AI Architect (1099 contractor)
About BlueRidge Health AI
BlueRidge Health AI is a new advisory practice line under BlueRidge Management Solutions, LLC. We help healthcare organizations and community-based organizations integrate AI into existing strategies, workflows, and governance structures.
The Opportunity
BlueRidge Health AI is building a select talent pool of 15 AI Architects to serve healthcare and community-based organizations across California.
This is a two-phase opportunity:
Phase 1 (Certification): Complete a sponsored, vendor-specific AI architecture certification through a structured cohort program. BlueRidge provides access to preparatory coursework and covers the cost of the certification exam. Upon successful completion of the proctored exam, contractors receive an $1,800 certification stipend. Details about the specific certification program will be shared with selected candidates during the onboarding process.
Phase 2 (Consulting Engagements): Certified architects join the BlueRidge Health AI talent pool and become eligible for project-based consulting engagements at competitive market rates ($90-$120/hr), as client projects become available.
This opportunity does not guarantee a minimum number of hours or ongoing engagement. Phase 2 consulting work is contingent on client demand and project availability.
What We're Looking For
The AI Architect serves as a 1099 independent contractor providing expert-level AI solution design, implementation strategy, and technical architecture consulting for BlueRidge Health AI and its healthcare organization clients.
The AI Architect designs and implements production-grade AI systems, with particular emphasis on large language model (LLM) integration, agentic application architecture, API design, and tool orchestration using the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This role requires deep technical fluency in AI system design alongside the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable strategies for healthcare leadership.
Scope of Work
Certification and Professional Development
Complete a required vendor-specific AI architecture certification within the cohort timeline (details provided during onboarding)
Participate in cohort-based preparatory coursework and milestone reviews
Stay current on AI architecture best practices, healthcare regulatory developments, and emerging tools relevant to the populations and organizations we serve
AI Design, Architecture, Integration, Delivery
Architect agentic AI systems using LLM APIs, agent frameworks, and tool orchestration protocols
Build and configure production-grade AI applications with emphasis on prompt engineering, structured output, and context management
Integrate AI capabilities into existing healthcare IT infrastructure, EHR systems, and compliance workflows
Develop implementation roadmaps and technical adoption documentation
Design error handling, human-in-the-loop workflows, and reliability patterns that expand existing quality review and oversight processes
Produce architecture documents, governance recommendations, and integration plans
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, AI/ML, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience)
3+ years of professional experience designing and building AI/ML systems in production environments
6+ months of hands-on experience building applications with large language model APIs
Demonstrated experience with agentic AI application development, tool integration, and orchestration patterns
Proficiency in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, and modern AI development frameworks
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make AI concepts clear and specific without jargon
Valid business registration or self-employment documentation for 1099 contractor status in California
Willingness and ability to complete a required AI architecture certification within the designated cohort timeline
Preferred
Master's degree or higher in a relevant technical field
5+ years of AI/ML engineering or architecture experience, including enterprise-scale work
Experience in healthcare IT, health data governance, community health settings, or regulated-industry AI work
Existing cloud architecture certifications (AWS, GCP, Azure)
Prior consulting, advisory, or client-facing experience
Familiarity with HIPAA, health information exchanges, and EHR platforms
Compensation and Engagement Terms
This is a 1099 independent contractor opportunity
Certification Stipend: $1,800 one-time stipend, payable upon successful completion of the required AI architecture certification exam. The stipend is not contingent on accepting future project engagements.
Consulting Rate: $90 - $120 per hour for project-based engagements, based on experience, specialization, and project scope. Rates are determined on a per-project basis.
Intellectual Property: Work product produced for BlueRidge Health AI clients is subject to IP assignment as defined in the Independent Contractor Agreement.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should click apply below & submit:
A current resume highlighting relevant AI/ML architecture experience
Links to relevant work samples (GitHub repositories, published writing, open-source contributions, or portfolio)
Applications will be evaluated on technical fluency, communication quality, and alignment with how we work. We aim to enroll up to twelve candidates to reach a target of ten certified architects.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Elizabeth Rodriguez, Director of AI Strategy & Ops: elizabeth@blueridgehealth.ai
Equal Opportunity Statement
BlueRidge Health AI and BlueRidge Management Solutions, LLC are equal opportunity organizations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all contractors, applicants, and members of our community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Pay Transparency Disclosure (California SB 1162)
In accordance with California Senate Bill 1162 (Labor Code Section 432.3), the rate range for this independent contractor engagement is $90 to $120 per hour. Additionally, a one-time certification stipend of $1,800 is payable upon successful completion of the required certification. Actual compensation will be determined based on the contractor's relevant experience, certifications, specialization, and project scope. This range does not include reimbursements or other forms of compensation that may be offered in connection with specific project engagements.
Reasonable Accommodation
BlueRidge Health AI is committed to complying with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). We will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to participate in the application and selection process, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Director of AI Strategy & Operations.
