AI Solution Architect Jobs in California

ABOUT BLACKHAWK NETWORK:

Today, through BHN’s single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world’s largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, egifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN’s network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at BHN.com. Hybrid flexibility: At Blackhawk Network, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds—focused remote work plus in-person collaboration on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, our regular in-office days at our Pleasanton headquarters. This rhythm gives you the tools, connection, and autonomy you need to make a real impact.

Overview:

At Blackhawk Network, we are driving enterprise AI solutions that are fundamentally reshaping how we operate. We are looking for a hands-on AI Architect who can partner directly with business leaders to identify, design, and deploy AI-driven solutions that automate workflows, improve quality, and reduce costs at scale. This technical, results-oriented AI Architect will drive the design, development, and implementation of Agentic AI / Gen AI solutions. You will define the strategic vision for critical AI initiatives, leveraging various technologies to ensure they align with business objectives and meet high standards for scalability, security, and performance. This is not a theoretical or advisory role rather it’s a role that will build-and-deploy with direct visibility to senior leadership and a mandate to drive measurable business impact.

This position is a seasoned, highly technical, individual contributor role reporting to the VP, Data Engineering & AI Architecture.

Responsibilities:

Partner to Identify and Unlock Value

• Work directly with business leaders across Finance, Operations, Customer Support, and GTM to identify high-impact opportunities to automate, scale, and improve quality
• Translate complex business workflows into AI-driven solutions with clear, measurable ROI

Design and Build AI Solutions End-to-End

• Architect and develop AI agents, multi-agent systems, and LLM-powered workflows
• Build and deploy scalable, production-grade automation pipelines integrated with enterprise systems and data platforms
• Select and integrate the right tools, frameworks, and infrastructure to support long-term scalability

Own Delivery from Concept to Impact

• Rapidly prototype, test, and iterate on solutions
• Productionize with robust, scalable architecture and cloud-based infrastructure
• Drive adoption and ensure solutions deliver measurable outcomes (efficiency, speed, quality)

Establish the AI Foundation for Scale

• Define and implement AI architecture standards, best practices, and governance frameworks
• Build scalable data and platform foundations to support AI/ML workloads
• Ensure responsible AI practices, data quality, and compliance are embedded from the start

Lead, Influence, and Elevate the Organization

• Serve as the technical lead across cross-functional initiatives, translating business needs into actionable AI solutions
• Present architectural strategies and progress to executive leadership
• Mentor team members and elevate AI literacy across the organization

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8-10 years of experience in data and/or systems engineering, preferably 3-5 years of experience with machine learning, or AI-driven data platforms
• Related bachelor’s degree (Computer Science, Mathematics, etc.)
• Proficiency in modern AI/ML frameworks and tools (specifically, Glean, Claude, Co-pilot Enterprise, etc.)
• Strong system design and architecture capabilities
• Strong understanding of NLP (natural language processing), conversational AI, and their applications
• Proven track record of building and deploying AI systems into production (not just advising or prototyping)
• Ability to operate as both a hands-on builder and a strategic technical partner to business leaders
• Strong bias for action – moves quickly from idea to execution and prioritize impact over perfection
• Analytical mindset with comfort guiding stakeholders through ambiguity
• Executive-level verbal/written communication skills
• Strong communication skills to bridge technical and business stakeholders

We seek candidates who not only demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in emerging technologies but have also successfully implemented and utilized AI tools to enhance their work, improve processes, or deliver measurable results. Our teams embrace continuous learning and the thoughtful integration of AI to create meaningful impact – for our employees and the future of work.

BENEFITS:

Salary Range for California Residents Only: $170,360.00 to $230,000.00
Salary Range for Illinois Residents Only: $129,620.00 to $175,000.00

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, Blackhawk Network offers benefits including 401k with employer match, medical, dental, vision, 12 paid holidays in the year 2026, 1 hour of sick pay accrual for every 30 hours worked, parental leave, life insurance, disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, wellness benefits, and flexible time off for all full-time employees.

EEO STATEMENT:

Blackhawk Network provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Blackhawk Network believes that diversity leads to strength. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Blackhawk Network encourages applicants with previous criminal records to apply to all positions and, pursuant to the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Acts (and other “Fair Chance” laws), Blackhawk Network will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. For Philadelphia applicants or jobs, please see a copy of Philadelphia’s ordinance on this topic by clicking this link: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-280104.