SVP, Head of AI Architecture

Job Description:

As the SVP, Head of AI Architecture, you will serve as a strategic leader responsible for defining and implementing enterprise-wide core and common AI architecture and strategy. This high-impact role bridges innovative AI research with practical, scalable solutions, ensuring all AI initiatives align with Fidelity's strategic enterprise objectives and ethical standards. In close partnership with the peer Head of AI/ML Technology to drive prioritized AI initiatives across the organization. Oversee core AI Architecture from initial design through production deployment and governance, spearheading and enforcing rigorous practices and controls to maintain consistency and reliability. Take a key leadership role in the strategic evaluation and integration of cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies into Fidelity's architectural roadmap, solidifying the organization's position as a leader in AI innovation and scalable solutions.

This position reports directly to the SVP & CIO, Global Head of Enterprise Data and AI. The preferred locations for this role are Boston, MA; Westlake, TX; or Durham, NC, though flexibility will be considered for highly qualified candidates.

Your responsibilities include:

• Strategic Vision & Planning: Define the strategic vision and roadmap for AI architecture practice across the enterprise, identifying high-impact opportunities for AI adoption.
• Architecture Design & Implementation: Lead the design and development of robust, scalable, and secure AI architectures, and integration with existing IT infrastructure.
• Technical Leadership: Serve as the top technical leader for AI architecture, guiding the selection of appropriate platforms, frameworks, and cloud technologies.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of Architects fostering a culture of innovation and best practices.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with architects from various functional domains, executive leadership, engineers, security specialists, and business stakeholders to provide direction for AI solutions and articulate complex technical concepts effectively to non-technical audiences.
• Innovation & R&D: Stay abreast of emerging AI advancements, such as Generative AI, agentic workflows, and drive innovation through prototyping and validating new technologies.

• A Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related STEM field is required.
• 15 + years of general experience and 10+ years of experience in AI/ML, data science, or software architecture, with proven experience in deploying enterprise-grade AI solutions into production environments.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML concepts, algorithms, frameworks, and programming languages. Experience with cloud computing and MLOps tools is essential.
• Proven expertise in LLMs (OpenAI, LLaMA, Claude, Gemini), RAG, agent frameworks (LangChain, LangGraph), fine-tuning (LoRA, QLoRA, PEFT), and prompt management.
• Strong understanding of security implications related to AI/ML systems (e.g., data privacy, model poisoning, adversarial attacks).
• Familiarity with various Hyperscaler tools and services is a plus.
• Ability to drive organizational change by embedding AI/ML architecture practices directly into core technology delivery teams.
• Experience with major cloud platforms such as Snowflake and AWS (or other public cloud).
• Strong executive communication & leadership presence, engaging with executive leadership (C-Suite) are required to frequently participate in core initiatives and has broad exposure to executive leadership.
• Consistent record of operations collaboration and delivery with the ability to build key relationships and influence partners on enterprise objectives.
• Ability to challenge the status quo and facilitate the exchange and creation of ideas to address business challenges and improve performance.
• Excellent talent skills and agile operating model experience with ability to develop impactful teams by setting clear goals and holding self and others accountable to standards of excellence.