AI Defense Director

Safran.AI • Montreal, QC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Safran.AI, a subsidiary of Safran Electronics & Defense, specializes in AI solutions for complex data analysis in defense, aerospace, and government sectors. They develop algorithms for automatic detection and identification of objects in high-resolution satellite imagery, FMV streams, and acoustic signals. Safran.AI also contributes to Industry 4.0 initiatives by applying AI to assist in inspecting critical components and detecting anomalies. The company employs 250 individuals in passionate, multidisciplinary teams focused on excellence and innovation. This role is for a Director AI for Defense Canada, based in Canada, to lead Safran.AI's presence in the Canadian Defense & Intelligence market.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Defense Studies, or a related technical or strategic field.
• 15+ years of combined experience in the Canadian Armed Forces and/or intelligence community, followed by a successful transition into the Canadian defense industry, with demonstrated impact in both environments.
• Proven track record of building and scaling teams.
• Proven track record of winning complex defense contracts.
• Proven track record of driving growth within a large industrial or technology company, with the agility of an entrepreneur.
• Established network across DND, CAF, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and key Canadian defense primes.
• Familiarity with Canadian security clearance frameworks is essential.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies and their application to defense and intelligence missions (GEOINT, ISR, C2, autonomous systems, etc.).
• Exceptional leadership and people skills.
• Strong business acumen with experience building business plans and navigating complex procurement processes in the Canadian defense sector.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: comfortable building from scratch, operating with ambiguity, and making high-impact decisions, while navigating the structures and processes of a large, global organization.
• Active Canadian security clearance (Secret or above) is required or must be obtainable.
• Track record of influencing at the executive level (whether as a senior military officer, industry VP, or both) with a reputation for integrity, vision, and delivery.
• Team-spirit.
• Agility and the ability to bootstrap when necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s in Defense Management, or equivalent) is a strong asset.
• Canadian Forces Staff College or equivalent senior military education is highly valued.
• Bilingual (English/French) is a significant asset given Canada’s official language requirements.

Responsibilities

• Establishing and leading Safran.AI’s practice within the Canadian Defense & Intelligence market.
• Defining the go-to-market strategy for Safran.AI in Canada.
• Cultivating lasting relationships with key stakeholders across government, industry, and academia.
• Building a local team capable of adapting Safran.AI's products to Canada’s specific operational and regulatory requirements (in the longer term).
• Collaborating closely with and mobilizing SED Defense and Space Canada's teams, infrastructure, and customer relationships.
• Defining and executing Safran.AI’s strategy for the Canadian Defense & Intelligence market, identifying priority domains, capability gaps, and competitive positioning.
• Analyzing Canadian procurement cycles, regulatory frameworks, and defense investment priorities.
• Building and sustaining trusted relationships with senior decision-makers across the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, CSIS, and other relevant government agencies.
• Representing Safran.AI at key industry events, defense exhibitions, and government forums.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for Canadian clients and partners.
• Identifying, qualifying, and pursuing opportunities across Canadian defense programs.
• Coordinating proposal efforts with internal teams.
• Leading contract negotiations with government clients and prime contractors.
• Driving revenue targets and tracking pipeline health.
• Providing regular updates and strategic guidance to Safran.AI leadership, Safran Defense & Space Canada, and Safran group stakeholders.
• Developing and managing a network of strategic partnerships with Canadian defense primes, system integrators, AI champions, SMEs, and universities.
• Negotiating and structuring teaming agreements and consortium arrangements.
• Engaging with leading Canadian defense research institutions to co-develop capabilities.
• Developing a comprehensive Safran.AI Canada capture and business plan.
• Driving the approval of the business plan with Safran.AI, Safran Defense & Space Canada, and Safran group leadership.
• Taking full ownership of the business plan execution.
• Providing executive-level reporting on strategic progress, pipeline status, risks, and opportunities.
• Serving as Safran AI’s senior representative in Canada.
• Actively engaging with government bodies, defense associations, and policy forums to shape the national defense AI agenda.
• Championing Safran AI’s capabilities through speaking engagements, white papers, and participation in defense AI working groups.
• Recruiting and developing a high-performing local team (in the longer term).
• Leading the localization and customization of Safran.AI products.
• Fostering a culture of innovation and ownership within the team.
• Ensuring strong day-to-day collaboration with SED Defense and Space Canada’s teams.
• Actively mobilizing expertise, customer relationships, and operational resources of SED Defense and Space Canada.

Benefits

• Benefits and compensation package may vary depending on the hiring scenario (relocation from France vs. local hiring).
• Details will be presented during initial discussions with Talent Acquisition teams.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director