AI Architect - 1683

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technological innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative AI Architect to join our growing enterprise AI capability at our Colorado Springs, CO location. Working alongside our current AI Architect, this individual will help expand and accelerate the adoption of secure, practical AI solutions across business and technical functions.

The role combines hands-on architecture and implementation with technical leadership, focusing on secure onsite/private LLM deployments, enterprise data integration, and production-ready AI workflows. The AI Architect will contribute to shared platform architecture, governance, evaluation standards, and production lifecycle management while taking ownership of assigned initiatives from requirements definition through deployment and ongoing improvement.

The AI Architect will collaborate with our current AI Architect, executive leadership, IT, cybersecurity, data owners, engineering teams, and external partners to deliver AI-enabled workflows that improve decision-making, automate routine analysis, and increase efficiency. Success will be measured by adoption, business value realization, and reliable, sustainable production operations.

Key Responsibilities

Partner with the current AI Architect to advance the enterprise AI strategy, roadmap, and architectural standardsLead assigned AI initiatives from discovery and requirements definition through implementation, deployment, and ongoing supportWork with business and technical stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and deliver high-value AI use casesArchitect, implement, and maintain secure onsite and private LLM deployments.Evaluate and select AI tools, models, platforms, and architectures based on capability, security, maintainability, and costDesign and implement Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines, enterprise data integrations, model hosting, and inference workflowsDevelop secure integrations with enterprise applications, databases, and services, including Model Context Protocol (MCP) interfaces where appropriateContribute to reusable platform capabilities, integration patterns, and deployment practices that enable adoption across additional business areasPartner with IT and cybersecurity to ensure AI systems meet applicable security, privacy, access control, and governance requirementsEstablish and apply evaluation methods for model quality, retrieval accuracy, reliability, performance, and business outcomesDevelop and maintain AI usage guidelines, guardrails, and technical documentation in collaboration with the current AI ArchitectSupport internal training, user onboarding, and adoption effortsMonitor deployed AI systems and improve performance, usability, resource utilization, and business value over timeRequired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field8 – 10 years of professional experience in AI, software engineering, data science, enterprise systems, or a related technical field5+ years of experience leading complex technical initiatives, including architecture and delivery responsibilitiesDemonstrated hands-on experience deploying, integrating, and maintaining AI systemsProven ability to deliver and support systems beyond proof-of-conceptStrong understanding of LLMs and generative AI concepts, capabilities, limitations, and architectural tradeoffsExperience with:LLM deployment using open-source and/or proprietary modelsRAG architectures, embedding models, and vector databasesAI infrastructure in on-premises, private cloud, or hybrid environmentsEnterprise data systems, including SQL databases, document repositories, and APIsAuthentication, authorization, and secure application integrationEvaluation and monitoring of LLM applications and supporting infrastructureProficiency in Python or another programming language used to build AI applications and integrationsFamiliarity with AI tooling ecosystems such as Open WebUI, LangChain, or LlamaIndexFamiliarity with MCP and client-server architectureFamiliarity with model lifecycle management and the maintenance of RAG data sources and retrieval pipelinesFamiliarity with authentication and security technologies such as JWT, OAuth, LDAP, and API key managementUnderstanding of GPU infrastructure, inference performance, capacity planning, and cost tradeoffsStrong data governance and security awarenessAbility to collaborate with another senior architect, align on shared standards, and independently execute assigned initiativesStrong communication skills across technical and non-technical audiencesU.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearanceMay require moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 poundsWorking environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher in a related field10 – 12 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial experience deploying and maintaining AI systemsExperience deploying onsite or air-gapped AI systemsBackground in Government Contracting and/or environments involving sensitive or proprietary informationExperience delivering AI solutions across multiple business or engineering functionsExperience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCPExperience with high-level IT network and systems architectureExperience with automated testing, CI/CD, and repeatable deployment practices for AI applicationAI product management or AI platform ownership experience

Key Attributes

Technically credible and hands-onCollaborative, with the ability to share architectural leadership and build on established capabilitiesSelf-directed and accountable for delivering assigned initiativesPragmatic and focused on measurable outcomesAble to balance rapid delivery with security, reliability, and maintainabilityTrusted technical advisor to stakeholders and executive leadership

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include

Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; and other supplemental programsA generous PTO programTuition & certification reimbursementFlexible work schedulesEmployee bonuses401(k) matchEmployee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $145,000 to $180,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: November 9, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.