AI Architect

About the Role

Ascent Solutions is seeking a Principal AI Engineer to architect, own, and scale an AI program across the Microsoft ecosystem, focusing on the Microsoft Security Stack. This role will define the AI strategy, build AI‑driven solutions, and mentor a growing team.

• Design and implement Ascent’s end‑to‑end AI strategy, roadmap, architecture, tooling, and governance.
• Build AI workflows, automations, and integrations from scratch using Microsoft technologies.
• Partner with leadership to identify high‑value AI opportunities across the organization.
• Establish best practices for AI development, deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Architect and implement AI‑enhanced solutions using Microsoft Defender suite, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Entra, Purview, Security Copilot, and related AI‑security capabilities.
• Build intelligent detection, response, and automation workflows to strengthen security posture.
• Integrate AI models with Microsoft security telemetry, APIs, and automation tools.
• Develop custom AI models, pipelines, and orchestration logic tailored to business and security needs.
• Build scalable, secure, and maintainable AI systems using Azure services (Azure ML, Azure OpenAI, Logic Apps, Functions, etc.).
• Evaluate and implement new AI technologies, frameworks, and tools.
• Ensure compliance, security, and responsible AI practices across all solutions.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers; lead code reviews, architecture discussions, and engineering standards.

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, machine learning, or AI development.
• Deep expertise with the Microsoft Security Stack and Azure ecosystem.
• Proven experience designing AI workflows, pipelines, or automations from scratch.
• Strong proficiency in Python, C#, or similar languages used in AI and automation.
• Experience integrating AI models with enterprise systems, APIs, and security tools.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of cloud security, identity, and compliance principles.
• Preferred:
  Experience with Microsoft Security Copilot or other AI‑driven security tools.
• Preferred:
  Background in MLOps, Dev Ops, or secure software development practices.
• Preferred:
  Experience building AI governance frameworks or responsible AI processes.
• Preferred:
  Prior experience leading AI initiatives in a startup or greenfield environment.

• A builder’s mindset—excited to create, iterate, and scale from zero to one.
• A passion for AI innovation paired with a strong sense of security and responsibility.
• The ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• A collaborative spirit and the desire to elevate the people around you.

$170,000 – $185,000 per year.

401(k) plan, health insurance, accident insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, unlimited paid time off.

Ascent Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran disability or genetic information or any other reason prohibited by law in employment.