Application SME III - AI & Automation

Job Summary

We are looking for a senior-level Application Subject Matter Expert (SME) who blends strong application design expertise with practical AI fluency, scripting capability, and executive-level communication skills. This role partners closely with business leaders, product teams, and technology partners to evaluate, design, and deliver AI-enabled and data-driven solutions that create real business impact.

You will serve as a trusted technical advisor—translating complex technology concepts into clear recommendations, leading proofs of concept, and helping scale intelligent automation and AI capabilities across the organization.

What You'll Do

Application & Solution Leadership

• Provide subject matter expertise in the conceptual design and evolution of business applications, ensuring alignment with business objectives and enterprise architecture.
• Review and validate technical designs produced by vendors or internal teams to ensure quality, scalability, and alignment with requirements.
• Perform end-to-end impact analysis for application changes across systems, integrations, and data flows.

AI & Intelligent Automation

• Research emerging AI, machine learning, and generative AI capabilities and assess their applicability to business problems.
• Lead or contribute to AI proofs of concept, including use case definition, success criteria, and outcome measurement.
• Design and evaluate AI-enabled solution patterns (e.g., model APIs, retrieval-augmented generation, automation workflows).
• Partner with Architecture, Data, Security, and Procurement teams to evaluate AI vendors and platforms.
• Ensure AI solutions adhere to security, privacy, compliance, and responsible AI principles.

Scripting & Technical Fluency

• Use scripting or light programming to prototype solutions, automate workflows, test integrations, and validate data or APIs.
• Work comfortably with APIs, data formats (e.g., JSON), and cloud-based platforms to support modern application and AI use cases.
• Review and influence code and technical implementations, even when not acting as the primary developer.

Executive Communication & Influence

• Communicate complex technical and AI-related topics in a clear, concise, and decision-oriented manner to senior leaders and executives.
• Develop executive-ready materials such as one-page summaries, presentations, and business cases.
• Advise leaders on tradeoffs, risks, costs, and expected outcomes to support informed decision-making.
• Act as a bridge between business and technology teams, influencing outcomes without direct authority.

Enablement & Mentorship

• Mentor team members and partners on application design, AI concepts, and modern solution patterns.
• Support implementation activities, troubleshooting, and adoption as needed.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in application development, system analysis, technical design, or a related role.
• Strong understanding of enterprise applications, integrations, and modern application architectures.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating or implementing AI-enabled or advanced analytics solutions.
• Practical experience with scripting or light programming (e.g., Python, SQL, JavaScript, or similar).
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and executive audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or contributing to technology proofs of concept or vendor evaluations.
• Familiarity with generative AI concepts (e.g., LLMs, prompt engineering, RAG patterns).
• Exposure to cloud platforms and API-first architectures.
• Experience mentoring or leading other technical professionals.

This role is ideal for a technologist who enjoys being hands-on enough to prototype and validate ideas, while also operating comfortably with senior leadership to shape direction and outcomes.

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent, relevant experience.