Systems Architect / Engineering Architecture Lead

About the role

A boutique consultancy specializing in IT professional services and engineering talent solutions is seeking an experienced Systems Architect or Chief Systems Architect to contribute to a specialized AI training project focused on complex, real-world engineering workflows. The role suits senior engineers who define system architectures, manage technical interfaces and lead multidisciplinary teams. It is a contractor position, remote, with US-based candidates preferred but worldwide candidates with strong relevant experience also considered. Previous AI experience is not required.

Key responsibilities

• Design realistic engineering projects requiring architectural decisions across mechanical, electrical, hardware, software and manufacturing disciplines.
• Translate project objectives into detailed system architectures with boundaries, subsystem responsibilities, interfaces and constraints.
• Break complex challenges into tasks with defined inputs, deliverables, dependencies and expert responsibilities.
• Define system-level requirements and align subsystem specifications with project objectives.
• Evaluate architectural alternatives through technical trade studies on feasibility, performance, cost and reliability.
• Document interfaces and dependencies between subsystems and disciplines, and set acceptance criteria and evaluation frameworks.
• Apply systems engineering principles to identify integration risks, conflicts and gaps, and review architectures against functional and operational requirements.

Required profile

• Substantial experience as a Systems Architect, Chief Systems Architect or in a comparable technical leadership role.
• Proven experience owning the architecture of complex engineering systems and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience conducting architecture reviews and evaluating system-level design decisions.
• Ability to turn project objectives into structured architectures, technical requirements and measurable criteria.
• Understanding of subsystem dependencies, system boundaries, integration challenges and engineering constraints.
• English at B2 level or higher.

Required skills

• System architecture design, technical trade studies and interface management.
• Strong analytical, organizational and technical communication skills.