AI Architect

NGL Energy Partners•Tulsa, OK

About The Position

The AI Architect leads the design and implementation of the company’s AI capabilities, translating business priorities into secure, practical solutions with measurable value. Reporting directly to the VP Applications, this hands-on technical role establishes enterprise AI architecture, guides technology selection, and develops a roadmap for responsible AI adoption. The role combines strategic planning with solution delivery and partners with Business Operations, IT, Legal, Accounting, and Finance to define AI strategies, support operational performance, protect company information, and maintain appropriate controls. The position serves as the company’s principal technical expert for AI and a trusted adviser to IT leaders. It guides cross-functional teams and implementation partners, develops employee guidance and training, communicates technical concepts and business value to technical and non-technical audiences, and measures AI adoption success. Regular attendance at the worksite is required, and the role may require a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Requirements

At least eight years of progressive experience in technology architecture, software development, data platforms, or related disciplines, including experience designing and delivering AI or machine learning solutions.
Experience developing AI strategies and roadmaps, and designing, developing, and implementing those strategies.
Strong knowledge of generative AI, large language models, agentic AI, model evaluation, and enterprise integration.
Experience with AI governance and security frameworks, model risk management, system development life cycle processes, secure AI development, and data architecture standards.
Hands-on proficiency with Python or a comparable programming language, SQL, and modern development practices.
Technical experience with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Claude or comparable enterprise AI ecosystems, and AI API integrations.
Ability to evaluate commercial AI products, open-source technologies, and internally developed solutions for operational success in alignment with security, risk, and governance standards.
Ability to work strategically while remaining directly involved in solution design and delivery.
Strong communication, business analysis, and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to explain ideas in technical and user-friendly language.
Consistent and timely communication about project, request, and general work-related activities.
Self-motivation, attention to detail, analytical and creative problem-solving abilities, and the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work collaboratively, remain stable under pressure, and adapt plans and behavior when necessary.
Respectful and cooperative conduct with fellow employees and customers, and a positive representation of the company internally and externally.
Commitment to working safely and ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
Regular attendance at the worksite is required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or Data Science; equivalent job experience is also accepted.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain an enterprise AI strategy and roadmap aligned with company objectives, technology capabilities, and investment priorities.
Identify and prioritize AI opportunities across Business Operations, IT, Legal, Accounting, and Finance.
Build AI business cases defining expected benefits, costs, risks, ownership, and measurable outcomes.
Advise IT leadership on AI capabilities, investments, adoption progress, and emerging opportunities.
Define architecture and standards for developing, testing, and monitoring generative AI, agentic AI, machine learning, intelligent automation, and advanced analytics.
Design technical guidance and build AI solutions integrated with enterprise applications, data platforms, document repositories, and operational systems.
Apply safeguards when integrating AI with operational technology and safety-sensitive processes.
Partner with application, infrastructure, and operational technology teams to improve the quality, accessibility, and ownership of information required for AI.
Establish production practices for model and prompt versioning, testing, deployment, and performance monitoring.
Partner with IT, operational technology, legal, internal audit, and data owners to establish practical AI policies and regulatory governance.
Define requirements for data protection, access controls, human oversight, model evaluation, auditability, and acceptable use.
Assess risks involving inaccurate outputs, sensitive information exposure, intellectual property, third-party services, and automated actions.
Ensure AI solutions support internal controls, data retention practices, and applicable regulatory obligations.
Serve as the company’s principal technical expert for AI and a trusted adviser to IT leaders.
Lead cross-functional delivery teams and implementation partners through influence and technical direction.
Develop employee guidance and training to promote effective, responsible AI use.
Communicate technical concepts, business value, and risks clearly to employees and leaders, including non-technical audiences.
Develop and maintain scorecards to measure AI adoption success.
Work safely, maintain regular attendance at the worksite, and accommodate occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work as needed to meet deadlines.