We are establishing our Enterprise Architecture (EA) function and seeking a Principal Enterprise Architect. This individual is a collaborative, strategic leader to design and implement our core architectural framework. Reporting directly to the CIO of a $1B+ public software organization, you will partner closely with business technology, data, and security leaders to establish architectural standards and build the baseline architecture powering our enterprise AI initiatives.
This role begins as an individual contributor with dedicated cross-functional support, carrying a structured roadmap to recruit and lead a dedicated Enterprise Architecture team as the function matures.
This is a "builder" role, not a maintainer role. You will define what doesn't yet exist and be the connective tissue between business strategy, systems architecture, data architecture, and emerging AI initiatives.
What You'll Do
Enterprise Architecture Foundation & Strategy
Define and implement the Enterprise Architecture operating model, principles, governance rhythm, and a pragmatic framework tailored to the company’s size and pace
Develop, maintain, and present core technology standards, reference architectures, and multi-year roadmaps across business systems and data platforms (partnering with consultants as needed for rapid current-state assessment)
Drive formal architecture review processes for major technology investments, ensuring strict alignment with enterprise standards, security, scalability, and cost efficiency
AI Architecture Strategy & Enablement
Define and lead the enterprise AI architecture strategy—including model integration patterns, LLM/agentic frameworks, infrastructure choices (build vs. buy, cloud AI services), and internal AI platform buildouts
Partner with security, legal, and data governance teams to establish responsible AI policies, data privacy standards, and architectural guardrails for deploying copilots, agents, and automation into core business systems
Serve as the subject matter expert and advisor to executive leadership on emerging AI architecture trends, risks, and strategic implications
Business Systems, Data Architecture & Portfolio Rationalization
Define data architecture standards (data governance, flow patterns, master data management) and API integration frameworks in close partnership with data and engineering teams
Evaluate and rationalize the application portfolio across business systems to actively identify consolidation opportunities, reduce technical debt, and eliminate system duplication
Leadership & Influence
Act as a trusted architectural authority across business, engineering, and security functions, building consensus around complex technology decisions without direct authority
Build the business case for expanding the EA capability, taking ownership of hiring, mentoring, and managing future architects as the function matures
What You'll Need
Minimum Qualifications
10+ years in progressively senior IT/technology roles with degree, 8+ years with an advanced degree, with 5+ years specifically in an enterprise architecture, solutions architecture, or architecture leadership capacity
Demonstrated experience building or significantly maturing an Enterprise Architecture function, ideally in a mid-size ($500M–$5B revenue) or high-growth environment
Deep knowledge of business systems architecture (ERP, CRM, financial systems) and data architecture principles
Direct experience architecting or overseeing AI/ML integration into enterprise systems — including LLM-based tools, AI copilots, or data platforms supporting AI use cases
Foundational understanding of AI security, data privacy, and governance principles
Strong understanding of cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, or GCP), integration patterns, and modern data platforms.
Experience working with or managing external consultants/implementation partners
Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex architecture concepts for both technical teams and…