Director, AI Engineering & Operations

DAVITA • Denver, CO

13d • $128,000 - $203,000

About The Position

The Director, AI Engineering & Operations will spearhead the development and execution of DaVita's AI strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and driving innovation across the organization. They will lead a high-performing team of AI engineers, overseeing the entire AI lifecycle from data integration to model deployment and monitoring. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of AI principles, excellent leadership skills, and a proven track record of successfully implementing AI solutions in complex environments.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelors’ in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related field with a strong focus on machine learning. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is also acceptable.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in engineering or technology leadership. 5+ years of experience in a leadership role or managing technical teams.
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of AI/ML frameworks, cloud platforms, CI/CD tools, data engineering principles, and modern security practices. Expertise in GenAI technologies, including LLMs, orchestration frameworks, agent runtimes, and model integration techniques. Experience with AI applications such as predictive maintenance, defect detection, process optimization, and supply chain analytics.
• Language Skills: Fluent in the written and verbal skills necessary to successfully perform the essential functions, duties, and responsibilities of the position.
• Visual: Vision adequate to perform the essential duties/responsibilities of position.
• Physical Demands: Physical requirements can vary. These must be reviewed with management. However, in general, the position requires the following activities: Ability to lift minimum of 5 lbs to a max of 50 lbs unassisted and able to stand, sit, stoop, walk, stretch, reach, and use full range of body motions. Manual dexterity as required for specific equipment and ability to use computer keyboard and peripherals.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive AI roadmap aligned with business goals. Identify key AI capabilities and prioritize projects based on business impact. Collaborate with executives to translate business needs into actionable AI strategies. Stay abreast of emerging AI technologies and trends, evaluating potential organizational impact. Make strategic decisions on building versus acquiring AI capabilities to meet current and future business needs.
• Technical Oversight: Oversee architecture and design for scalable AI systems and deployment frameworks. Provide technical guidance on AI model selection, optimization, and evaluation methodologies. Ensure responsible AI, quality standards, best practices, and ethical considerations are integrated into AI development. Guide AI development, model building, training, and implementation processes.
• Team Management: Lead and collaborate with a high-performing team of AI engineers, data scientists, and ML engineers. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning. Develop specialized AI talent within the organization. Delegate tasks effectively, manage project timelines, and monitor team performance.
• Project Execution: Oversee the full AI lifecycle from data integration to model deployment and monitoring. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI solutions into existing systems. Manage project budgets, resource allocation, and delivery timelines. Ensure timely and successful implementation of AI initiatives.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee the establishment and execution of operational frameworks for AI initiatives across functions, ensuring seamless integration across business units.
• AI Best Practices & Guidelines: Establish organizational AI & Automation best practices and guidelines. Ensure quality, security, and regulatory compliance in all AI initiatives. Implement responsible AI principles throughout the development lifecycle.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with stakeholders and project managers to turn business goals into technical solutions. Work closely with internal stakeholders to champion AI initiatives, ensuring they are well-integrated with the company's strategic vision. Coordinating with development teams across the organization to integrate AI capabilities.
• Technical Guidance and Mentorship: Provide expert technical guidance, mentorship, and coaching to team members.
• Innovation and Incubation: Drive AI adoption, oversee capability development, and ensure successful integration of AI solutions across the organization. Track record of incubating emerging AI capabilities into structured, reusable offerings.
• Strategy and Roadmaps: Define and champion the vision, strategy, and roadmap for Data Engineering, Integrations, and AI Engineering Operations. Design and implement the long-term roadmap of technology architecture, engineering, development, and operations.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, PTO cash out
• Support for you and your family: Family resources, EAP counseling sessions, access Headspace®, backup child and elder care, maternity/paternity leave and more
• Professional development programs: DaVita offers a variety of programs to help strong performers grow within their career and also offers on-demand virtual leadership and development courses through DaVita’s online training platform StarLearning.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees