.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify business challenges and design AI-driven solutions.
• knowledge of RESTful APIs and their use in integrating AI solutions.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues in AI pipelines and deployed models.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new tools, frameworks, and technologies in the rapidly evolving AI space.
• Knowledge of ethical AI principles, data privacy regulations, and best practices for securing AI models and data.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, Information Systems, or a related field 
• 2 + years of experience in AI tools and platforms like Azure OpenAI, AWS, or Google AI
• 2 + years of experience in fine-tuning large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 or GPT-4o.
• 2 + years of experience in building AI models.
• 2+ years of experience in machine learning algorithms, deep learning frameworks or and natural language processing (NLP) techniques
• 2+ years of experience in Python, R, or Java, with a focus on developing AI/ML models. 
• 1+ years of experience in cloud-based data storage, Azure SQL, DML, Stored procedure, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Data Factory.
• 1+ years of experience in RESTful APIs and their use in integrating AI solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively analyze and interpret complex data sets, identify trends and patterns, and provide valuable insights to stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines, with strong organizational and time management skills.

• Good knowledge of data governance principles, ethical AI principles, data privacy regulations, and best practices for securing AI models and data.

• Familiarity with Agile and DevOps methodologies for software development and integration projects. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional teams. 

PREFERENCES:

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in AI tools and platforms.

SPECIAL NOTES

Only US citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers will be hired.

Selective Service: All selected male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion into an authorized position unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov.

Florida Retirement System (FRS): If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be suspended or voided, and you may be required to repay all benefits received depending upon the date of your retirement.

Veteran’s Preference: Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: It is the policy of the Florida Department of Children and Families that any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., and, if applicable, Chapter 408, F.S.  No applicant may begin employment until the background investigation results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.  Background investigations shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for State and Federal criminal records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies.  Employees also are subject to background re-screening at least every five (5) years. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency. 

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.