AI Solutions Architect and Practice Lead

Job Title: AI Solutions Architect & Practice Lead
Location: Hybrid - Chicago, IL (4 days onsite/1 day remote) 

Job Type: Independent Contract (Contractor / Non-Employee)
Start Date: ASAP

Pay Rate: $75-80/hr 1099 / C2C

Contract Length: 12+ Months 

Position Summary:

• We are seeking an experienced AI Solutions Architect / AI Practice Lead to help build and expand our Artificial Intelligence service offerings within the HaloITSM ecosystem.
• This individual will be responsible for identifying, designing, and implementing AI-driven solutions that extend beyond Halo's native AI capabilities. The successful candidate will work directly with customers to understand business challenges and design practical AI solutions leveraging Halo's Open API, enterprise data sources, large language models (LLMs), automation platforms, and modern AI technologies.
• The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with excellent consulting and communication skills. This role will help define our AI strategy, mentor technical resources, develop repeatable AI offerings, and establish the company as a leader in AI-enabled service management solutions.

Key Responsibilities

AI Solution Architecture

• Design and implement AI-powered solutions integrated with Halo ITSM and third-party platforms.
• Develop use cases leveraging Generative AI, Agentic AI, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and workflow automation.
• Design AI architectures utilizing Halo Open APIs, enterprise applications, knowledge repositories, and operational data sources.
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend practical business applications.
• Build proof-of-concepts and pilot programs for customers.

Customer Engagement

• Conduct AI discovery workshops with customers.
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, automation, knowledge management, and user experience through AI.
• Translate business requirements into AI solution designs.
• Present technical and business concepts to both technical and executive audiences.
• Act as a trusted advisor for AI strategy and adoption.

Solution Development

• Develop integrations between AI platforms and enterprise systems.
• Build AI-powered assistants, knowledge search solutions, virtual agents, and automation workflows.
• Implement AI governance, security, and data privacy best practices.
• Create reusable frameworks, accelerators, and templates.
• Support production AI solutions and troubleshoot complex issues.

Leadership & Practice Development

• Define our AI service offerings and go-to-market strategy.
• Mentor developers, consultants, and junior technical resources.
• Establish AI architecture standards and delivery methodologies.
• Assist with sales opportunities, solution demonstrations, and proposal development.
• Help build a scalable AI consulting and implementation practice.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of software development, solution architecture, or enterprise technology consulting experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience designing or implementing AI solutions.

Strong programming experience in one or more of the following:

• Python
• C#
• JavaScript / Node.js
• Java
• Experience working with REST APIs, JSON, and enterprise integrations.
• Experience with OpenAI, Anthropic, Azure OpenAI, Google Gemini, or similar AI platforms.
• Strong understanding of prompt engineering and AI application design.
• Experience designing customer-facing solutions and leading technical discussions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions.
• Experience with vector databases and semantic search technologies.
• Experience with AI agents, copilots, and conversational AI platforms.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Copilot Studio, or Power Platform.
• Experience integrating AI with ITSM, CRM, ERP, HR, or enterprise platforms.
• Experience with HaloITSM or HaloPSA.
• Knowledge of IT Service Management (ITSM), Enterprise Service Management (ESM), or ITIL practices.
• Experience managing or mentoring technical teams.
• Desired Characteristics
• Strong customer-service and consulting mindset.
• Ability to balance innovation with practical business value.
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and rapidly evolving technologies.
• Passion for learning and evaluating emerging AI capabilities.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts in business terms.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to build new service offerings.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.