Lead Enterprise Solutions Architect

Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities. Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership. We are seeking a hands-on Solution Architect to lead the design and implementation of AI-ready cloud platforms and data solutions within our Azure ecosystem. This role is responsible for modernizing our technology stack with an AI-first approach, enabling scalable, secure, and intelligent applications. The ideal candidate is an experienced cloud and data architect with deep expertise in Azure services who thrives in a fast-paced, agile environment. Essential Responsibilities • Design and implement environments for data analytics platforms leveraging Azure services. Establish governance, security and deployment frameworks for data pipelines, data lakes, as well as Python Spark and non-Spark Python applications. • Optimize data ingestion, processing, and storage for real-time analytics and AI applications. • Evaluate and recommend emerging cloud, data and AI technologies that align with business goals. • Ensure data quality, governance, and compliance while implementing ETL/ELT and data integration workflows. • Design and optimize serverless and containerized solutions using AKS, Function apps, and other Azure components. • Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues • Mentor and train team members throughout the organization • Collaborate with other architects, developers, engineering leaders, directors, etc. • Develop best-practices and guidelines for cloud development and data engineering. Required Qualifications & Skills • Deep experience in cloud architecture, data engineering and software development • Extensive knowledge of Azure ecosystem, Synapse or Databricks or Fabric, Azure Data Lake, Azure Kubernetes, Azure Functions, Azure App services, Event Grid, Key Vault, Application Insights and Azure Log Analytics • Strong proficiency in Python (primary), with working knowledge of C# • Familiarity with enterprise architecture tools, related graphical models, and frameworks • Strong background in SQL and NoSQL databases, including data architecture, modeling and query • Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills Preferred Skills • Open AI, AI Foundry, AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) • Experience with AI/ML frameworks (OpenAI, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and LLM implementations. Education & Experience: • Bachelor’s degree in information technology or related subject matter required • 5+ years of experience architecting and designing cloud and data solutions • Financial services environment preferred • Multiple relevant certifications preferred #LI-CH #LI-HYBRID A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at time of posting is below. Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, specific degrees and certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position. This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives. Our featured benefit offerings include medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid short & long-term disability and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, Maven family & fertility benefit, parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement), as well as other voluntary benefits. Salary Range $170,000 — $212,000 USD About Our Firm William Blair strives to attract qualified candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth manage