Pfizer

Director, Senior Technical Architect

Pfizer$162K — $271K *
US-Anywhere
+ 13 other locationsRemote
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher with 5-8 years of relevant experience in technology or related field.
  • Proven experience in shaping architecture for large-scale programs, particularly in AI or data-intensive environments.
  • In-depth technical expertise in modern engineering practices, cloud technologies, APIs, and AI/ML services.
  • Ability to guide technical decisions through influence rather than direct authority.
  • Experience collaborating with senior stakeholders to translate complex technical ambitions into actionable strategies.

Responsibilities

  • Shape architecture and technology strategy for key ELT-level AI programs.
  • Define target and reference architectures, establishing key technical standards and integration patterns.
  • Connect AI programs' architecture to Pfizer's enterprise platforms and ensure integration with existing capabilities.
  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor, translating ambiguous AI ambitions into clear architecture and measurable outcomes.
  • Establish responsible AI architecture guidelines to enhance speed, quality, and governance.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to engineering teams to raise technical standards and capabilities.
  • Ensure reliability, security, and governance of AI program architectures, maintaining compliance and operational excellence.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) plan with matching contributions and additional retirement savings contributions.
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, personal, and caregiver/parental leave.
  • Eligibility for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan and share-based incentive programs.
  • Relocation assistance may be provided if applicable.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a Director, Senior Technical Architect to serve as the technical leader accountable for shaping the architecture and technology strategy for key Executive Leadership Team (ELT)-level AI programs at Pfizer. This leader will define the architecture and technical direction for these high-priority AI programs, ensuring they are modern, secure, scalable, reusable, and aligned to Pfizer’s enterprise architecture standards and Digital platform strategy. The role is accountable for translating ambiguous, high-priority ELT-level AI ambitions into a clear architecture and technology strategy, and for connecting these programs to Pfizer’s enterprise platforms and standards. This leader will work as a trusted technical advisor to senior business and Digital leaders, enterprise architects, and platform teams to ensure the AI programs’ architecture is coherent, well-governed, and delivers measurable value. This position requires a senior, hands-on technical architect who can operate at the intersection of enterprise AI strategy, technology strategy, modern engineering, AI-enabled delivery, and architectural governance. As a technical authority, the Director will create clarity from complexity, make sound architecture and technology choices, guide teams through influence, and set the technical direction that helps these AI programs deliver faster, safer, and more reusable capabilities at enterprise scale. What You Will Achieve - Architecture and Technology Strategy: Shape the architecture and technology strategy for key ELT-level AI programs, connecting program ambitions, enterprise architecture standards, and emerging AI capabilities into a clear, actionable roadmap and target-state architecture. - Solution and Reference Architecture: Define the target and reference architectures for the AI programs, establishing key technical standards, integration patterns, and guardrails, and ensuring architecture decisions are sound, sustainable, and fit for enterprise scale. - Enterprise and Platform Alignment: Connect the AI programs’ architecture to Pfizer’s enterprise platforms and standards, ensuring they reuse shared capabilities (agent, data, memory, and security platforms) and integrate cleanly into the broader platform spine. - Trusted Technical Advisor: Partner with senior business and Digital leaders and ELT sponsors as a trusted advisor, translating ambiguous AI ambitions into practical architecture choices, delivery models, and measurable outcomes. - Responsible AI Architecture: Define how AI, automation, and modern engineering practices are responsibly architected across the programs to increase speed, improve quality, strengthen decision-making, and maintain appropriate governance, controls, and verification. - Technical Guidance and Mentorship: Provide architectural leadership and mentorship to the AI program engineering and delivery teams, raising technical standards and building capability through influence rather than direct authority. - Reliability, Security, and Governance: Establish and uphold expectations for reliability, security, documentation, and operational excellence across the AI programs’ architecture, ensuring it is compliant, observable, and resilient. ROLE BEHAVIOURS - Don't Lose Your Curiosity: Fosters a culture of curiosity and continuous learning across the AI programs; explores and pilots emerging AI technologies; brings outside-in perspectives into the programs’ technical direction - Set an example for your team: Consistently demonstrate a clear architectural vision, positive energy, and exemplary engineering practices that motivate the program teams to strive for their highest potential - Own the Outcome: Sets clear accountability standards focused on business impact and architectural health; takes end-to-end ownership of technical outcomes across the AI programs; drives quality and delivery commitments in the AI era - Connect Across Disciplines: Bridges technical and business domains across the AI programs; inspires holistic solutions spanning architecture, engineering, and operations; brings broad technical and business perspective; translates specialized knowledge into accessible explanations; thinks like a business insider - Communicate with Precision: Champions spec-driven development and precise technical communication; frames trade-offs clearly; communicates effectively from ELT sponsors to engineers; drives clarity as a core value across the programs - Think in Systems: Shapes systems design and architecture practices across the AI programs; anticipates failure modes and designs for resilience; influences cross-team architecture decisions; creates clarity from complexity; bridges technical systems with business processes Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements) - Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least 8 years of experience; OR a master's degree with at least 7 years of experience; OR a PhD with 5+ years of experience - Demonstrated experience defining the architecture and technology strategy for significant programs, products, or technology domains — ideally AI or data-intensive. - Deep, hands-on technical expertise in modern engineering practices, cloud platforms, data and integration patterns, APIs, AI/ML services, security, and reliability. - Experience acting as a technical advisor or design authority, guiding teams and stakeholders through influence rather than direct authority. - Experience partnering with senior business and Digital stakeholders on high-visibility programs to shape technical direction and measurable outcomes. Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements) - Degree in a technology, engineering, or related discipline preferred. - Experience operating in a highly regulated, global enterprise environment with complex compliance, privacy, security, and risk expectations. - Experience architecting AI, agentic, or automation solutions and applying platform reuse to improve speed and quality. - Track record of influencing senior stakeholders, building trusted partnerships, and creating clarity in ambiguous situations. - Recognized technical depth in AI and modern architecture (e.g., agentic platforms, LLMs, data platforms, cloud, and enterprise integration). Leadership Capabilities - Technical Strategy and Judgment: Connects enterprise AI ambitions, enterprise architecture, and technology strategy into a practical technical direction that guides design and investment. - Influence and Partnership: Communicates clearly with senior business and Digital stakeholders, frames trade-offs, builds alignment, and drives decisions through influence rather than formal authority. - Technical Depth and Breadth: Brings hands-on technical credibility to guide engineers, challenge assumptions, evaluate emerging technologies, and make sound technology choices for the AI programs. - Capability Building: Mentors engineers and technical staff, raises technical standards, and builds capability across the programs through coaching and influence. - AI and Modern Delivery Mindset: Understands how AI, automation, modern engineering, product thinking, and platform reuse can improve speed, quality, and value while maintaining appropriate controls and verification. Additional Posting Locations: Tampa, FL, Collegeville, PA, Groton, CT, La Jolla, CA, Bothell, WA and Walton Oaks (UK). On site strongly preferred. Remote locations will only be considered for internal candidates who are already designated remote. Work Location Assignment: On Premise The annual base salary for this position ranges from $162,900.00 to $271,500.00.* In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States. * The annual base salary for this position in Tampa, FL ranges from $146,600.00 to $244,400.00. This role is posted in multiple locations. If you are applying for the role in an secondary job posting location where pay transparency regulations apply, your Talent Advisor will share the local pay information with you during the first interview. Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility. Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer. U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future. To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers. Information & Business Tech

