Sr. Director, Translational AI Research

Otis Elevator Co.•Farmington, CT

3d•$198,000 - $240,000

About The Position

Would you like to join a truly international, talent driven company that values Safety, Ethics, Quality, Innovation and Employee Opportunity? The Sr. Director, Translational AI Research will accelerate enterprise adoption of AI-driven decision systems across our global portfolio. Reporting to the VP, Data Science & Analytics, the Sr. Director will translate advanced research into scalable, production-grade capabilities that materially improve how we design, deliver, market, and service our products. The leader combines deep technical expertise with strategic clarity and enterprise influence—guiding teams, aligning senior stakeholders, and delivering AI systems that enhance performance at scale. The Sr. Director also develops talent, strengthens governance, and elevates the company’s external presence in applied AI. On a typical day you will: Drive a research-led innovation pipeline focused on measurable business outcomes. Lead a high-performing team of AI researchers, data scientists, and ML engineers. Drive enterprise AI maturity through expertise in ML, optimization, simulation, and agentic systems. Foster a culture of experimentation, scientific rigor, and cross-functional collaboration. Set the technical vision, standards, and operating mechanisms for responsible, high-integrity AI development. Embed governance, transparency, and compliance into all AI workflows. Align AI strategy with enterprise priorities by partnering with senior leaders across operations, finance, sales, service, and product. Provide deep insight into performance drivers using analytics, predictive modeling, and intelligence frameworks. Map decision workflows to ensure AI systems reflect real-world constraints and information flows. Model human decision behavior to reveal bottlenecks and validate operational alignment. Lead development of agentic models that simulate operational and commercial scenarios. Lead user-centered pilots to ensure trust, usability, and adoption readiness. Deliver scalable AI solutions through reusable APIs, microservices, and CI/CD practices. Ensure robust MLOps, reliable deployment, and continuous monitoring for long-term system performance. -Co-design AI solutions with customers and partners to create new value streams. Represent the company as a senior AI voice at conferences and industry events.

Requirements

Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a quantitative discipline
15+ years in AI/ML, data science, or advanced analytics, including 5+ years leading research or engineering teams
Proven ability to convert complex research into deployed, high-impact AI systems
Deep expertise in ML, multi-objective optimization, agentic AI, simulation, and digital twins
Strong executive communication and cross-functional leadership capabilities
Ability to travel on a quarterly basis
Given the nature of the position, applicants must have authorization to work in the U.S. now and in the future without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in industrial, IoT, building systems, autonomous systems, or supply-chain domains preferred
Record of patents, publications, or recognized external AI leadership preferred
Experience scaling AI platforms, APIs, and microservices in real-time or edge environments preferred

Responsibilities

Drive a research-led innovation pipeline focused on measurable business outcomes.
Lead a high-performing team of AI researchers, data scientists, and ML engineers.
Drive enterprise AI maturity through expertise in ML, optimization, simulation, and agentic systems.
Foster a culture of experimentation, scientific rigor, and cross-functional collaboration.
Set the technical vision, standards, and operating mechanisms for responsible, high-integrity AI development.
Embed governance, transparency, and compliance into all AI workflows.
Align AI strategy with enterprise priorities by partnering with senior leaders across operations, finance, sales, service, and product.
Provide deep insight into performance drivers using analytics, predictive modeling, and intelligence frameworks.
Map decision workflows to ensure AI systems reflect real-world constraints and information flows.
Model human decision behavior to reveal bottlenecks and validate operational alignment.
Lead development of agentic models that simulate operational and commercial scenarios.
Lead user-centered pilots to ensure trust, usability, and adoption readiness.
Deliver scalable AI solutions through reusable APIs, microservices, and CI/CD practices.
Ensure robust MLOps, reliable deployment, and continuous monitoring for long-term system performance.
-Co-design AI solutions with customers and partners to create new value streams.
Represent the company as a senior AI voice at conferences and industry events.

Benefits

We offer a 401(k) plan with a generous company match and an automatic retirement contribution for your future financial security from day one of your employment, you and your eligible dependents will receive comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
Enjoy three weeks of paid vacation, along with paid company holidays
We provide paid sick leave, employee assistance, and wellness incentive programs to support your well-being.
Life insurance and disability coverage to protect you and your family.
Voluntary benefits, including options for legal, pet, home, and auto insurance.
We offer generous birth/adoption and parental leave benefits, as well as adoption assistance, to support growing families.
Pursue your educational goals with our tuition reimbursement program.
Recognize and be recognized! We celebrate service anniversaries and offer spot performance bonus opportunities to show our appreciation.
The salary range for this role is $198,000 - $240,000.
We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may change in the future.
Pay within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.