Principal AI Program Manager

Western Digital•San Jose, CA

5d•Onsite

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

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
the WD Savings 401(k) Plan