AI Architect or AI Architect II

New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy.
• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
• Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Job Overview

NYSERDA’s IT Department seeks a qualified individual for the AI Architect/ AI Architect II position to join the highly nimble Data Solutions team. This individual works across the Authority to lead the development of AI policies, processes, and roles for a strong governance foundation. The position plays a critical role in driving development and implementation of both internal-facing and external-facing AI initiatives. This position reports to the Manager of Data Solutions.

The ideal candidate needs to be comfortable working in a fast paced and constantly changing environment. They will need to enjoy interacting with and seeking feedback from stakeholders, have a high attention to detail, and an internal drive to set and achieve personal and team goals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of NYSERDA's Artificial Intelligence strategy
• Assess and mitigate potential risks associated with the development and deployment of AI technologies, while ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks while harnessing the value of the new tools
• Apply single or multiple (composite) AI techniques such as machine learning and natural language technologies, logic, and other concepts to solve business problems
• Analyze systems to effectively monitor and control development projects
• Use AI best practices regarding applications in data science, speech recognition and computer vision
• Think through the unintended consequences of the use of data and AI, and determine how to manage risks and opportunities
• Bridge the technical gap between the AI developers and the business users
• Drive adoption and raise the level of AI literacy throughout the organization
• Conceive and plan how AI will be consumed through the Authority and our stakeholders to ensure alignment with the needs of the business and compliance with regulatory, security and data governance requirement
• Prepare and deliver AI-related presentations to a variety of stakeholders including the Public and the NYSERDA Executive team
• Interface with NYS government users that are both from within NYSERDA and also from other Agencies, Authorities, and the Governor’s Office
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies
• Provide AI support to end users (external clients and/or colleagues) through training, demonstrations, and documentation
• Assist with the improvement and integration of automation and tools
• Create templates and manuals in support of AI tools and systems deployed
• Demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community
• Manage interns and contracted staff as needed
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• AI Architect($111,925-$141,439)
  • A bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, natural language processing, cognitive science, data science, business analytics, policy, engineering, statistics, or other related field with 5 years of relevant IT experience including at least 2 years of direct AI experience;
• AI Architect II($123,793-$156,224)
  • A bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, natural language processing, cognitive science, data science, business analytics, policy, engineering, statistics, or other related field with 7 years of relevant IT experience including at least 2 years of direct AI experience;
• Experience and skill in project management, business analyses, documenting requirements, data management, and process mapping.
• Experience leveraging AI in developing strategy for systems and platforms needed to meet current and future needs, including data and analytic needs, across multiple functions and lines of business within complex business or government operating environments.
• Skilled at using AI to enable data-driven decision-making, understanding of where the information is coming from to enable decisions, how to best integrate source systems and data platforms, and how to effectively empower the right decision-makers with the right information.
• A demonstrated record in managing multiple diverse and complex activities simultaneously, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• An ability to quickly identify and drive to the best possible solution when presented with a series of opportunities and constraints.
• An ability to drive big picture goals while maintaining a strong attention to detail.
• Consistently maintain composure and professionalism.
• Great resourcefulness and an instinct for surfacing value and pragmatic solutions.
• A strong technical knowledge of a variety of potential data sources including Microsoft Excel and Access, SharePoint, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• AI Architect($111,925-$141,439)
  • An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in artificial intelligence, computer science, natural language processing, cognitive science, data science, business analytics, policy, engineering, statistics, or other related field with at least 2 years of direct AI experience
• AI Architect II($123,793-$156,224)
  • An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in artificial intelligence, computer science, natural language processing, cognitive science, data science, business analytics, policy, engineering, statistics, or other related field with 5 years of relevant IT experience including at least 2 years in a supervisory role, along with 2 years direct AI experience

Other desired skills:

• Experience with artificial intelligence software, ideally ChatGPT and Copilot
• Experience with software development in Python
• Experience with prompt engineering for LLMs
• Experience with translation of AI/ML technologies to production environments (e.g. DataOps, MLOps)
• Experience with New York State ITS policies and procedures
• Experience with Jira, Confluence or Tableau
• Familiarity with Cyber Security
• Relevant certifications
• Awareness of the business intelligence landscape
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and project management abilities
• Organized, high detailed oriented

Applicants must meet either the minimum or preferred qualifications to be considered eligible for this position.

Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume.

Please note that during the application process, you may be prompted to opt-in to Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) scoring. This is an automatic request in the ADP system but is not a feature that is used by NYSERDA in its recruiting and hiring process. Your response will have no impact on your application to NYSERDA.

The salary range is $111,925 - $156,224 annually. Candidates will be considered based on qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is offered.