AI Architect

Orrick currently has an excellent opportunity for an AI Architect.  This position could be based in any of our U.S. offices and consideration given for 100% remote US locations.

The AI Architect is responsible for the engineering of AI solutions (including their scaling and operationalization) through the use of appropriate methodologies, frameworks, tools, and platforms. This role ensures the re-use, integration, performance, quality, and manageability of these solutions through coordination with other technology architects, data architects and enterprise architects.

• Designs end-to-end AI products to address specific business needs and provides implementation guidance upon delivery
• Provides expertise in creating and implementing enterprise architecture solutions that enhance AI capabilities
• Navigates the technical complexity required to meet business requirements (e.g., by developing scenarios or positions on how AI platform, framework or tool capabilities are selected and complement one another)
• Architects AI platforms and guides decision making for choosing the right framework, governance and operational processes to ensure safety and security at scale
• Ensures seamless integration of AI solutions from development to business operations within the organization’s enterprise architecture framework
• Participates in evaluation of AI vendors, platforms, and third-party services, including assessment of architecture fit, security posture, integration requirements, scalability, and governance alignment
• Partners with Legal, IT, Innovation, HR, Risk, and business stakeholders to assess, document, and mitigate risks associated with AI solution design, deployment, and adoption
• Streamlines collaboration by coordinating the efforts of cross-functional participants to identify and prioritize requirements

• A master’s or Ph.D. in computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, mathematics or related field in the natural science
• A minimum of five years of proven experience in AI/ML development and application, with at least two years focused on designing enterprise-scale AI architecture and system integration
• A minimum of five years of experience developing tools or platforms in a software engineering role
• Proven experience working with language models while designing for cost efficiency and scalability

AI Architecture & Platforms

• Skilled in selecting and architecting AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, LangChain, Hugging Face), cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP), and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes) for scalable enterprise AI solutions
• Experience designing agentic AI solutions, including AI agent orchestration, tool integration, workflow automation, memory/context management, and secure access to enterprise systems
• Experience with Model Context Protocol (MCP) or similar frameworks for integrating AI agents with enterprise systems and data sources

AI Operations, Governance & Security

• Familiarity with ModelOps, AI engineering practices, DevOps and MLOps (e.g., CI/CD pipelines)
• Experience defining monitoring, evaluation, and optimization strategies for AI systems, including performance, reliability, cost efficiency, model quality, and user feedback loops
• Experience architecting and implementing generative AI solutions utilizing Azure AI Foundry, large language models (LLMs), NLP, vector databases, knowledge graphs, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic AI architectures

Enterprise Integration & Quality

• Advanced understanding of system integrations architecture
• Ability to apply AI application testing techniques (e.g., pairwise testing, A/B testing, back-to-back testing) across operating system platforms
• Experience architecting AI systems that comply with legal data boundaries, ensuring zero data leakage, rigorous access controls, and absolute isolation of client data

Communication & Leadership

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate complex AI concepts to non-technical audiences
• Strong documentation skills with the ability to produce diagrams, demos and technical artifacts that make AI architectures comprehensible and actionable
• Industry-recognized certifications in artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, cloud-based AI platforms, or related technologies preferred 

Who is Orrick? Orrick is a global law firm focused on delivering innovative solutions for four sectors: Technology & Innovation, Energy & Infrastructure, Finance and Life Sciences & HealthTech. Founded more than 150 years ago in San Francisco, Orrick today has offices in 25+ markets. We are recognized globally for delivering the highest-quality legal advice and for our culture of innovation and collaboration. 

Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is: 

• New York City, Silicon Valley, and San Francisco $155,000 and $190,000
• Washington DC, Los Angeles, Orange County, Santa Monica, Sacramento, Boston, and Seattle $143,000 and $180,000
• All Other US Locations $136,000 and $170,000

Orrick is committed to providing a comprehensive, competitive, and thoughtful total compensation package to our attorneys and staff, wherever they work. This compensation and benefits information is based on the Orrick’s estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant experience or education, particular skills or expertise, geography.  Other compensation may include an annual discretionary merit bonus, which would be determined by Firm and individual performance. 

We offer a full range of elective health benefits including medical, dental, vision and life; robust mental well-being programs; child, family, elder, and pet care benefits; short- and long-term disability and industry leading parental leave benefits, health savings account contributions (w/applicable medical plan), flexible spending accounts, and a 401K program. This role will receive compensated time off through our Flexible Time Off program, and paid holidays. 

Please visit www.orrick.com for more information about the firm.

How to Apply: If you are searching for a chance to create an impact, you have a little grit and you love working with a team, we want to talk with you. To submit your resume and cover letter for this position, please visit our Staff and Paralegal Opportunities Listings at www.orrick.com/Careers. Orrick accepts applications for this position on an ongoing basis, until filled. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Consistent with the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for the position in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

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