Director, AI

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Director, AI

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Saab

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Job Description

At Skapa by Saab, you’ll be part of a passionate team of innovators helping to create the future of defense tech. We are seeking a results‑driven Director of Artificial Intelligence to lead our AI strategy and execute on our AI product roadmap. This role will focus on understanding the voice of the customer, product innovation, software and hardware integration and program execution across a portfolio of national security‑focused software products, and expanding Skapa’s impact across Saab, Inc. This role blends cutting‑edge technical leadership with strategic business development responsibilities, helping drive adoption of our existing SaaS computer vision platform while spearheading the creation of a new multi‑domain awareness solution covering maritime, air, and land environments. The Director will lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of product‑focused engineers and technical program managers ensuring alignment between mission needs, technical innovation, and market delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Guide the team through research, prototyping, and operational deployment for both existing and new product lines, in alignment with Skapa and Saab, Inc.’s strategy.

Build and maintain a world‑class AI engineering and product team, fostering a culture of innovation and delivery.

Communicate with our defense customers (wearing both mission‑first and technical hats).

Product Development

Direct the architecture, design, and implementation of a multi‑domain awareness platform integrating maritime, air, and land intelligence data.

Ensure AI algorithms meet high standards for accuracy, explainability, robustness, and real‑time performance in operational environments.

Oversee integration of multi‑modal sensor data, geospatial analytics, and decision‑support features into the new platform.

Oversee and manage cloud usage, hardware purchasing and new software acquisition for R&D and customer‑facing products.

Business Development & Customer Engagement

Partner with business development teams to position and sell our SaaS computer vision platform to DoD and allied customers.

Engage directly with senior government stakeholders to understand mission requirements and translate them into product features.

Represent the company’s AI capabilities at industry events, customer demonstrations, and proposal efforts, including technical volumes.

Operational Excellence

Oversee AI model lifecycle management including data acquisition, labeling, training, validation, deployment, and monitoring.

Ensure compliance with DoD AI ethics guidelines, security requirements, and export controls.

Establish metrics and KPIs for AI performance, mission impact, and customer satisfaction.

Compensation Range

$231,200 - 312,100

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate’s work experience, key skills, and education / training.

Skills and Experience

Required Skills and Experience

BS Degree in a computer science, mathematics, physics, or related engineering discipline with 15+ years of experience OR MS Degree in computer science, information systems, mathematics, physics, or related engineering discipline with 10+ years of experience.

Must possess an active TS / SCI security clearance for consideration.

Managerial experience in the AL / ML sector.

Previous defense experience.

Familiar with the following : Python, Kubernetes, Docker, multi‑cloud integration, on‑premise deployment.

Experience in program management, customer operations, or data operations leadership role with a strong focus on client management (C‑suite), product roadmap development, product / market fit, and internal processes improvement initiatives.

Ability to identify potential risks associated with AI projects, including technological, operational, and ethical risks, and develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize adverse impacts on the organization.

Wide‑ranging experience including technical and project performance and understanding of the products and work required to perform a broad spectrum of tasks within the research and development capture life cycle.

Strong ability to communicate at an executive level and provide status updates focused on value add, impact, and performance.

Ability to guide a technical team in capturing, understanding and implementing system design requirements. Demonstrated ability to lead multi‑disciplinary engineering team, providing clear guidance and direction to the team while multi‑tasking and prioritizing competing requirements.

Capability to interface on an interdepartmental level and be an agent of change for process and procedural improvements.

Understanding of broad data science and engineering techniques and the tools required to design and develop products with a full understanding of industry practices and procedures.

Desired Skills / Experience

Experience leading teams focused on platform development.

Experience with maritime systems and naval operations.

Experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter‑UAS systems.

A strong understanding of project planning including risk and opportunity management is desirable.

Strong technical leadership and demonstrated ability to successfully lead a new research and development effort, including experience leading teams of senior researchers and engineers.

Experience across Saab, Inc. and internal operations.

Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build effective working relationships is a must, especially across government, industry and academic organizations.

Proven leader who motivates, inspires, and teaches others.

Strong work ethic and self‑motivation.

Analytical and demonstrated problem solving skills.

Citizenship Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug‑free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre‑employment drug screen.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents.

Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays.

401(k) with employer contributions.

Tuition assistance and student loan assistance.

Wellness and employee assistance resources.

Employee stock purchase opportunities.

Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.

About Us

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an affirmative action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, and locally protected category.

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