Principal architect – Principal Technical Architect

Highmark Health

1d • Remote

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking an experienced Lead Technical Architect to join our AI Platforms and Services (AIPS) team and guide the system design and solution architecture for a diverse set of enterprise AI initiatives. The AIPS team is a critical enabler of AI-driven innovation within the company, functioning as an internal service provider to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions and infrastructure. In this role, you will be instrumental in translating business needs into robust technical solutions that align with strategic goals and enable long-term success across the organization. As the Principal Technical Architect, you will be responsible for the end-to-end technical vision for our enterprise-grade AI services and platforms. You will lead the design of scalable, secure, and maintainable systems, and implement robust enterprise integrations using APIs, messaging systems, and data pipelines in complex, heterogeneous environments. While collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—including Business Stakeholders, Data Science, Engineering, and Product—you will help set the strategic technical direction and drive the development and integration of AI-enabled solutions. Your leadership will be critical in evaluating and recommending technologies, leading proof-of-concept (POC) efforts, and presenting architectural designs to the Architecture Review Board. The ideal candidate brings a strong software engineering and solution architecture background, deep experience in Python, and a solid understanding of enterprise integrations. They will have a passion for staying current with advancements in AI, cloud, and enterprise technologies, proactively identifying opportunities for innovation that align with Highmark's roadmaps. While deep AI expertise is not required, a familiarity with AI solutioning is a definite plus. This individual will also ensure all solutions comply with regulatory standards, including HIPAA and other Healthcare IT requirements. The AI Platforms and Services team as part of AI COE is revolutionizing how our organization leverages AI. Our team culture is highly collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented. We value continuous learning, open communication, and a commitment to excellence. As a key technical leader, you will provide mentorship and guidance to project teams, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Join us and help build the future of AI at Highmark Health!

Requirements

• 10 years of experience in Architecture, design, and implementation of complex systems and solutions.
• 8+ years of experience in software development, solution architecture, or enterprise systems design.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, with a preference for Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Proven experience leading end-to-end system design and solution architecture for scalable and secure enterprise applications.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with experience building scalable, production-grade systems.
• Familiarity or experience with DevOps, MLOps, Containerization and IaC, with a focus on automating and streamlining the AI development and deployment lifecycle.
• Expertise in designing and implementing robust enterprise integrations using APIs, messaging systems, and data pipelines.
• Any familiarity in the development or integration of AI-enabled solutions that support strategic platform and service initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., Business, Data Science, Engineering, Product) to define and execute a strategic technical direction.
• Experience leading proof-of-concept (POC) efforts to validate the feasibility and business value of new technical solutions.
• Proficiency in creating and maintaining comprehensive architecture documentation, including diagrams, specifications, and implementation guidelines.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including formal bodies like an Architecture Review Board.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance standards in a healthcare environment, such as HIPAA.
• Experience providing technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to engineering and project teams.
• Architecture frameworks and methodologies
• Software Development
• Knowledge of emerging technologies
• Strategic thinking and influencing
• Critical thinking and decision making
• While not required to possess expertise in all of the following technologies/areas, Principal Architects must demonstrate proficiency in those relevant to the applications they support: IMS, DB2, Oracle, Teradata, Data Warehousing, COBAL, Visual Basic, C, C++, SAS, Java/JavaScript Framework, PEGA, CSS3, Mobile, JSON, Cognos, Hadoop, SQL, J2EE, HTML5/XML, Waterfall, Agile.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or closely related discipline

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and articulation of complex architecture vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and strategic initiatives.
• Champion the adoption of best practices and emerging technologies, driving innovation and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across the organization, influencing decision-making and ensuring alignment on complex architectural solutions.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of new technologies and solutions, ensuring they meet the organization's evolving needs and strategic direction.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, ensuring clarity and consistency across all stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks and challenges, ensuring the successful implementation and ongoing operation of complex architectures.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and advocate for architectural best practices, contributing to the development of organizational standards and policies.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Other duties as assigned or requested.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level