Ecolab

Principal AI Architect

Ecolab • $166K — $249K *
Naperville, IL 60540In-Person
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field and 10 years of architecture and AI/DS engineering experience.
  • Expertise in AI and data ecosystem design, including multi-agent orchestration.
  • Proficiency with AI/ML platforms and LLM APIs, including OpenAI and Hugging Face.
  • Experience with data and cloud infrastructure tools like Databricks, Snowflake, and Azure.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and integration of microservices using REST, GraphQL, and gRPC.
  • Knowledge of responsible AI governance, privacy compliance, and security protocols.
  • Leadership capabilities to influence technical strategy and mentor engineering teams.

Responsibilities

  • Define enterprise architecture across generative AI, workflows, and data ecosystems.
  • Participate as a technical leader, influencing strategy and addressing organizational challenges.
  • Architect and implement scalable AI solutions within broader SaaS frameworks.
  • Evaluate technologies to support cost-efficient, multi-cloud solutions.
  • Enhance governance standards for security, compliance, and ethical AI use.
  • Mentor teams to promote technical autonomy and excellence in architecture.
  • Analyze emerging AI tooling and integrate architectural patterns for quicker delivery.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits package for associates and their families.
Full Job Description
Ecolab Digital is seeking a commercial solutions focused Principal AI Architect to scale the value of AI / DS intelligence to deliver unique offerings for customers via digital software solutions with embedded AI. In this role, you will collaborate with the AI development teams, E2E solution architects, and technical engineering owners to design AI architecture within the larger solution architecture. You will own the strategic advancement of the AI tech stack and understand industry changes and opportunities to maximize solution design. You will partner with AI development teams to review adherence and navigate new solution challenges through the development process. This role is aligned with a dynamic team at the forefront of technological innovation creating cutting-edge AI for intelligent solutions that transform how our customers operate for enhanced efficiency and sustainability.

Position Details
  • Location: The desired location for this role is either Naperville, IL or St. Paul, MN with a hybrid schedule.
  • Travel: Up to 10% of the time.


What you will do
  • Define enterprise architecture across GenAI, agentic workflows, ML platforms, and data engineering ecosystems.
  • Serve as a technical voice in leadership discussions, influencing strategy and navigating organizational challenges.
  • Architect and implement scalable AI solutions including agentic ecosystems, advanced pipelines, and AI model integrations with larger end-to-end SAAS solutions.
  • Evaluate and understand technologies that meet needs in support of cost optimized, multi-cloud solutions including aspects of Databricks, Snowflake, Azure and beyond.
  • Elevate governance standards covering security, compliance, and responsible AI/data use.
  • Mentor engineering teams, fostering autonomy, technical excellence, and architectural discipline.
  • Evaluate emerging AI/data tooling and integrate reusable architectural patterns to accelerate delivery.
  • Ensure alignment of architecture with business goals, scalability requirements, and innovation roadmaps.
  • Provide clear, consistent communication and presentation to various stakeholders related to AI architecture strategy and implementation to drive alignment, eduation, and impact-based decisions
  • Work within an agile global resource model, planning for and delivering against initiatives


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or related field and 10 years of experience in progressive architecture and AI/DS design and engineering
  • Enterprise Architecture: AI + data ecosystem design, multi-agent orchestration (LangChain, LangGraph, Haystack), enterprise-wide AI/ML standards.
  • AI/ML Platforms: LLM APIs (OpenAI, Hugging Face, Anthropic, MosaicML), transformer architectures, RAG workflows, LLMOps frameworks (prompt lifecycle, monitoring).
  • LLMOps frameworks (prompt lifecycle, monitoring, context engineering, harness engineering).
  • Data & Cloud Infrastructure: Databricks (Delta Lake, Spark SQL, PySpark, MLflow), Snowflake (enterprise-scale warehousing), Azure (AKS, Synapse, EventHub, Logic Apps).
  • Programming & Integration: Python (Transformers, LangChain, PyTorch), API integration (REST, GraphQL, gRPC), microservices/event-driven systems.
  • Governance & Security: Responsible AI frameworks, privacy/compliance, OAuth2, JWT, TLS, RBAC.
  • DevOps & Delivery: CI/CD (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), observability (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack).
  • Leadership & Strategy: Influence technical strategy, mentor engineers, simplify complex concepts for diverse stakeholders.
  • Ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment, embracing change and utilizing proven reasoning in balancing practical business needs and architectural rigor
  • No immigration sponsorship is available for this role at this time.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Exposure to multi-cloud architectures (Azure, AWS, GCP).
  • Strong understanding of token-efficient AI consumption with an ability to surface FinOps tradeoffs
  • Experience with data mesh and federated AI systems.
  • Familiarity with knowledge graphs and semantic search.
  • Hands-on with MLOps orchestration tools (Kubeflow, MLflow, Vertex AI).
  • Understanding of edge AI deployment and IoT integration.
  • Experience in enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman).
  • Knowledge of AI ethics frameworks and regulatory compliance (EU AI Act, ISO standards).
  • Demonstrated interconnected disciplinary knowledge of digital solution development


Annual or Hourly Compensation Range

The base salary range for this position is $166,300.00 - $249,600.00. This position is eligible for annual bonus pay based on performance, per plan terms. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits.

If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.

Potential Customer Requirements Notice

To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:

- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.

About Ecolab

Ecolab provides comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights, and personalized service to customers in the food, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial markets in more than countries to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability.

Ecolab Careers

Join Ecolab's dynamic team today and be part of a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions. At Ecolab, we are committed to advancing technologies and driving innovation that makes the world cleaner, safer, and healthier.

Work You’ll Do

At Ecolab, you will find job opportunities that promise robust growth and development in a culture that fosters leadership, innovation, and diversity. Our team is composed of over 48,000 dedicated professionals who lead the industry in delivering efficient solutions and services to our customers worldwide.

Professional Growth and Development

Embark on a career path that empowers your ambition. Ecolab offers a myriad of career advancement opportunities supported by comprehensive training programs and professional development courses. Our commitment to your growth is paralleled by our dedication to innovation and excellence in every aspect of our business.

Inclusive and Supportive Culture

Ecolab’s culture thrives on teamwork, respect, and diversity. We believe in creating an inclusive environment that values each individual’s unique background and perspectives. Diversity training and leadership programs are integral parts of our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a change, Ecolab offers a range of employment and internship opportunities that can help you harness your skills and achieve your professional goals. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that all candidates are given the opportunity to showcase their strengths.

Benefits and Networking

Joining Ecolab means more than just employment; it’s an opportunity to be part of a global network of industry leaders and innovators. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, including health, life, and dental insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. We also encourage our team to connect and collaborate through various professional networking events.

Explore Job Opportunities

Are you ready to make a significant impact? Explore the various positions available at Ecolab, from entry-level roles to executive positions. Tailor your resume and prepare for interviews with our career experts who are here to support you every step of the way.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players.

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Learn more about Ecolab
Size
47,000 employees
Market Cap
$41 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
-0.6%
Revenue
$11.7 billion
NASDAQ
ECL
* Ladders Estimates

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