Director, AI Architecture & Autonomous Building Systems
About The Position
The Director, AI Architecture & Autonomous Building Systems will serve as the technology and architecture leader for Johnson Controls’ Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Controls portfolio. The role defines long-term architecture strategy spanning edge controllers, building networks, enterprise platforms, AI services, cloud connectivity, cybersecurity, and autonomous operations. It will lead the evolution from traditional building automation systems to intelligent, self-optimizing building ecosystems and enable scalable innovation across controls, software, and digital services. This position advances the Autonomous Buildings vision through architectural leadership, technical governance, and engineering alignment. The Director defines software development and deployment strategy for IoT edge, cloud-hosted, and AI-enabled products; leads global engineering teams; drives AI-enabled improvements to building workflows and engineering practices; and ensures product delivery, cybersecurity, regulatory, industry, and quality requirements are met. The role partners with product, engineering, commercial, and technology stakeholders to align roadmaps with market needs, measure performance through KPIs, and optimize cloud infrastructure cost, performance, and scalability.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 10 or more years of experience in software engineering, systems architecture, product development, or related technical disciplines.
- 3 or more 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.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Define and execute 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.
- Lead and inspire global teams of software engineering managers, architects, and engineers across multiple engineering centers.
- Foster collaboration across geographies and cultures, providing clear direction and accountability.
- Promote quality, technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement; recruit, develop, retain, coach, and mentor technical talent and engineering leaders.
- Transform installation, configuration, commissioning, monitoring, and service workflows through AI-enabled solutions.
- Ensure 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 drive mitigation plans.
- Improve engineering effectiveness through AI-assisted development practices and modern software delivery methodologies.
- Define end-to-end architecture across 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, engineering best practices, DevOps, CI/CD, automation, and AI-enhanced software development methods.
- Use AI-powered development tools and intelligent agents to enhance developer productivity and accelerate innovation.
- Partner with Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Engineering to align R&D initiatives with market needs.
- Collaborate with external vendors and technology partners to integrate capabilities and accelerate innovation.
- Build relationships with User Experience, IT, and Cybersecurity teams.
- Establish KPIs for 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.
Benefits
- Competitive bonus plan based on individual, group, and corporate performance.
- Competitive benefits package.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