About Pfizer

Hospira, Inc. is the provider of injectable drugs and infusion technologies. Through its broad, integrated portfolio, Hospira is uniquely positioned to Advance Wellness™ by improving patient and caregiver safety while reducing healthcare costs. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., and has approximately 16,000 employees.

Pfizer Careers

Joining Pfizer’s global team offers more than just job opportunities; it’s a chance to be a part of a company that leads with science and innovates for better health. As a leading biopharmaceutical company, Pfizer is at the forefront of transforming lives through innovation, leadership, and diversity. Work You’ll Do At Pfizer, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, engaging in work that enhances global health and saves lives. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, professional growth, and inclusivity, making every day a learning opportunity. Here, your skills will be honed, your professional acumen will be expanded, and you will be part of a team that values the power of diverse insights to drive success. Pfizer’s Leadership and Growth Lead and innovate with Pfizer, where we value the growth of each employee. Our leadership is committed to providing employees with the training and resources needed to excel in their careers. Pfizer offers a variety of career paths, including roles in research, marketing, finance, technology, and more, each offering a unique blend of challenges and rewards. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career with Pfizer through our internship programs or dive straight into a full-time position. We are hiring individuals who are passionate about healthcare and who seek to make a difference in the world. Our internships provide invaluable industry experience, networking opportunities, and a potential pathway to full-time employment. Benefits and Culture Pfizer is dedicated to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued and can achieve their full potential. We offer competitive benefits packages that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. At Pfizer, you’ll find a culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Join Our Team Explore the numerous job opportunities at Pfizer by searching open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for driven, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to advance their careers in a transformative company. Stay Connected Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Pfizer. Interview and Resume Tips Prepare for your future with Pfizer by utilizing our resources for resume building and interview preparation. We provide guidance on how to effectively showcase your skills and experiences to align with the needs of a position at Pfizer. Our goal is to help you succeed in securing a role that suits your professional goals and personal growth aspirations. Pfizer: A Place Where You Can Make a Difference Every position at Pfizer contributes to our mission of making the world a healthier place. Whether through direct patient care, research innovation, or corporate roles that support our operations, your work will have global impact. Join us in our journey to change lives—explore Pfizer careers today.
Learn more about Pfizer
Size
79,000 employees
Market Cap
$285.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$9.6 billion
Founded
1849
5 Year Trend
+9%
Revenue
$41.9 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Pfizer

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Director, Senior Technical Architect jobs: