AI Manager

ZipStaff Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) + 401(k) matching

Paid time off

Referral Program

Job summary

ZipStaff Inc. in Phoenix, AZ seeks an experienced AI Manager for a 7-month on-site contract with a state government agency.

You will lead a team of AI engineers, business analysts and operations specialists, translating strategic goals into technical requirements and overseeing model lifecycles from deployment to retirement. You will partner with data science, MLOps and software engineering teams, mentor staff, ensure responsible AI practices, data privacy, and measurable business ROI while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Statistics or related field.
• 5+ years in data science, ML or AI engineering, including 2+ years in leadership.
• Hands-on Microsoft OpenAI experience.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML architectures and lifecycles (MLOps) with PyTorch, TensorFlow, LangChain, or cloud AI services (AWS/GCP/Azure).
• Proven track record delivering complex projects on time and budget using Agile or traditional methods.
• Ability to explain complex algorithms clearly to executives and product teams.
• Experience delivering generative AI/LLM solutions including RAG and prompt engineering.
• Experience with Azure ML and Azure OpenAI Service.
• Fluency in Python and SQL; strong grounding in responsible AI.

Responsibilities

• Define the roadmap, scope and objectives for enterprise AI and ML initiatives.
• Bridge between technical teams and non-technical business stakeholders.
• Hire, mentor and manage a team of AI/ML specialists.
• Oversee lifecycle of AI models from deployment through monitoring and retirement.
• Coordinate risk assessments, model validation, bias testing and data privacy compliance.
• Track metrics like latency, model availability, accuracy and ROI.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Leadership

Python

SQL

OpenAI

Agile methods

PyTorch

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/AI/DS

Master's degree in CS/AI/DS

Tools

LangChain

TensorFlow

Azure ML

Azure OpenAI

Job description

Job Title: AI Manager

Location: Phoenix, AZ (On-site)

Employment Type: W2 Contract

About the Opportunity:

ZipStaff is hiring an experienced AI Manager for a state government agency to lead its artificial intelligence initiatives from strategic framing through scalable, responsible deployment. You will oversee a team of AI engineers, business analysts and operations specialists, translate high-level business goals into technical requirements, manage model lifecycles and ensure AI systems deliver measurable impact with strong ethical and regulatory compliance. This is an on-site, 7-month contract role in Phoenix, AZ starting November 30, 2026.

All candidates selected for an interview are required to complete a mandatory identity verification process.

What You'll Do:

• Define the roadmap, scope and objectives for enterprise AI and machine learning initiatives.
• Serve as the primary bridge between technical teams (data science, MLOps, software engineering) and non-technical business stakeholders.
• Hire, mentor and manage a team of AI/ML specialists, providing coaching, performance management and career development.
• Oversee the operational lifecycle of AI models, from deployment through monitoring, data drift tracking and retirement.
• Coordinate risk assessments, model validation, bias testing and data privacy compliance.
• Track operational metrics including latency, model availability, accuracy and business ROI.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Statistics or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in data science, machine learning or AI engineering, including 2+ years in a leadership or management capacity.
• Hands-on Microsoft OpenAI experience.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML architectures, machine learning lifecycles (MLOps) and modern frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, LangChain, or cloud AI services on AWS, GCP or Azure.
• Proven track record of delivering complex technical projects on time and within budget using Agile or traditional project management methodologies.
• Exceptional ability to explain complex algorithmic concepts clearly to executive leadership, product teams and clients.
• Hands-on experience designing and delivering generative AI/LLM solutions, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and prompt engineering.
• Experience with cloud AI platforms such as Azure Machine Learning and Azure OpenAI Service.
• Working fluency in Python and SQL, and a strong grounding in responsible AI principles.
• Ability to work on-site in Phoenix, AZ.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Statistics or a related technical field.
• Experience with AI governance, bias testing and data privacy compliance in a regulated or public-sector environment.
• Experience hiring and building AI/ML teams.
• Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate or PMP.
• Strong stakeholder and vendor management experience.
• Familiarity with AI risk and data privacy frameworks such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF).

Benefits:

• Health Insurance.
• Dental Insurance.
• Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) + 401(k) matching.
• Paid time off.
• Referral Program.

About ZipStaff:

ZipStaff connects skilled technology professionals with leading organizations across the United States, matching top talent with impactful contract and full-time opportunities.