Senior IT Artificial Intelligence (AI) Architect/Designer
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Summary
Contract role (via Upstaff) for an Ontario government ministry in Toronto: a senior AI architect who leads the organization's AI strategy and designs conceptual, logical, and physical AI architectures using ML, LLMs, and RAG, producing enterprise, application, and technology architecture deliverables. Fully onsite, 5 days per week.
Client: Government Services Integration Cluster
Ministry: Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Work Arrangement: Onsite – 5 Days per Week
Contract Duration: September 21, 2026 to October 1, 2027
Extension: Up to 1 additional extension term
Allocation: 100%
Security Clearance: No Clearance Required
Number of Openings: 1
Submission Deadline: September 9, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST
About the Opportunity
Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior IT Artificial Intelligence (AI) Architect/Designer to lead the development of Artificial Intelligence strategy and architecture for the organization.
The successful candidate will bring strong hands-on expertise in designing and developing AI solutions, including the creation of conceptual, logical, and physical architectures. This role requires deep knowledge of modern AI technologies, including Machine Learning (ML), Large Language Models (LLMs), and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
The AI Architect will work closely with technical teams, business stakeholders, and leadership to define scalable AI architectures and ensure solutions align with organizational strategy, enterprise architecture standards, and evolving industry trends.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and contribute to the organization's overall Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy.
- Design and develop conceptual, logical, and physical architectures for AI solutions.
- Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance for the design and implementation of enterprise AI solutions.
- Develop architecture deliverables across Enterprise, Application, and Technology Architecture domains.
- Design scalable and sustainable AI solutions leveraging modern technologies and industry best practices.
- Apply hands-on expertise in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
- Stay current with emerging technology trends and advancements in AI, machine learning, and data science.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend opportunities to continuously improve AI solutions and organizational capabilities.
- Collaborate with business and technical stakeholders to translate business requirements into effective AI architecture and technology solutions.
- Support stakeholder engagement activities, including presentations, briefings, workshops, and facilitated meetings.
- Contribute to project planning and provide architecture expertise throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure architectural solutions align with organizational standards, processes, and strategic objectives.
- Demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes within established timelines.
Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications and Experience
AI Strategy & Architecture
- Hands-on working experience developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy for an organization.
- Demonstrated experience creating conceptual, logical, and physical architectures relevant to designing and developing AI solutions.
- Strong experience designing enterprise-scale AI architecture and technology solutions.
Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
- Hands-on experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Experience with Machine Learning (ML).
- Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs).
- Experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
- Knowledge of current industry technology trends and advancements in AI, machine learning, and data science.
- Demonstrated ability to apply emerging technologies and industry best practices to continuously improve solutions.
Enterprise Architecture
- Experience developing Enterprise Architecture deliverables, including architecture models and related artifacts.
- Experience developing Application Architecture deliverables, including application models and solution designs.
- Experience developing Technology Architecture deliverables, including technology models and infrastructure architecture.
Project Management
- Experience and knowledge in Project Management.
- Ability to work within structured project environments and contribute to successful delivery of complex technology initiatives.
Communication & Professional Skills
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
- Demonstrated track record of meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality outcomes.
Nice-to-Have Qualifications
- Previous experience working with the Ontario Public Service (OPS).
- Previous public sector or government technology experience.
- Experience with stakeholder engagement, including:
- Executive presentations
- Briefing notes
- Stakeholder meetings
- Workshops and facilitated sessions
- Knowledge of OPS development standards and processes.
- Experience working within complex enterprise technology transformation environments.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a senior-level AI Architect with a combination of strategic AI leadership and hands-on architecture experience. They should be capable of defining an organization's AI strategy while also designing the technical architecture required to implement AI solutions.
Candidates with demonstrated experience across AI Strategy, Enterprise Architecture, ML, LLMs, RAG, Application Architecture, Technology Architecture, and Project Management will be strongly preferred. Previous experience within the OPS or broader public sector will be considered an asset.
Important: This is a fully onsite role in Toronto requiring 5 days per week onsite attendance.