Principal Cloud Data & AI Architect

Company Overview

At 4A Consulting, we turn complexity into opportunity. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Baltimore, MD, we are a women-owned, boutique consulting firm specializing in delivering innovative, data-driven solutions to both the Federal Government and Fortune 500 clients. Our team blends deep industry knowledge with advanced technologies to design tailored strategies that drive measurable and sustainable outcomes. We pride ourselves on an agile, collaborative approach that helps organizations navigate challenges and seize emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. At 4A, we don’t just deliver projects, we build trusted partnerships that empower our clients to lead with confidence in the digital age.

Position Overview

The Principal Cloud Data & AI Architect provides senior-level technical leadership and architecture expertise to design, build, and scale enterprise cloud data and AI platforms. This role supports a multi-year cloud-native and artificial intelligence transformation for a Fortune 500 energy and utilities organization headquartered in Houston, TX. Acting as a key technical authority, the architect partners with engineering, business, legal, and AI governance teams to ensure secure, scalable, and compliant data and AI solutions across Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the design and implementation of enterprise-scale cloud data platforms on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Design, build, and optimize data pipelines using BigQuery, Dataflow, Pub/Sub, and related services.
• Architect and implement machine learning pipelines and model lifecycle workflows using Vertex AI.
• Design and govern MLOps frameworks to support model training, deployment, monitoring, and versioning.
• Architect Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and semantic search solutions using vector databases such as FAISS or Pinecone.
• Define and implement Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using Terraform to support scalable and repeatable cloud deployments.
• Serve as a technical leader across cross-functional teams including data engineering, application engineering, legal, and AI governance.
• Ensure adherence to enterprise security, compliance, data privacy, and responsible AI standards.
• Provide technical mentorship, architectural guidance, and best practices across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in enterprise-scale data engineering, AI/ML, or cloud-native architecture.
• Strong hands-on experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services, including BigQuery, Vertex AI, Dataflow, and Pub/Sub.
• Proficiency in Python, JSON-based APIs, and cloud-native development patterns.
• Strong experience with Infrastructure-as-Code, preferably Terraform.
• Proven experience designing and implementing MLOps frameworks.
• Experience architecting Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions and semantic search platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives across engineering, legal, and AI governance teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in large, regulated enterprise environments such as energy, utilities, or similar industries.
• Strong understanding of AI governance, data compliance, and risk management frameworks.
• Experience with vector databases such as FAISS or Pinecone.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to balance hands-on technical work with strategic architectural leadership.

Why Join 4A

• Be part of a mission-driven, women-owned consulting firm with a reputation for excellence.
• Work on high-impact projects across federal and commercial clients.
• Collaborate in an inclusive, growth-oriented culture where innovation is valued.
• Access career development programs, mentorship, and learning opportunities.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, flexible work options, and a focus on work-life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

4A Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.