Director, AI Architecture & Autonomous Building Systems

Johnson Controls, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 145,000 - 217,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Controls, Inc. is seeking a Director of AI Architecture & Autonomous Building Systems to lead technology strategy for its BAS and Controls portfolio.

You will define end-to-end architecture across edge controllers, networks, enterprise platforms, AI services, and cloud connectivity, enabling AI-enabled, autonomous building ecosystems. The role drives architectural governance, engineering alignment, and delivery of differentiated market solutions while orchestrating global teams and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in software engineering, systems architecture, product development, or related fields.
• 3+ years leading engineering teams or architecture functions.
• Proven architecture strategy for cloud, edge, connected systems.
• Experience delivering cloud-connected, AI-enabled software products.
• Strong understanding of enterprise software architecture, distributed systems, APIs, and modern practices.
• Experience with Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, and software lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and secure software design.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute software development and deployment strategy for IoT edge, cloud, and AI-enabled products.
• Partner with BAS product leadership to prioritize technology roadmaps.
• Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering to refine system requirements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to advance AI-enabled building controls and autonomous capabilities.
• Lead global teams of engineers and architects across centers.
• Promote quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Software architecture

Cloud & edge computing

AI/ML expertise

Leadership

Agile DevOps

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE/EE

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

Cloud platforms

DevOps tools

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is transforming the future of buildings through smart, connected, and increasingly autonomous technologies. Our Building Automation Systems (BAS) portfolio helps customers operate facilities more efficiently, reduce energy consumption, improve occupant comfort, and achieve sustainability goals through intelligent controls, software, and digital services.

As we accelerate our Autonomous Buildings vision, we are investing in AI-enabled technologies that simplify operations, improve technician productivity, and unlock new levels of building intelligence. This role will help define and lead that transformation.

Your Role

The Director, AI Architecture & Autonomous Building Systems will serve as the technology and architecture leader for our Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Controls portfolio.

This role will define the long-term architecture strategy spanning edge controllers, building networks, enterprise platforms, AI services, cloud connectivity, cybersecurity, and autonomous operations. The successful candidate will help drive the evolution from traditional building automation systems to intelligent, self-optimizing building ecosystems while enabling scalable innovation across controls, software, and digital services.

This position is fundamental to accelerating our Autonomous Buildings vision, providing the architectural leadership, technical governance, and engineering alignment necessary to deliver differentiated market solutions, strengthen competitive advantage, and unlock new growth opportunities through AI-enabled building intelligence and edge-to-cloud innovation.

Your Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the software development and deployment strategy for IoT edge, cloud-hosted, and AI-enabled software products.
• Partner with Building Automation Systems product leadership to prioritize and deliver technology roadmaps.
• Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering teams to prioritize and refine system requirements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to advance AI-enabled building controls and autonomous building capabilities.

Team Management and Development

• Lead and inspire global teams of software engineering managers, architects, and engineers across multiple engineering centers.
• Foster effective collaboration across geographies and cultures while providing clear direction and accountability.
• Promote a culture of quality, technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top technical talent.
• Coach and mentor engineering leaders and team members to support their professional growth and development.

Management and Delivery

• Drive the transformation of installation, configuration, commissioning, monitoring, and service workflows through AI-enabled solutions.
• Ensure successful delivery of product functionality, performance, quality, compliance, and productivity objectives.
• Implement and continuously improve Agile development practices and software lifecycle processes.
• Monitor program health, identify risks, and proactively drive mitigation plans.
• Improve engineering effectiveness through AI-assisted development practices and modern software delivery methodologies.

Technical Oversight

• Define end-to-end architecture spanning edge controllers, building networks, enterprise platforms, AI services, cloud connectivity, cybersecurity, and autonomous operations.
• Establish architecture standards and technical direction across the BAS portfolio.
• Drive adoption of modern development tools, frameworks, and engineering best practices.
• Champion DevOps, CI/CD, automation, and AI-enhanced software development methodologies to accelerate delivery and improve quality.
• Leverage AI-powered development tools and intelligent agents to enhance developer productivity and accelerate innovation.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Engineering teams to ensure alignment between R&D initiatives and market needs.
• Collaborate with external vendors and technology partners to integrate capabilities and accelerate innovation.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders including User Experience, IT, and Cybersecurity teams.

Operational Excellence

• Establish KPIs to measure technology adoption, engineering effectiveness, product performance, and project success.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, regulatory, industry, and quality requirements.
• Evaluate cloud infrastructure utilization and identify opportunities to optimize cost, performance, and scalability.

What We Are Looking For

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, systems architecture, product development, or related technical disciplines.
• 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams, architecture functions, or large-scale technology initiatives.
• Proven experience defining architecture strategy for complex software platforms spanning cloud, edge, and connected systems.
• Experience delivering cloud-connected, AI-enabled, or intelligent software products.
• Deep understanding of enterprise software architecture, distributed systems, cloud platforms, APIs, and modern software development practices.
• Experience with Agile software development, DevOps, CI/CD, and software lifecycle management.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and secure software design.
• Demonstrated ability to influence technical strategy across large organizations and multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS, MBA, or PhD) in a relevant technical or business discipline.
• Domain expertise in Building Automation Systems (BAS), Building Management Systems (BMS), smart buildings, HVAC controls, energy management, industrial automation, IoT, or other connected systems environments.
• Proven success driving AI-enabled innovation, intelligent automation, or enterprise-scale technology transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with software solutions supporting installation, commissioning, monitoring, service, or technician workflows.
• Experience leading globally distributed engineering organizations.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $145,000 - 217,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with marketdata.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group,and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. Theposted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognizethat exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typicalprofile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, weencourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may usetechnology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluatecandidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, pleasevisit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us