AI & Data Platform Architect

Overview Location: Guelph, ON, Canada Date Posted: Jan 19, 2026 The AI & Data Platform Architect is responsible for designing and evolving GEI’s enterprise data and analytics foundations, including the platforms, shared services, architectural patterns, and reusable components that enable scalable, secure, and responsible digital, analytics, and AI capabilities across the firm. This position defines and governs GEI-wide data architecture, platform standards, and AI enablement patterns focused on enablement rather than product ownership – spanning data pipelines, analytics platforms, and MLOps frameworks. The AI & Data Platform Architect partners closely with engineering teams and the AI Solutions Lead to ensure AI and advanced analytics solutions intended for GEI environments are deployable, sustainable, and aligned with enterprise technology, security, and governance standards. Lead the design and evolution of GEI’s data, analytics, and AI platform architecture, with an emphasis on establishing foundational data science and MLOps readiness that enables teams to responsibly scale analytics and AI capabilities over time. Define and govern enterprise standards for data pipelines, feature engineering, model lifecycle management, and MLOps frameworks across GEI. Establish architectural patterns that ensure AI solutions are production-ready, secure, auditable, and scalable. Partner with GEI regional digital teams and champions to align platform standards with regional needs while enabling consistent adoption across the firm. Collaborate with the AI Solutions Lead and engineering teams to provide architectural guidance for AI solutions transitioning into GEI delivery environments. Ensure alignment with enterprise IT, security, data governance, and compliance requirements. Identify architectural risks and technical debt early, defining mitigation strategies to prevent experimental pilots from becoming long-term operational risk. Contribute to strategic planning by advising on platform capabilities, data readiness, and sequencing of GEI digital and AI initiatives. Mentor and provide technical leadership to data and platform engineers, including setting delivery standards, guiding team topology and workflows, and supporting future people-management responsibilities as GEI’s data and analytics capability scales. Serve as a senior technical advisor guiding GEI leadership and digital teams on data and AI sequencing decisions, helping the firm avoid premature tooling, fragmented experimentation, or unsustainable technical debt. Minimum Qualifications 7+ years of experience across data engineering, data science enablement, MLOps, or solution architecture, with demonstrated progression into enterprise or platform-level architectural leadership. Hands-on familiarity with Microsoft Azure data and analytics services such as Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse or Fabric, Azure SQL, and related platform services, including integration with Microsoft Copilot, Azure OpenAI, and enterprise AI services. Strong knowledge of data architecture, data modeling, and analytics platform design for enterprise-scale environments. Experience with MLOps concepts and practices, including feature engineering, model deployment, monitoring, lifecycle management, and CI/CD for data science and AI workloads. Familiarity with modern data and AI platforms such as Databricks, Azure Machine Learning, or similar technologies supporting data science workflows. Knowledge of data governance, security, identity, and privacy considerations in cloud-based data and AI platforms. Experience collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders, including digital, engineering, and IT teams, to guide architecture and platform decisions. Experience leading or scaling technical teams, including mentoring practitioners, establishing delivery standards, and guiding cross-functional collaboration in matrixed organizations. Prior experience supporting or enabling digital and analytics initiatives within professional services or AEC-related environments is preferred. About GEI We are GEI. Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow. We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges. With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here. Employee-owned. Employee-focused. As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here. Total Rewards Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus Pay Range For This Position: CA$130,000.00 – CA$170,000.00/year Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program Rewards and Recognition GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k) Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Physical Requirements & Work Environment GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans. These sections summarize typical work environment and physical demands. Specific requirements may vary by role and location. #J-18808-Ljbffr