Architect

We are initiating the Execute phase of a cutting-edge program called VLAOps, running in parallel with our Collision Mitigation System (CMS). The objective is to build a Visual-Language-Action Operations ecosystem for autonomous construction vehicles. Active R&D streams include Data Annotation, Data Augmentation, Model Explainability, and Simulation Unification.

• The Mission: To design the "Factory"—an end-to-end MLOps toolchain that manages the full lifecycle of Foundation World Models. This involves closing the loop across Data Ingestion → Training → Simulation → Inference.

Essential functions

Strategic Client Partnership

• Maintain a regular, direct working cadence with the client leadership team—present at key moments, available between meetings, and capable of driving strategic conversations forward rather than simply receiving direction.
• Capture forward-looking client signals—new use cases, emerging tech interests, priority shifts, and organizational changes—and translate them into structured briefs for our engineering team.
• Represent strategic technology leadership in client interactions by proactively introducing ideas, technical proposals, and roadmap options.

Program & Roadmap Strategy

• Maintain a live, comprehensive view of the forward roadmap across all active program tracks (VLAOps Gen3, CMS, AI Assistant, and R&D streams).
• Ensure technical initiatives across data, modeling, and simulation align with overarching business goals and client deliverables.

Technical Architecture & Execution

• Lead the architectural design and implementation of the VLAOps ecosystem and MLOps toolchain.
• Partner with engineering teams to overcome complex technical roadblocks in foundation model training, simulation unification, and real-time inference.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in software architecture, technical leadership, or innovation roles.
• Proven expertise in MLOps & AI Infrastructure (end-to-end data pipelines, foundation models, simulation environments).
• Client-Facing Leadership: Demonstrated experience acting as a trusted advisor to senior executives.
• Autonomous Systems / Robotics Focus: Deep understanding of computer vision, multimodal models (VLA), or real-time control systems.
• Domain & Technical Context: Background in industrial AI, autonomous systems, or manufacturing, including exposure to simulation environments (e.g., CARLA, Isaac Sim).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to synthesize complex architectures into executive summaries.
• Based in or willing to relocate/travel to the Peoria, IL area; permanent US work authorization required.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science or a similar technical field.

Would be a plus

• Experience with autonomous vehicles, heavy machinery, or construction domain technologies.
• Exposure to advanced simulation engines (e.g., Isaac Sim, Unreal Engine) and model explainability frameworks.
• Experience in a pre-sales, R&D proposal, or innovation solutioning capacity within a consulting or engineering services firm.
• Prior experience in a client-embedded capacity bridging distributed delivery teams and client leadership.

We offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge, industry-defining AI and robotics projects.
• Collaborative culture with a highly motivated team of engineers and researchers.
• Competitive compensation and flexible work schedule.
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.).
• Corporate social events
• Professional development opportunities and continuous learning support.

Please note that all onboarding must occur in person and you may be asked to travel to attend

About us

Grid Dynamics (NASDAQ: GDYN) is a leading provider of technology consulting, platform and product engineering, AI, and advanced analytics services. Fusing technical vision with business acumen, we solve the most pressing technical challenges and enable positive business outcomes for enterprise companies undergoing business transformation. A key differentiator for Grid Dynamics is our 8 years of experience and leadership in enterprise AI, supported by profound expertise and ongoing investment in data, analytics, cloud & DevOps, application modernization and customer experience. Founded in 2006, Grid Dynamics is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices across the Americas, Europe, and India.