Principal AI Architect

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is looking to add to our Information Technology team and has a new opportunity for a Principal AI Architect. This position is a senior technical expert responsible for defining and driving the enterprise AI architecture strategy. This position bridges advanced AI techniques with scalable, secure, and compliant system designs that support business transformation, operational efficiency, and improved member and provider experiences. The Principal AI Architect collaborates with the Director, AI Strategy, IT, and business teams to ensure the successful design, integration, and governance of AI solutions across the enterprise. This position reports to the Chief Information Officer (CIO).

"This position is eligible to work hybrid or onsite in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment."

Are you ready to make a difference? Choose to work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas.

Why Join Us?

• Family Comes First: Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees.
• Professional Growth Opportunities: Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs.
• Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborate with a team of passionate and driven individuals.
• Stability: 80 years of commitment, compassion and community
• Balance: paid vacation and sick leave with paid maternity and paternity available immediately upon hire

What you'll do

• Design and maintain the enterprise AI architecture, including data infrastructure, system integration, and deployment pipelines in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with data science, engineering, and DevOps teams to ensure scalable and secure AI model lifecycle management (MLOps).
• Evaluate and recommend tools, platforms, and technologies for AI development, governance, and performance monitoring.
• Guide AI solution development across use cases to assess feasibility and support delivery planning in collaboration with Director, AI Strategy.
• Ensure AI systems meet security, privacy, and regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA). Serve as a subject matter expert on responsible AI practices.
• Partner with cybersecurity, data governance, and compliance teams to ensure ethical and compliant AI implementations.
• Mentor technical teams and contribute to the development of internal AI standards, patterns, and reusable components.
• Stay informed on emerging AI trends, frameworks, and legislative developments impacting healthcare AI.
• Communicate architectural decisions and strategies effectively to technical and non-technical audiences, including executive stakeholders.

What you need

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in software engineering, data architecture, or AI/ML development.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in a senior or principal architecture role, preferably in a healthcare or payer organization.
• Demonstrated success in leading the design and implementation of enterprise-scale AI solutions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Deep expertise in cloud platforms, natural language processing (NLP), and large language models (LLMs) and experience working with AI embedded vendor solutions.
• Strong knowledge of AI system design, cloud architecture (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP), and data engineering principles.
• Proficiency with AI platforms and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, MLflow, Kubeflow).
• Experience architecting production-grade AI solutions in regulated industries, preferably healthcare or insurance.
• In-depth understanding of healthcare data formats (e.g., HL7, FHIR, EDI 837/835) and associated security considerations.
• Familiarity with responsible AI practices, including fairness, bias mitigation, and explainability.
• Ability to balance technical rigor with business practicality in solution design and execution.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Skilled in Agile delivery methodologies and DevOps/MLOps practices.
• Leadership presence with the ability to mentor, influence, and align diverse technical teams.

Benefits & Perks

• Base compensation is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package
  • Incentive pay program (EPIP)
  • Health/Vision/Dental insurance
  • 6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers
  • Fertility/Adoption assistance
  • 2 weeks paid caregiver leave
  • 5% 401(k) plan matching
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources

Our Commitment to Connection and Belonging

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we are committed to fostering a culture of connection and belonging, where mutual respect is at the foundation of our workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, belief, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military or veteran status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas conducts pre-employment drug screening, criminal conviction check, employment verifications and education as part of a conditional offer of employment.

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