Azure Data & AI Architect (Zurich, Switzerland)

Who We Are

Founded in 2017, Unit8 is a fast-growing Swiss AI and data analytics consulting and services company dedicated to solving complex problems of traditional industries like automotive, chemical, financial services, manufacturing and pharma. We work with some of the biggest organisations in Europe to solve the challenges that directly affect their business - be it operations, finance, manufacturing or R&D. Since our foundation, we have successfully delivered more than 200 projects and have grown to 140+ talented individuals across 6 office locations.

Unit8’s mission is to drive the adoption of AI and Data Science in the non-digital industries and to help accelerate their digital transformation. Among its activities, Unit8 dedicates a part of its resources and time on projects that deeply matter to us - that includes collaboration on pro-bono and “engineering for good” causes. You can learn more about what we are passionate about at Unit8 Talks and on our website you can find more useful information about our business and recruiting process.

About You

We’re looking for a Data & AI Architect with strong Azure knowledge to join our team in Zurich. You’ll work on generative AI and data engagements for clients in financial services, partnering with engineers and stakeholders to design, secure, and deliver Azure-based solutions hands-on.

• You have strong, hands-on Azure experience (AI/Data/Infra). You can design, build, and operate on the Azure stack (e.g., Azure OpenAI & AI Services, Document Intelligence, Azure Functions, App Services/AKS, Storage, Key Vault, monitoring).
• You have worked on GenAI use cases (e.g., RAG, document understanding, assistants) or motivated and able to ramp up fast beyond pure infra work.
• You are comfortable creating end-to-end solution designs and architecture diagrams, translating business needs into pragmatic technical proposals.
• You can navigate security, compliance, and procurement in regulated environments (e.g., banks); you’re comfortable leading approvals and speaking with architects, security officers, and risk.
• You’re hands-on: able to prototype/implement yourself or guide an engineering team to production.
• You have strong client-facing skills: clear communication (business & technical) and stakeholder management.
• You are fluent in German and English and are open to part-time client on-site work.
• Experience in financial services industry or similar regulated environments.

What You’ll Do

• Design, propose, and document Azure-based Data & GenAI architectures, including integration patterns (APIs, data flows), security controls, and operational models.
• Build prototypes/PoCs (e.g., RAG pipelines, Document Intelligence flows) and support productionization with client/cloud teams.
• Lead/participate in security & compliance processes (threat modeling, data protection considerations, access patterns), and steer architecture board and procurement discussions.
• Collaborate on delivery: plan work, review code/infra, guide engineers, and ensure solutions are reliable, observable, and cost-aware.
• Run client workshops to refine requirements, align stakeholders, and drive adoption; work with clients on-site in Zurich as needed.

What we offer

• Work on client projects that have a concrete impact on their business.
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects, industries, and technologies. Each client is different
• Ability to contribute to internal open-source projects like Darts ( https://github.com/unit8co/darts ) or building our own MLOps platform.
• Tailor-made mentorship programme.
• Learning activities such as ML and Engineering Knowledge Sharing Groups.
• Up to 10% of paid time for self-development.
• Opportunity to join a fast-growing service company with a start-up atmosphere.
• Work with an international team made of more than 15 nationalities.
• Cross offices/company-wide frequent events (off-site or on-line).
• Fun Fund to spend with the team on after-work activities.
• Compensation package including base salary and profit sharing based on the performance of the company
• Extended parental leave conditions.