Senior Data Architect (AI & GenAI Solutions)

First Citizens Bank • Raleigh, NC

12h

About The Position

The Senior Data Architect (AI Solutions) leads the design and implementation of cutting-edge AI platforms and data systems. This role combines strong hands-on engineering with strategic innovation to design, prototype, and deliver intelligent, data-driven solutions that power analytics, machine learning, and next-generation AI applications. This role collaborates closely with business and technology teams to turn ideas into working solutions, enabling faster insights, better decisions, and enterprise-wide innovation through data.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise data architecture or engineering, with a strong hands-on focus on AI and cloud-native data platforms.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing large-scale AI systems, including LLM-based, GenAI, and agentic AI applications.
• Expertise in Python, SQL, and modern data frameworks (e.g., PySpark, Airflow, Snowflake, LangChain, Hugging Face, Vertex AI, OpenAI)
• Strong background in data modelling, distributed systems, and cloud architecture (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Experience developing and deploying AI/ML/GenAI pipelines leveraging vector databases and RAG frameworks.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with agentic AI design patterns, including tool-use orchestration, autonomous workflow agents, or AI copilots.
• Proficiency in API design, microservices, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype new AI concepts and transition successful PoCs into production-grade systems.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and operationalize advanced AI solutions, including GenAI and LLM-based systems.
• Build and integrate cloud-native data pipelines using tools such as Snowflake, Airflow, and Vertex AI.
• Implement retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and multimodal data solutions.
• Drive automation, observability, and performance optimization across AI and data workflows.
• Lead initiatives to explore, validate, and scale emerging AI technologies.
• Translate research and prototypes into production-ready capabilities.
• Collaborate across teams to embed AI-driven insights and automation into business processes.
• Evaluate and shape next-generation AI trends, including agentic systems and autonomous workflows.
• Champion hands-on experimentation and rapid solution delivery while maintaining technical excellence.
• Define and promote engineering standards that balance agility, scalability, and governance.
• Collaborate with security, compliance, and governance partners to ensure responsible data and AI usage.
• Mentor engineers and architects in modern data and AI development practices.
• Act as a trusted advisor for business and technology leaders on data-driven innovation.
• Lead internal workshops and training sessions to accelerate AI adoption.
• Represent the organization in external forums, conferences, and publications focused on data and AI innovation.

Benefits

• Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees