VP, AI & Applications

Utilidata•Ann Arbor, MI

2d•Remote

About The Position

Utilidata is a fast-growing NVIDIA-backed AI company enabling AI data centers to dynamically orchestrate power and unlock more compute capacity from existing energy infrastructure. For over a decade, we have applied AI to the electric grid — bringing real-time visibility and power-flow control to complex energy infrastructure. Our Karman platform, built on a custom NVIDIA module, brings that same capability to AI data centers, giving operators a way to better use the power already available to them. The VP, AI & Applications leads the intelligence layer of Karman — the algorithms, control methods, and optimization techniques that turn microsecond-resolution measurement data into closed-loop control actions and quantifiable customer value. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, this role owns how Karman creates value across the data center power system: the internal power distribution system, the utility connection, and ancillary loads and generation including cooling, capacitor shelves, and on-site solar plus battery. The VP partners with the VP, Engineering on the platform that runs these methods in production, and with VP, Product on how value is packaged and delivered to customers.

Requirements

10-15+ years of professional experience leading teams that develop algorithms, control systems, optimization methods, or applied AI in production
Deep technical background in one or more of: control theory, power systems, optimization, applied machine learning, or signal processing
Demonstrated experience in algorithms and decision-making paradigms with edge AI tools, including control systems that run offline or isolated for extended periods
Track record of developing leaders and growing the careers of senior engineers and researchers; sees mentorship and team development as a core measure of personal impact
Demonstrated ability to lead a senior, technically deep team while remaining hands-on enough to shape architecture and methods directly
Experience translating research and prototypes into shipped products in a startup or fast-moving environment
Strong communication skills, including the ability to represent technical work credibly to executives, customers, and external technical organizations
Experience with intellectual property strategy and the patent process
Willingness to travel up to 20% of time

Nice To Haves

PhD strongly preferred in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Control Systems, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related technical discipline
Experience with energy systems, power electronics, or grid-edge applications
Published research, granted patents, or recognized contributions to control systems, applied AI, or power systems
Background in real-time systems, deterministic control loops, or hard real-time operating systems
Experience with digital twins, hardware-in-the-loop simulation, or co-simulation environments

Responsibilities

Lead and set technical direction for the team responsible for Karman's algorithms, control methods, optimization, and applied research — including power flow control and closed-loop adaptive control — through direct management of a Director and Principal-level individual contributors
Drive technical co-development with strategic technology partners across hardware, firmware, and commercial tracks, and provide customer-facing technical leadership, working with GTM and Product
Develop and manage release plans for algorithms and applications work, with clear engineering direction, validation strategy, and tracking against committed product capabilities
Partner with the VP, Engineering to ensure algorithms and control methods are designed for production deployment on the Karman software and hardware platform
Stay hands-on early in the role and scale toward leader-of-leaders as the team grows
Collaborate with the People Team to attract, onboard, and retain top talent in algorithms, applied AI, and control systems
Optimize resource allocation, budgeting, and timelines for team effectiveness
Develop and report on success metrics that measure the team's contribution to organizational objectives