JOB DESCRIPTION

The Expert Solutions Architect will primarily be responsible for architecting solutions for strategic initiatives and projects that combine new and existing applications, tools and technology to derive effective & efficient solutions that address the business problems/opportunities and also align to enterprise policies and standards. As part of the Enterprise Architecture group, this role will also contribute to maturing Enterprise Architecture practice in the organization by providing patterns, guidelines, position papers as needed.
This role will focus on Delta Dental’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Architecture to lead the architectural vision and implementation of Delta Dental’s AI initiatives. The Expert AI Solutions Architect will not only design scalable, secure, and performant AI solutions but also dive deep into the code, prototype cutting-edge concepts, and guide their successful deployment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, AI, ML, Data Science, or a related quantitative field; Ph.D. is a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in software architecture, with at least 2 years specializing in AI/ML, or demonstrable equivalent experience through significant, impactful AI/ML projects. Experience in medical insurance and/or healthcare preferred.
• Expert proficiency in Python and hands-on experience with cloud AI/ML services (Azure preferred), including developing and deploying models.
• Demonstrated ability to build and deploy Generative AI solutions (LLMs, diffusion models) with a strong portfolio or examples of hands-on work.
• Familiarity with and ability to develop agentic AI frameworks such as LangChain, AutoGen, or similar, including custom agent development.
• Expert knowledge of MLOps/LLMOps pipeline, including implementation with tools like MLflow, Kubeflow, Azure ML, or similar CI/CD platforms.
• Proven ability working with prompt engineering techniques, large model attunement, and vector databases (e.g., Pinecone, Weaviate, Milvus).
• Solid understanding of data privacy regulations (HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA).
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in designing, developing, and integrating APIs for AI services
• Influence and leadership skills, including the ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders and effectively lead technical discussions and implementations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Licenses

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, preferred.
• AI/ML Certification, preferred.

Base Pay Information
The national base pay range at the end is a good-faith estimate of what Delta Dental may pay for new hires. Actual pay may vary based on Delta Dental’s assessment of the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), related experience, education, certifications and ability to meet required minimum job qualifications. Other factors impacting pay include prevailing wages in the work location and internal equity.
Pay Grade 24. $122,400 - $265,100

ABOUT THE TEAM

At Delta Dental, we’re behind millions of smiles and counting. For over 68 years, we’ve served our communities by increasing access to affordable, quality care - but that commitment to care extends beyond the people we serve, to the dedicated employees who make those smiles genuine. We’ve come this far by building fair programs that offer opportunities for advancement, create meaningful connections and improve the lives of our employees and their families. Because we know that when we take exceptional care of each other, we can make a positive impact for all.
We champion an inspirational workplace through our commitment to trust, service, excellence and innovation. Joining us means working for a company that offers stability and balance, opportunities for leadership at all levels, and a work environment focused on teamwork and camaraderie.
Discover the smiling faces behind Delta Dental and experience our values and culture in action by connecting with us on social media. Follow Delta Dental Ins. on Facebook and Instagram, #LifeatDDins on Facebook and Instagram, Delta Dental Ins. on Twitter and Delta Dental Ins. on LinkedIn. If you’ve got an appetite for innovation and want to be a part of a team that’s transforming the future of health care, join us!
Since 1955, we have offered comprehensive, high-quality oral health care benefits to millions of enrollees and built the strongest network of dental providers in the country. The Delta Dental of California network includes affiliates Delta Dental Insurance Company; Delta Dental of Pennsylvania; Delta Dental of New York, Inc.; Delta Dental of the District of Columbia; Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc.; and Delta Dental of West Virginia, providing dental benefits to more than 31 million people across 15 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The company and its affiliates are part of Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA), a not-for-profit national association based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Through our national network of Delta Dental companies, we offer dental coverage in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. We offer vision coverage through DeltaVision in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Collectively, we deliver benefits to more Americans than any other dental insurance company.
Delta Dental Ins. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment. Individuals seeking employment at Delta Dental are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, actual or perceived physical or mental disability, registered domestic partner status, caregiver status, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other legally protected category. Delta Dental is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, we have adopted and maintain an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Harassment-Free Work Environment Policy, and Respectful Workplace policies and will not tolerate violations of these policies.
Unfortunately, our Delta Dental Enterprise is unable to hire individuals residing in Alaska, North Dakota, Nebraska, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Vermont, Maine, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) or other US Territories at this time.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.

• Delta Dental includes: Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, and Delta Dental of New York

• Define, design, and implement scalable, secure AI solutions leveraging Generative AI (e.g., LLMs, diffusion models), Agentic AI systems (e.g., multi-agent frameworks), and mature MLOps/LLMOps practices.
• Architect and implement end-to-end AI workflows, including data ingestion pipelines, designing model orchestration layers, implementing prompt engineering strategies, deploying solutions and ensuring seamless integration with enterprise systems.
• Develop and code robust frameworks for evaluating AI models - defining metrics, creating test cases, and implementing processes for accuracy, fairness, safety, and reliability, particularly for Generative and Agentic AI.
• Lead the continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) of AI models by developing automation scripts, configuring monitoring, establishing versioning, ensuring governance, and building scalable deployment pipelines.
• Guide data scientists and ML engineers, offering hands-on assistance to ensure adherence to architectural principles and AI best practices.
• Convert complex healthcare business challenges into actionable AI strategies, rapidly prototyping solutions to demonstrate feasibility and value.
• Stay ahead of AI trends by evaluating new technologies, tools, and frameworks, conducting hands-on experiments and pilot projects to continuously enhance AI capabilities.
• Establish AI governance policies, ensuring compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, ethical AI standards, model explainability, and internal security requirements.
• Partner closely with product managers, business analysts, and data engineers to define requirements, document and deliver impactful AI solutions, and serve as the primary technical expert.
• Maintain clear, comprehensive architectural documentation that includes implementation details.
• This list is not all-inclusive and you are expected to perform other duties as requested or assigned.