AI Solutions Architect and Practice Lead

**Job** **Title:** AI Solutions Architect \& Practice Lead **Location:** Hybrid \- Chicago, IL (4 days onsite/1 day remote)**Job Type:** Independent Contract (Contractor / Non\-Employee) **Start** **Date:** ASAP**Pay Rate:** $75\-80/hr 1099 / C2C**Contract Length:** 12\+ Months **Position Summary:*** We are seeking an experienced AI Solutions Architect / AI Practice Lead to help build and expand our Artificial Intelligence service offerings within the HaloITSM ecosystem. * This individual will be responsible for identifying, designing, and implementing AI\-driven solutions that extend beyond Halo's native AI capabilities. The successful candidate will work directly with customers to understand business challenges and design practical AI solutions leveraging Halo's Open API, enterprise data sources, large language models (LLMs), automation platforms, and modern AI technologies. * The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with excellent consulting and communication skills. This role will help define our AI strategy, mentor technical resources, develop repeatable AI offerings, and establish the company as a leader in AI\-enabled service management solutions. **Key Responsibilities** **AI Solution Architecture*** Design and implement AI\-powered solutions integrated with Halo ITSM and third\-party platforms. * Develop use cases leveraging Generative AI, Agentic AI, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and workflow automation. * Design AI architectures utilizing Halo Open APIs, enterprise applications, knowledge repositories, and operational data sources. * Evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend practical business applications. * Build proof\-of\-concepts and pilot programs for customers. **Customer Engagement*** Conduct AI discovery workshops with customers. * Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, automation, knowledge management, and user experience through AI. * Translate business requirements into AI solution designs. * Present technical and business concepts to both technical and executive audiences. * Act as a trusted advisor for AI strategy and adoption. **Solution Development*** Develop integrations between AI platforms and enterprise systems. * Build AI\-powered assistants, knowledge search solutions, virtual agents, and automation workflows. * Implement AI governance, security, and data privacy best practices. * Create reusable frameworks, accelerators, and templates. * Support production AI solutions and troubleshoot complex issues. **Leadership \& Practice Development*** Define our AI service offerings and go\-to\-market strategy. * Mentor developers, consultants, and junior technical resources. * Establish AI architecture standards and delivery methodologies. * Assist with sales opportunities, solution demonstrations, and proposal development. * Help build a scalable AI consulting and implementation practice. **Required Qualifications*** 7\+ years of software development, solution archite