Lead Solution Architect, Analytics & Al/ML at rackspace

Rackspace Technology is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Solution Architect, Analytics & Al/ML to lead the design and sales of two critical solution portfolios: Generative AI/LLM solutions and Data modernization/Lakehouse architectures on AWS. This pivotal role requires mastery of both domains - leveraging generative AI capabilities (Amazon Q, Amazon Bedrock, QuickSight) to drive executive conversations and opportunity creation, while delivering enterprise data modernization through Lakehouse architectures using AWS native services (Glue, SageMaker Unified Studio) and leading platforms (Databricks on AWS, Snowflake on AWS). This is a presales role that demands cross-functional experience with proven ability to engage C-level stakeholders, drive top-of-funnel opportunity creation, and maintain comprehensive account ownership across the entire customer lifecycle. The ideal candidate will excel at both selling the vision of generative AI transformation and delivering the reality of enterprise data modernization, combining deep technical expertise with exceptional business acumen and executive presence. Work Location: United States of America/ Travel up to 25% per business requirements to customer sites and AWS events  - If located near a Rackspace office, you’ll work a hybrid schedule… two days in the office and three days work from home. ·   If not located near an office, you may work 100% remotely.  Sponsorship This role is not sponsorship eligible. Candidates need to be legally allowed to work in the US for any employer Responsibilities • Strategic Leadership & Opportunity Development • • Drive top-of-funnel opportunity creation through two parallel tracks: engaging C-level stakeholders with generative AI demonstrations (Amazon Q, Amazon Bedrock) and identifying data modernization needs for Lakehouse transformations. • Lead the design and architecture of dual solution portfolios: • Generative AI Solutions: Amazon Bedrock implementations, Amazon Q deployments, QuickSight with Q capabilities, RAG architectures, and custom LLM solutions. • Data Modernization: Enterprise Lakehouse architectures using AWS Glue, SageMaker Unified Studio, Databricks on AWS, and Snowflake on AWS. • Act as the trusted advisor, positioning generative AI as the transformational vision while grounding delivery in robust data platform modernization. • Develop compelling business cases that connect AI aspirations with practical data foundation requirements, demonstrating ROI across both portfolios. • Stay current with advancements in generative AI (foundation models, LLMs) and modern data architectures (Lakehouse patterns, data mesh, unified analytics). • Contribute to Rackspace's intellectual property through reference architectures covering both generative AI implementations and Lakehouse design patterns. • Mentor and provide leadership to Solution Architects by delegating work, guiding technical development, and fostering skill growth across both generative AI and data modernization solution areas. • • Customer Engagement & Solution Delivery • • Serve as the primary technical lead orchestrating both generative AI discussions and data modernization programs for strategic accounts. • Build strategic relationships using two engagement models: • Executive Level: Amazon Q demonstrations, QuickSight analytics with generative BI, art-of-the-possible sessions. • Technical Level: Lakehouse architecture workshops, platform assessments (Databricks vs Snowflake vs AWS-native), migration planning. • Lead comprehensive consultative engagements that begin with generative AI vision (Amazon Q, Bedrock) and translate into concrete data modernization roadmaps. • Develop Statements of Work (SOWs) that balance innovative AI capabilities with foundational data platform requirements. • Guide customers through parallel journeys: generative AI adoption (POCs to production) and data platform modernization (legacy to Lakehouse). • Collaborate with sales teams to position both solution portfolios strategically based on customer maturity and needs. • • Technical Excellence & Market Awareness • • Maintain deep expertise across both solution domains: • Generative AI **: Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q, QuickSight Q, SageMaker JumpStart, prompt engineering, RAG architectures, vector databases. • Data Platforms **: AWS Glue, SageMaker Unified Studio, Databricks on AWS, Snowflake on AWS, Redshift, EMR, Apache Iceberg, Delta Lake. • Position AWS solutions effectively against other cloud platforms' offerings in both generative AI (Azure OpenAI, Vertex AI) and data platforms (Azure Synapse, BigQuery) • Guide architectural decisions on build vs. buy for both Al capabilities and data platform components Required Experience • Dual Expertise Required: • Deep experience with generative AI technologies: Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q, LLM architectures, RAG implementations. • Proven track record delivering data modernization: Lakehouse architectures, Databricks and/or Snowflake implementations, AWS Glue/EMR deployments • A bachelor's degree in computer science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical field is required. At the manager’s discretion, additional relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement. • A minimum of 12 years of enterprise solution architecture experience. • A minimum of 8 years of public cloud experience. • A minimum of 5 years as a senior-level architect or solutions leader with hands-on experience in both AI/ML and data platform modernization. • Demonstrated success in engaging C-level executives using generative AI demonstrations while delivering complex data platform transformations. • Strong understanding across the full spectrum: • AI/ML: Generative AI, foundation models, LLMs, traditional ML, prompt engineering, fine-tuning. • Data Platforms **: Lakehouse architectures, data mesh, ETL/ELT, streaming, data governance, data quality. • Proficiency in Python, SQL, and Spark with hands-on experience in: • Generative AI: LangChain, vector databases, embedding models. • Data Engineering: PySpark, Apache Iceberg/Delta Lake, orchestration tools. • A proven ability to articulate both visionary AI possibilities and practical data platform requirements to diverse audiences. Preferred Qualifications • An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant field • Experience with AWS professional services or AWS partner ecosystem across both Al and data domains • Presales experience • Hands-on experience with: • Multiple Lakehouse platforms: Databricks, Snowflake, AWS-native (Glue + Athena + Redshift) • Multiple Al platforms: AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, Google Vertex Al • Industry certifications: • AWS: Solutions Architect Professional, Machine Learning Specialty, Data Analytics Specialty • Platform specific: Databricks Certified, Snowflake SnowPro • Experience with regulated industries requiring governance for both AI and data platforms • Track record building practices that deliver both generative AI solutions and data modernization programs • Published thought leadership in generative AI applications and/or modern data architectures Work Location: United States of America/ Travel up to 25% per business requirements to customer sites and AWS events  - If located near a Rackspace office, you’ll work a hybrid schedule… two days in the office and three days work from home. ·   If not located near an office, you may work 100% remotely.  Sponsorship This role is not sponsorship eligible. Candidates need to be legally allowed to work in the US for any employer Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The total pay for this position ranges from $220,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $269,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors, including market location, and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of annual bonus or incentives, equity awards, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Learn more about the benefits at Rackspace. "Remote postings are limited to candidates residing within the country specified in the posting location" About Rackspace Technology We are the multicloud solutions experts. We combine our expertise with the world’s leading technologies — across applications, data and security — to deliver end-to-end solutions. We have a proven record of advising customers based on their business challenges, designing solutions that scale, building and managing those solutions, and optimizing returns into the future. Named a best place to work, year after year according to Fortune, Forbes and Glassdoor, we attract and develop world-class talent. Join us on our mission to embrace technology, empower customers and deliver the future.     More on Rackspace Technology Though we’re all different, Rackers thrive through our connection to a central goal: to be a valued member of a winning team on an inspiring mission. We bring our whole selves to work every day. And we embrace the notion that unique perspectives fuel innovation and enable us to best serve our customers and communities around the globe. We welcome you to apply today and want you to know that we are committed to offering equal employment opportunity without regard to age, color, disability, gender reassignment or identity or expression, genetic information, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, military or veteran status, nationality, ethnic or national origin, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any legally protected characteristic. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.