Principal AI Program Manager

Western Digital • San Jose, CA

4d

About The Position

Western Digital is seeking a Principal AI Program Manager to lead enterprise-scale AI initiatives across the organization. This role operates at a strategic level, partnering with senior stakeholders to define and execute a comprehensive AI roadmap, while ensuring operational excellence, governance, and measurable business impact. You will act as a critical bridge between business priorities, technology capabilities, and execution teams—driving alignment, scalability, and value realization across multiple concurrent AI programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field
• Deep experience in program management, IT, or technology leadership roles
• Proven experience leading enterprise-scale AI/ML or data-driven initiatives
• Strong track record of managing multiple complex programs simultaneously
• Experience with stakeholder management at executive levels
• Expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
• Deep understanding of Agile methodologies and modern delivery frameworks

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or MBA
• Experience in data infrastructure, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and AI/ML ecosystems
• Familiarity with MLOps, GenAI tools, and enterprise AI governance frameworks
• Experience within semiconductor, storage, or high-tech industries
• Strong vendor management and outsourcing experience

Responsibilities

• Strategic Stakeholder Alignment Develop and own the enterprise AI roadmap , aligned with corporate priorities and cross-functional stakeholder needs Partner with executive leadership to define clear outcomes, success metrics, and timelines for AI initiatives Drive alignment across IT, Product, Engineering, and Business functions to ensure cohesive execution Translate business objectives into scalable AI-enabled solutions and prioritized programs
• Program & Project Execution Lead multiple concurrent AI programs from ideation through delivery and adoption Establish program structures, milestones, and delivery frameworks across complex initiatives Drive execution rigor, risk management, and dependency tracking across cross-functional teams Ensure delivery of measurable outcomes, including productivity gains, cost efficiencies, and innovation impact
• Governance & Operational Excellence Establish and scale program governance frameworks for AI initiatives
• Financial Planning & Resource Management Develop and manage budgets, including resource allocation, vendor spend, and workforce planning Optimize onboarding strategies for FTEs and contingent workers
• Operational Excellence Implement standardized processes, KPIs, and reporting to ensure program health and performance visibility Drive continuous improvement through data-driven insights
• Talent Development & Agile Ways of Working Champion Agile methodologies and modern delivery practices Mentor and grow program managers, engineers, and cross-functional talent Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning
• AI Technology Enablement Maintain strong understanding of AI/ML tools, platforms, and emerging technologies Identify and deploy tools that improve productivity, automation, and decision-making across teams
• Vendor & Partner Management Identify, evaluate, and onboard strategic vendors and partners , including contingent workforce Establish frameworks for vendor assessment, interviewing, and selection Manage vendor performance, contracts, and deliverables to ensure quality and alignment with business outcomes Build scalable partner ecosystems to support AI program delivery

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the WD Savings 401(k) Plan.

What This Job Offers

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