Principal Architect - Apps & AI

## About the role Own and drive enterprise scale architecture and delivery execution across highly complex customer portfolios, ensuring alignment to business strategy, transformation goals, and long term technology roadmaps. Embed AI first and AI native principles across solution design, delivery models, and operating frameworks—driving intelligent automation, agentic workflows, and data driven execution at scale. Serve as the primary executive technical interface for CIO / CTO / CDO leadership, translating business strategy into scalable architecture, delivery plans, and transformation milestones. Lead strategic recovery and stabilization of high risk or mission critical programs, establishing executive credibility and clear, outcome driven remediation paths. Influence architectural direction beyond a single program—shaping account level, industry level, and GCID wide technical strategies. Act as a visible thought leader with customers and internal leadership—shaping future state architectures, modernization strategies, and AI adoption roadmaps. Track and evaluate emerging technologies, AI platforms, and engineering paradigms to inform strategic investments and differentiated offerings. Influence innovation across GCID by sharing best practices, defining reusable assets, and mentoring senior architects. Provide seniormost technical leadership across multiple architect teams, fostering a strong culture of accountability, rigor, and innovation. Mentor and develop senior and principal architects, setting clear expectations for L64/L65 progression and impact. Influence talent strategy, capability development, and succession planning across Apps & AI engineering communities. ## Requirements 22+ years of experience in software engineering and enterprise architecture, with significant experience operating at CxO level technical leadership roles. Proven track record leading largescale transformation programs across cloud, data, AI, and modern application platforms. Strong executive communication, stakeholder influence, and decision making capability. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience; advanced certifications and industry recognition preferred. ## Nice to have (All areas below assume enterprise scale ownership and executive level influence) * Full Stack Application Engineering * End-to-end architecture leadership for modern, largescale application ecosystems * Deep expertise in distributed systems, scalability, performance, and secure application design * Own technical strategy for large, complex, highvalue deals * Translate executive business priorities into competitive, differentiated architectures * Influence both customer and internal leadership on technical investment and risk decisions * Lead earlystage innovation, pilots, and lighthouse programs with executive sponsorship * Guide customers from whiteboard concepts to scaled production platforms * Operate confidently in ambiguous, highpressure executive environments, balancing speed with governance * Operate as a trusted advisor to CEO / CIO / CTO stakeholders, guiding executive level conversations on digital transformation, AI adoption, cloud strategy, platform modernization, and operating model changes * Build long term executive relationships that position GCID as a strategic transformation partner, not just a delivery vendor * Ensure enterprise grade security, governance, reliability, and compliance across all engagements * Drive adoption of secure by design, Responsible AI, and privacy first engineering practices aligned with customer regulatory and risk postures * Partner with customer security, risk, and compliance leadership to design architectures ready for regulated and highly scrutinized environments * Design and influence platform centric, PaaSfirst enterprise architectures