What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal AI Architect position at Qorali?
Principal AI Architect
A major enterprise is redesigning how it builds software for the AI era and is seeking a senior technical leader to architect a next‑generation development lifecycle. This role is a hands‑on, high‑influence individual contributor position where you’ll define the standards, practices, and guardrails that enable both human developers and AI agents to produce consistent, high‑quality code across a wide range of criticality levels.
You’ll create a tiered SDLC framework, pilot it with real engineering teams, and drive adoption across the organization. This is a rare opportunity to reshape how a large, regulated environment approaches software delivery - with executive sponsorship and the authority to make standards enforceable, not optional.
What You’ll Lead:
- Design a multi‑tier SDLC model with prescriptive practices for everything from lightweight tools to mission‑critical systems
- Establish detailed standards for structure, testing, documentation, error handling, operability, and review
- Create documentation and testing patterns that work for both human developers and AI‑assisted workflows
- Build pathways that support citizen development while maintaining visibility and control
- Pilot the new SDLC with engineering teams and refine it through real‑world feedback
- Align engineering, architecture, security, QA, and governance around a unified delivery model
- Build a continuous learning loop where incidents, reviews, and operational data feed back into evolving standards
What You Bring:
- Deep experience designing or governing software development practices at scale
- Strong architectural instincts and the ability to define standards with clarity and authority
- A track record of influencing cross‑functional teams without direct management
- Comfort working in regulated or high‑assurance environments
- Passion for building systems and processes that others depend on — and frustration with “optional” standards
What You Bring:
- $200-240k base
- 30% annual bonus
- 6% 401k matching
- 25 days PTO
- Health, vision, dental and life plans
This is a hybrid role, based in Chicago.
Salary : $200,000 - $240,000