AI Program Lead

Mesa Brand; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesa Brand in Madison, AL, is searching for an AI Program Lead to spearhead AI solution implementation across the organization. This role involves collaborating with business leaders and IT to identify impactful use cases, manage vendors, ensure data compliance, and create training materials.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related fields, 7 years of experience in project management, and proficiency in Python. This full-time position focuses on utilizing AI responsibly across various functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Computer Science or Data Analytics required.
• 7 years of experience in software project or program management.
• Proficient in Python and SQL.

Responsibilities

• Identify departments for AI benefits through workflow audits.
• Manage vendor selection and implementation.
• Develop training materials for end users.

Skills

Python proficiency

Familiarity with PyTorch or TensorFlow

LLMOps expertise

Data governance knowledge

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related field

Master’s in Computer Science preferred

Tools

Cloud AI services (Azure, AWS, Google)

LLM platforms (e.g., Claude)

Job description

Madison, 480 Production Ave, Madison, AL 35758, USA

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Mesa seeks an AI Program Lead that will lead the identification, evaluation, and rollout of AI solutions across the organization. Partner with business leaders, IT, and Security to prioritize high-impact use cases, manage vendors and platforms, establish governance and guardrails, and enable end users through training and change management.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit workflows: Identify departments and processes that will benefit most from AI.
• Vendor management: Evaluate, select, and implement tools (e.g., OpenAI API, Microsoft Copilot, Claude).
• Data oversight: Partner with IT to ensure data security and compliance with PII standards.
• Training & enablement: Create prompt engineering guidelines and develop training materials for end users.
• Foundation building: Establish internal policies, guardrails, and adoption mechanisms to scale AI safely.
• Roadmap & stakeholder alignment: Develop an AI roadmap (scope, prioritization, coordination) with internal stakeholders.
• Prototyping: Prototype and demonstrate small solutions using AI platforms (e.g., Copilot) to validate value.
• Talent planning: Identify future hiring needs and skills required to support the AI roadmap.

Core Competencies

• Programming: Proficiency in Python and familiarity with frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• LLM Operations (LLMOps): Ability to operationalize large language models efficiently, including monitoring, reliability, and cost control.
• Data governance & security: Working knowledge of PII, data access controls, and secure AI practices.
• Communication & influence: Ability to explain AI concepts and decisions to non-technical stakeholders and drive change across teams.

Success Measures (What Good Looks Like)

• Defined AI use cases per function (e.g., HR, Finance, Operations, Business Development).
• Measurable productivity KPIs tied to prioritized workflows.
• Structured pilot-to-scale approach with governance and adoption support.
• 3–5 high-impact workflows identified and validated for value and feasibility.
• Data exposure risks assessed and mitigated in partnership with IT & Security.
• Training program launched with internal champions to drive responsible usage.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or better in Computer Science or related field; Bachelor’s or better in Data Analytics or related field.
• Preferred Education: Master’s or better in Computer Science or related field.
• Experience: Proficiency in Python and SQL; experience with cloud AI services (Azure, AWS, Google) and/or LLM platforms (e.g., Claude). 7 years of experience in software project management, program management, data science, or a closely related role.
• Licenses & Certifications: None specified.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.