Principal Data and AI Architect

Ready To Go Further?

Saia is a different kind of logistics and transportation company. We do things the right way. You‘ll see it in our commitment to our people, customers, and community. You‘ll feel it in the support you get on day one – from leadership and from your team. A job with Saia is packed with opportunity – from learning new skills and advancing to competitive compensation and great benefits. It's all here and it’s exactly what going further is all about.

Position Summary

Designs, develops, and implements the enterprise data and artificial intelligence (AI) architecture strategy supporting company operations. Leads the creation of scalable data platforms, analytics capabilities, and AI-enabled solutions that improve operational efficiency, decision-making, customer experience, and business performance.

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

• Designs and implements scalable cloud-based data platform architectures that support operational, financial, customer, and logistics data across the enterprise.
• Develops and maintains data integration, governance, quality, and master data management frameworks to ensure trusted and accessible business information.
• Creates domain-driven data models, semantic layers, and reusable data products that support reporting, analytics, and AI initiatives.
• Architects and deploys artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative AI solutions that enhance forecasting, operational performance, pricing intelligence, shipment visibility, and workflow automation.
• Designs and enables enterprise analytics capabilities, including self-service reporting, dashboards, and decision-support tools for business leaders and operational teams.
• Partners with business and technology stakeholders to define requirements, evaluate solutions, and deliver data and AI capabilities that drive measurable business outcomes.
• Establishes enterprise standards, architecture patterns, and best practices related to data management, analytics, AI governance, security, and responsible AI.
• Defines the long-term data and AI architecture roadmap while mentoring technical resources.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, information systems, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, analytics, artificial intelligence, or related technology disciplines.
• Experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale data platform architectures using technologies such as Microsoft Fabric, Snowflake, Databricks, Azure, or AWS.
• Experience developing artificial intelligence, machine learning, or generative AI solutions, including large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and intelligent automation.
• Experience developing real-time integration, streaming, analytics, or optimization solutions.

Work Conditions and Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer or desk.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and operating office equipment.
• Occasional lifting/carrying of office materials/boxes up to 25 lbs.
• Adequate vision and hearing (with or without correction) to read, prepare, and communicate information.
• Occasional movement, bending, and reaching as needed to perform office tasks or attend meetings.
• Some travel may be required, including overnight travel.

Benefits

At Saia, your success is our success! That’s why we work hard to provide you with what you need to build an awesome career. We are committed to rewarding superior employee performance so that when you work hard, your achievements won’t go unnoticed. 

Make Your Move

At Saia, our people are the reason we’ve been successful for over a century in the industry. Together, we’ve created a positive culture that’s driven by our core values – like dignity and respect, a customer-first approach, safety and more. With hundreds of terminals across the country and growing, we’re always looking for more collaborative and motivated individuals to join our team. So, if you’re ready to put your career on a solid path, let’s go further.

Saia is an Equal Opportunity Employer 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.