McKesson

Lead AI Architect

McKesson$122K — $162K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years in solution architecture, enterprise architecture, or software engineering.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
  • Proven track record designing enterprise-scale, cloud-based systems.
  • Experience in AI/ML architecture and production deployment.
  • Hands-on knowledge of cloud services, especially Microsoft Azure.
  • Ability to set and enforce architecture governance and standards.
  • Strong communication skills for technical discussions with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Design and approve AI and data architectures for enterprise platforms.
  • Lead operationalization of AI/ML lifecycles for readiness and optimization.
  • Define architecture standards and governance for security and compliance.
  • Guide cloud-native strategies across various cloud platforms, mainly Azure.
  • Direct data preparation and feature engineering methods for AI solutions.
  • Evaluate integration patterns and data flows for aligning systems to roadmaps.
  • Mentor architects and engineers in modern practices and continuous improvement.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness resources.
  • Retirement savings plan with company match.
  • Generous paid time off and holidays.
  • Employee assistance programs and mental health support.
  • Professional development and education reimbursement opportunities.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a Lead AI Architect to define and guide enterprise-grade architecture for AI-enabled, mission-critical products and platforms. In this role, you will translate business strategy into scalable solution designs, approve end-to-end AI architectures, and help teams operationalize AI/ML capabilities securely and responsibly. You will partner across engineering, data, security, and business teams to shape target-state architecture, simplify the technology landscape, and deliver measurable outcomes in a regulated enterprise environment.

What You'll Do
  • Design and approve end-to-end AI, data, and application architectures for enterprise platforms and high-impact initiatives.
  • Lead AI/ML lifecycle operationalization, including deployment readiness, observability, and ongoing optimization.
  • Define architecture standards, governance guardrails, and exception processes that support security, reliability, performance, compliance, and operability.
  • Guide cloud-native and hybrid solution strategy across cloud platforms, with Azure AI Foundry preferred.
  • Direct data preparation and feature engineering approaches that support scalable, production-ready AI solutions.
  • Evaluate platforms, integration patterns, APIs, event-driven architectures, and data flows to align current-state systems to target-state roadmaps.
  • Partner with product, engineering, security, and operations leaders to manage technical risk, accelerate delivery, and communicate trade-offs to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Mentor architects and engineers while promoting modern ways of working, continuous improvement, and enterprise systems thinking.


Minimum requirements: Degree or equivalent and typically requires 10+ years of relevant experience. Less years required if has relevant Master's or Doctorate qualifications.

Basic Requirements
  • 10+ years of experience in solution architecture, enterprise architecture, software engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Proven experience designing enterprise-scale architectures for cloud-based, distributed, and integrated systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with AI/ML architecture, AI/ML lifecycle operationalization, and production deployment patterns.
  • Hands-on knowledge of cloud architecture; experience with Microsoft Azure required, with Azure AI Foundry strongly preferred.
  • Experience defining and enforcing architecture governance, standards, and design review processes.
  • Strong knowledge of APIs, event-driven integration, data architecture, security-by-design, and operational resilience.
  • Ability to communicate architecture decisions, risks, and trade-offs clearly to executive and cross-functional audiences.


Preferred Skills / Experience
  • Experience with TOGAF, C4 model, ITIL 4, OWASP Top 10, or similar enterprise architecture and security frameworks.
  • Experience with multi-cloud environments, CI/CD, infrastructure as code, observability, backup/disaster recovery, and high-availability patterns.
  • Background in data preparation, feature engineering, MLOps, model monitoring, and AI governance.
  • Experience supporting regulated, complex, or large-scale enterprise environments.
  • Track record of leading modernization initiatives, portfolio roadmaps, or M&A-related architecture integration.
  • Experience influencing across domains and coaching architects or engineering teams.


We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package at McKesson as part of our Total Rewards. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. The pay range shown below is aligned with McKesson's pay philosophy, and pay will always be compliant with any applicable regulations. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered. For more information regarding benefits at McKesson, please click here.

Our Base Pay Range for this position

$122,100 - $162,800

McKesson has become aware of online recruiting-related scams in which individuals who are not affiliated with or authorized by McKesson are using McKesson's (or affiliated entities, like CoverMyMeds or RxCrossroads) name in fraudulent emails, job postings or social media messages. In light of these scams, please bear the following in mind:

McKesson Talent Advisors will never solicit money or credit card information in connection with a McKesson job application.

McKesson Talent Advisors do not communicate with candidates via online chatrooms or using email accounts such as Gmail or Hotmail. Note that McKesson does rely on a virtual assistant (Gia) for certain recruiting-related communications with candidates.

McKesson job postings are posted on our career site: careers.mckesson.com.

About McKesson

McKesson Corporation provides medicines, pharmaceutical supplies, information and care management products and services across the healthcare industry. The Company operates in two segments. The McKesson Distribution Solutions segment delivers ethical drugs, medical-surgical supplies and equipment and health and beauty care products throughout North America. This segment also provides specialty pharmaceutical solutions for biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturers, sells financial, operational and clinical solutions for pharmacies (retail, hospital, long-term care) and provides consulting, outsourcing and other services. The McKesson Technology Solutions segment delivers enterprise-wide clinical, patient care, financial, supply chain, strategic management and software solutions. In July 2011, the Company acquired Portico Systems from Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. On March 25, 2012, it acquired the independent banner and franchise businesses of Katz Group Canada Inc. McKesson Distribution Solutions delivers pharmaceuticals to retail pharmacies and institutional providers like hospitals and health systems. They operate pharmaceutical distribution centers across the country, serving customers in all 50 states. They also deliver a comprehensive offering of health care products, technology, equipment and related services to the alternate site market, including physician offices, surgery centers, long-term care facilities and home care businesses across the country. McKesson is currently the largest pharmaceutical distributor in North America. McKesson also operates McKesson Canada and has an equity holding in Nadro, a leading distributor in Mexico.

McKesson Careers

Join McKesson, a leading global healthcare company, and be part of a team that is redefining the future of healthcare. With a variety of job opportunities available, McKesson is the perfect place to advance your career, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out. Work You’ll Do At McKesson, we are committed to improving care in every setting—one product, one partner, one patient at a time. We’re seeking talented professionals to join our team and contribute to a culture of innovation, diversity, and leadership. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire for continuous growth and improvement. Empower Your Future in Healthcare With positions ranging from internships to leadership roles, McKesson offers unparalleled employment opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that all team members have the opportunity to thrive. Join a team where your skills will be honed, your professional growth will be supported, and where you can genuinely see the difference you make in the lives of patients around the world. Innovative Work Environment McKesson is at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Our team is constantly exploring new ways to improve patient outcomes and streamline care processes. This commitment to innovation is what sets us apart and what makes McKesson an exciting place to work. Career Development and Benefits McKesson believes in nurturing the potential of its employees through robust career development programs and comprehensive benefits designed to support your life and well-being. From leadership training to health and wellness benefits, we ensure our team members are equipped to meet their professional and personal goals. Explore Job Opportunities Whether you’re looking for an internship to kickstart your career, or a senior position to utilize your extensive experience, McKesson offers a range of opportunities. Explore our open positions and find where you can make a difference at McKesson. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take the next step in their careers. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Networking and Professional Growth At McKesson, networking and professional growth are part of our everyday environment. We encourage our employees to connect, share, and learn from each other to foster personal and professional development. Job Alert Emails 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 you at McKesson. Join McKesson today and be part of a team that is dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare.
Learn more about McKesson
Size
58,000 employees
Market Cap
$53.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$4.1 billion
Founded
1833
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$237.6 billion
NASDAQ

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