Copilot Studio Technical Lead

Copilot Studio Technical Lead is a full-time role at Avanade in Chicago, IL, USA, posted 13 Oct 2026.

IntroductionThe Copilot Studio Technical Lead is responsible for leading enterprise clients through the strategy, design, architecture, governance, implementation, and adoption of Microsoft Copilot Studio solutions, serving as a trusted advisor who bridges technical expertise with strategic business outcomes. This role combines deep AI and Power Platform knowledge with consulting leadership to help organizations responsibly integrate intelligent copilots across their Microsoft 365, Azure, and enterprise digital ecosystems.Come Join UsJoin Avanade's AI Workforce practice and be at the forefront of enterprise AI transformation — architecting the next generation of intelligent Copilot solutions on Microsoft's most cutting-edge technologies. This is your opportunity to shape how global organizations adopt AI at scale, working alongside world-class practitioners on engagements that truly matter.What You'll Do Solution Architecture & DesignLead end-to-end architecture of Copilot Studio solutions including copilots, plugins, connectors, data sources, and governance frameworksTranslate business requirements into scalable, secure, and compliant architectures using Copilot Studio, Power Platform, Azure services, and Microsoft 365Lead AI use case assessment and platform fit analysis across Copilot Studio, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure AI Foundry, Power Platform, and related enterprise toolsDesign conversational flows, orchestration logic, and integration patterns for enterprise copilotsDefine data models, lifecycle policies, and environment strategies using Dataverse and Azure resourcesEstablish architecture patterns that balance business value, technical feasibility, security, compliance, and operational readiness Deployment & ImplementationLead technical implementation across development, testing, deployment, and operationalizationConfigure Copilot Studio environments, connectors, authentication, and integration endpointsBuild and deploy plugins, custom connectors, and automation using Power Automate, Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and API ManagementEstablish CI/CD pipelines, ALM processes, and environment governance for Copilot solutionsSupport production readiness by defining testing approach, monitoring needs, escalation paths, and documentation. Client Engagement & LeadershipFacilitate workshops, discovery sessions, and roadmap planning with business and technical stakeholdersAdvise clients on AI adoption, responsible AI practices, and enterprise governance modelsLead delivery teams, manage workstreams, and ensure high-quality deliverablesCommunicate complex technical concepts to executive audiences with clarity and confidenceServe as the bridge between business users, IT, security, data owners, platform teams, and engineering teams to move ideas from concept to approved implementation Security, Compliance & Responsible AIDefine enterprise Copilot Studio operating models, including intake, triage, approval workflows, environment strategy, connector governance, DLP alignment, lifecycle management, and production readiness criteriaImplement identity, access, and data governance controls using Entra ID, Dataverse, and Microsoft 365Ensure copilots adhere to responsible AI, privacy, and compliance requirementsConduct risk assessments, security reviews, and architectural validationPartner with client security, compliance, legal, platform, and business stakeholders to ensure solutions are approved, supportable, and aligned to enterprise AI standardsHelp clients define what copilots should and should not do, including boundaries for autonomous actions, human-in-the-loop review, sensitive data access, and system-of-record updates Operational Readiness & Change ManagementSupport user adoption, training, and operational readiness activitiesDevelop documentation, runbooks, and governance artifactsPartner with change management teams to ensure successful rollout and sustained usageDefine adoption measures, usage reporting, feedback loops, and continuous improvement processes to help clients move beyond pilot/demo efforts into sustainable enterprise adoption Thought Leadership & Practice DevelopmentContribute to Avanade's AI and Power Platform communities through reusable assets, accelerators, and best practicesMentor junior consultants and support capability development across the practiceStay current with Microsoft AI innovations and emerging technologiesSupport internal offering development by contributing lessons learned, delivery patterns, governance templates, and client-ready acceleratorsStrong technical foundation and hands-on experience in Microsoft Copilot Studio, Power Platform, and enterprise AI solution design, with the ability to lead complex client conversations with confidence.Passionate about emerging AI technologies and committed to responsible, ethical AI practicesSkilled at simplifying complex technical concepts for non-technical and executive audiencesCollaborative mindset with an unwavering focus on client success and delivering measurable outcomesProven ability to mentor and develop junior consultants, fostering a culture of continuous learningHolds or actively pursuing relevant Microsoft certifications including AI-102, PL-600, and AZ-305, demonstrating a commitment to technical excellenceDemonstrated track record of delivering AI and Power Platform solutions in complex enterprise environments, from initial strategy through to sustained adoptionComfortable operating at the intersection of advisory, architecture, governance, delivery leadership, and hands-on technical validationQualificationsSkills & ExperiencesCore Technical SkillsMicrosoft Copilot Studio (Copilot design, plugin development, orchestration, conversational AI)Prompt Engineering (capable of writing instructions, setting agent personas, and defining AI behavior)Power Platform design and development: Power Apps, Power Automate, DataversePower Platform and Copilot Studio GovernanceAzure services: Azure Functions, Logic Apps, API Management, Cognitive Services (nice to have)Microsoft 365 integrationCustom connector and plugin developmentUnderstanding of enterprise security, identity, access management, monitoring, logging, and operational support needs for AI-enabled solutionsDelivery & ArchitectureScalable and secure enterprise solution architectureCI/CD pipelines and ALM processes for Power Platform and Copilot solutionsEnvironment governance, lifecycle management, and ALM strategiesDataverse data modeling and environment strategy designAPI integration patterns including OAuth 2.0, Entra ID, and enterprise authenticationAbility to assess when Copilot Studio is the right fit versus Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure AI Foundry, Power Automate, Power Apps, or other enterprise platformsConsulting & Business SkillsClient engagement, workshop facilitation, and discovery leadershipResponsible AI advisory and enterprise AI governanceAgile delivery methodologies and project workstream managementChange management, user adoption, and organizational readinessExecutive communication and the ability to translate complex technical concepts for senior stakeholdersStakeholder management and consulting leadership across cross-functional teamsKey Success MetricsNumber of enterprise Copilot Studio solutions successfully designed and deployedCopilot adoption and user engagement rates post-deploymentSecurity and compliance adherence across all delivered solutionsClient delivery quality and satisfaction scoresReusable assets, accelerators, and best practices contributed to the practiceCertifications attained: AI-102, PL-600, AZ-305, SC-300, PL-700 series, and other Copilot and Power Platform aligned certifications as applicableCompensation at Avanade varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Avanade provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired as