Senior Director, AI Engineering (Remote)

WCG; United States; On-site; USD 151,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

WCG, a leader in clinical research solutions, seeks a Sr. Director, AI Engineering to lead design, development, deployment, and scaling of enterprise AI across the organization.

This role drives AI platforms (ML, GenAI, MLOps, LLMOps), ensuring regulatory compliance, quality, and operational excellence while guiding a globally distributed engineering team to deliver measurable business value.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of AI/ML, data engineering, or advanced analytics.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing global engineering or AI teams.
• Experience building and scaling AI/ML platforms in production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale cross-functional initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Deep knowledge of ML, NLP, and Generative AI technologies.
• Experience using cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or GCP.
• Experience managing vendors and distributed/offshore teams.
• Familiarity with MLOps and LLMOps practices.
• Experience working in regulated environments (strongly preferred).

Responsibilities

• Execute and operationalize enterprise AI strategy with alignment to priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Drive design, adoption and growth of AI platforms across domains.
• Lead prioritization of AI initiatives balancing short-term delivery and long-term evolution.
• Partner with executives to translate business needs into scalable AI solutions.
• Establish and scale architectures for model development, deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle.
• Drive implementation and continuous improvement of AI platform infrastructure and pipelines.
• Ensure AI platforms integrate with enterprise data and technology ecosystems.
• Establish and enforce Responsible AI frameworks including validation, bias mitigation, explainability, and auditability.
• Establish AI governance aligned with regulatory frameworks (GxP, ALCOA+, data integrity).
• Build, lead, and scale high-performing, globally distributed AI engineering teams.
• Drive workforce planning, resource allocation, and capability building in AI engineering.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, data, compliance, and IT teams.
• Manage strategic vendor relationships and AI-related third-party platforms.

Skills

AI leadership

Global teams

MLOps

LLMOps

Cloud platforms

Regulated environments

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Azure

AWS

GCP

Job description

WCG delivers transformational solutions that accelerate clinical research and advance human health. We serve the experts, innovators, and pathfinders on the frontlines of science and medicine-empowering them to develop breakthrough therapies while ensuring the risks of progress never outweigh the value of human life. Together, we stimulate growth, maximize efficiency, and shape the future of clinical trials.

Why WCG

At WCG, we invest in our people because you are the driving force behind our mission. When you grow, our impact grows. When you thrive, research accelerates. We empower you to build a meaningful career while advancing the work that improves lives.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health and financial protection – Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, and flexible spending accounts
• Resources that support your whole life – Employee assistance programs and work/life balance tools
• Investment in your growth – Referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, on-the-job training, certification assistance, and continuing education support
• Time to recharge – Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Pathways forward – Career development opportunities across One WCG

We practice transparency in everything we do, including compensation. The salary range for this position reflects our commitment to fair, competitive pay based on your qualifications, experience, skills, education, and location. Together, we'll find the right fit for your expertise and our shared mission.

Job Summary

The Sr. Director, AI Engineering is responsible for leading the design, development, deployment, and scaling of enterprise AI solutions across the organization. This role drives the implementation and operationalization of AI platforms, including machine learning, generative AI, and intelligent automation capabilities.

This role balances strategic direction with hands-on execution oversight, ensuring AI solutions deliver measurable business value while meeting regulatory, quality, and operational standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute and operationalize the enterprise AI strategy, ensuring alignment to business priorities and measurable outcomes
• Drive design, adoption and growth of AI platforms (ML, GenAI, MLOps, LLMOps) across clinical, regulatory, and operational domains
• Lead prioritization of AI initiatives, balancing short-term delivery and long-term platform evolution
• Partner with executive stakeholders to translate business needs into scalable AI solutions
• Establish and scale enterprise-wide architectures for AI model development, deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Drive implementation and continuous improvement of AI platform infrastructure and pipelines
• Ensure AI platforms integrate seamlessly with enterprise data and technology ecosystems
• Establish and enforce Responsible AI frameworks including model validation, bias mitigation, explainability, and auditability
• Establish AI governance aligned with regulatory frameworks (GxP, ALCOA+, data integrity)
• Build, lead, and scale high-performing, globally distributed AI engineering teams
• Drive workforce planning, resource allocation, and capability building in AI engineering
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, data, compliance, and IT teams.
• Manage strategic vendor relationships and AI related third-party platforms.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. These may, on occasion, be unrelated to the position described here.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field required; Master's preferred.

Certifications/License/Registration Requirements

• None

Qualifications/Experience

• 10+ years of experience in AI/ML, data engineering, or advanced analytics.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing global engineering or AI teams.
• Experience building and scaling AI and ML platforms in production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional initiatives with measurable outcomes
• Deep knowledge of ML, NLP, and Generative AI technologies.
• Experience using cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or GCP.
• Experience managing vendors and distributed/offshore teams
• Familiarity with MLOps and LLMOps practices.
• Experience working in regulated environments (strongly preferred).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overall responsibility of management including direction, coordination, performance, and evaluation of the assigned team and staff. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Pay Range

USD $151,200.00 - USD $252,000.00 /Yr.

EEOC Statement

WCG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit and without regard to race, color, national origin or ancestry, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, marital status, pregnancy, family or parental status, disability, genetic information, citizenship, veteran status, or any other legally recognized basis or status protected by federal, state, or local law. WCG complies with the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We promote a "One WCG" culture where all are welcome, respected, valued, and empowered to make a difference every day to advance clinical research.