📧 gary@darach.ai 🔗 LinkedIn 📅 Book a Call 💻 GitHub
Ex-Microsoft full-stack AI engineer and AI architect with nearly two decades of experience delivering end-to-end artificial intelligence, machine learning, data engineering, and cloud solutions from concept to production.
Specialist in Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI agents, computer vision, MLOps, and Azure AI platforms, with a proven record of translating complex ideas into scalable systems with measurable business impact.
Fully AI-native with Claude Code and Cursor.
- Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI agents, prompt engineering, LLM evaluation
- Machine learning, deep learning, predictive analytics, computer vision, probabilistic modelling, model benchmarking
- Azure AI architecture, Azure Machine Learning, Databricks, Synapse Analytics, Data Factory, data lakes, Event Hub
- MLOps, MLflow, Docker, Kubernetes, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, model deployment, monitoring and governance
- Python, T-SQL, C#, JavaScript/TypeScript, Go, Rust, Scala, Spark, APIs, distributed systems and full-stack engineering
- Cross-functional leadership, solution architecture, AI governance, stakeholder engagement and executive advisory
Principal Data Scientist (Contract) Edinburgh, Scotland / Remote Sep 2024 – Apr 2026
- Designed and delivered Image2Scope, an Azure-based AI platform converting property damage videos and images into supplier-specific, costed estimates.
- Built ReportIQ, an Azure-based LLM and RAG solution that ingests loss-adjuster artefacts and generates completed insurance documents automatically.
- Developed a lightweight YOLO inferencing API that auto-discovers
.ptmodels and exposes unified JSON endpoints for detection, classification, segmentation, and oriented bounding-box use cases. - Created a config-driven YOLO training pipeline using Azure Blob Storage, Azure ML dataset registration, cloud training jobs, and MLflow experiment tracking.
Fractional CTO / Principal Data Scientist (Contract) Geneva, Switzerland / Remote Jun 2024 – Feb 2025
- Led AI and data strategy for global analytics initiatives, aligning technology solutions with humanitarian and policy objectives.
- Architected Azure cloud data infrastructure integrating intelligence and research data sources for analytics and visualization.
- Developed machine learning models to identify, classify, and visualize patterns in transnational organized crime networks using Python, Azure ML, and Power BI.
- Established MLOps and data governance frameworks for secure handling of sensitive information and reproducible analytical workflows.
- Advised executive leadership on emerging AI capabilities, data ethics, and technical roadmap planning.
Principal Data Scientist (Contract) Maryland, USA / Remote May 2024
- Designed and delivered a data validation system integrating web scraping, generative AI, and predictive modelling to improve data accuracy and completeness.
- Developed automated data enrichment pipelines that identified inconsistencies and generated context-relevant replacements using Azure OpenAI.
- Implemented validation and audit mechanisms to improve data reliability and compliance across multiple business data sources.
Principal Data Scientist (Contract) Remote Feb 2024 – Mar 2024
- Led evaluation and optimization of Large Language Models through prompt engineering, intent analysis, and systematic model benchmarking.
- Developed a quantitative LLM evaluation framework translating expert feedback into measurable performance metrics.
- Architected an AI system unifying heterogeneous data sources and using LLMs to enhance datastore queries and generate context-aware explanations.
- Designed and implemented a RAG architecture optimized for RRR mode to improve response accuracy and retrieval efficiency.
- Presented methodology and outcomes at SQLBits 2024.
Principal Data Scientist (Contract) Colchester, UK / Remote Aug 2023 – Dec 2023
- Audited data science workflows to assess model development practices, performance metrics, and production readiness.
- Evaluated predictive models against business objectives within the Mindsett PRISM IoT platform.
- Proposed and implemented model optimization strategies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across IoT-driven data streams.
- Advised senior leadership on data science strategy and roadmap to support AI-enabled operational insight and valuation ambitions.
Principal Data Scientist (Contract) Liverpool, UK / Remote Feb 2023 – Aug 2023
- Led end-to-end development of machine learning safety models for micro-mobility vehicles.
- Designed, trained, and validated algorithms using telemetry, geospatial, and sensor data for real-time risk assessment.
- Implemented automated validation pipelines, performance monitoring, and continuous optimization workflows in production.
- Collaborated with engineering and product teams to align model outputs with safety KPIs and regulatory compliance standards.
Principal Data Scientist (Contract) London, UK Feb 2020 – Dec 2022
- Architected and led development of an Azure analytics and data science platform for National Highways, delivering approximately £15M–£20M annual savings.
- Designed an AI-powered inspection video analysis system using computer vision and deep learning to automate pothole detection, classification, and reporting, saving approximately £5M per annum.
- Pioneered synthetic image data generation using games tooling and Python to augment limited real-world imagery and improve computer vision model generalization.
- Developed an Azure-hosted risk management system for cyclic asset maintenance, incorporating probabilistic modelling, T-SQL, and data science workflows.
- Introduced an SME elicitation methodology where no structured data existed, enabling quantified risk modelling and approximately £3M annual savings.
- Directed cross-functional data science and engineering teams to ensure technical excellence, reproducibility, and alignment with operational KPIs.
Data Scientist / Engineer (Contract) London, UK Aug 2019 – Feb 2020
- Developed and deployed large-scale data processing pipelines using Scala, Python, and Apache Spark.
- Optimized data transformation workflows for performance, scalability, and reliability.
- Integrated predictive insights into production systems to support demand forecasting and operational decision-making.
Cloud Solution Architect – Advanced Analytics & AI Greater London Area / Hybrid Dec 2015 – Mar 2019
- Led architectural design sessions, proofs of concept, and implementation projects for Azure-based AI and analytics solutions.
- Designed scalable and secure data and AI architectures using Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Data Factory, and Azure Cognitive Services.
- Provided technical leadership and governance aligned to the Azure Well-Architected Framework.
- Collaborated with Microsoft engineering and product teams to relay customer insights and influence roadmap priorities.
- Developed reusable assets, documentation, and reference architectures to improve delivery efficiency and knowledge sharing.
Software Engineer / Software Architect / Data Scientist UK & Remote Prior to 2015
- Delivered full-stack software engineering, architecture, and applied AI solutions across the full project lifecycle, from prototype to production deployment.
- Built distributed systems, APIs, data-intensive applications, ETL pipelines, analytical models, and cloud-based platforms.
- Implemented machine learning, computer vision, predictive analytics, MLOps, CI/CD, containerization, Kubernetes orchestration, and monitoring workflows.
- Recognized as a Microsoft C# MVP for 6 years, with mandatory retirement from the programme upon joining Microsoft.
AI & Machine Learning
Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, PyMC, OpenCV, YOLO, SAM2, GPT, Llama, Phi, Azure OpenAI, RAG, Agentic AI, AI Agents, VLMs, LLM Evaluation, Prompt Engineering
MLOps & Platform Engineering
MLflow, Azure DevOps, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Azure Machine Learning
Data Engineering & Analytics
Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, Data Lake, Event Hub, Power BI, Apache Spark
Programming Languages
Python, T-SQL, C#, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, Rust, Scala