Senior Technology Director - AI/ML Applied Science (Seattle, Washington)

This job is with lululemon, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Description & Requirements

Who we are

lululemon is an innovative performance apparel company for yoga, running, training, and other athletic pursuits. Setting the bar in technical fabrics and functional design, we create transformational products and experiences that support people in moving, growing, connecting, and being well. We owe our success to our innovative product, emphasis on stores, commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we make in every community we're in. As a company, we focus on creating positive change to build a healthier, thriving future. In particular, that includes creating an equitable, inclusive and growth-focused environment for our people.

About this team

The Enterprise Data & AI organization is a strategic and operational driver of growth for lululemon, owning and building the data and AI platforms and services that enable the enterprise to operate with intelligence at scale. The team leads the design and delivery of a trusted unified data foundation, AI-driven data analytics and insights, and AI solutions across lululemon's vertically integrated retail ecosystem, while embedding strong data governance and responsible AI practices from the very beginning. By applying AI to critical business challenges and creating new, transformative AI solutions, the team helps reshape how lululemon operates. Through deep partnership with product, technology, and business teams, Enterprise Data & AI accelerates product innovation, unlocks measurable value, elevates guest and educator experiences, and drives enterprise efficiency.

The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Research team is specifically responsible for exploring, developing, and advancing cutting-edge AI capabilities that will transform lululemon's future business growth. This team operates at the intersection of research and application-identifying emerging technologies, building new models, and translating complex business challenges into scalable AI-driven algorithms.

Core responsibilities

As a Senior Director, AI/ML Research and Science, you are accountable for advancing lululemon's AI capabilities through the research, development, and delivery of innovative AI models and solutions that drive measurable business impact. This ole requires innovation at the intersection of solving complex business problems and extending the state-of-the-art to achieve high-performing AI solutions that transform the business.

Reporting to senior technology leadership, you will lead a lean, highly specialized team of AI research and applied scientists focused on pushing the boundaries of applied AI, balancing forward-looking exploration (3-5 years out) with near-term business aspect.

This role serves as a critical bridge between state-of-the-art AI research and enterprise business problems, translating evolving business needs into novel solutions and shaping the enterprise AI research roadmap in partnership with business stakeholders.

Select responsibilities include:

AI Research & Innovation

• Define and drive a forward-looking AI research roadmap (3-5-year horizon) aligned to business priorities
• Explore emerging technologies, methods, and models to unlock future capabilities
• Lead the design, development, and optimization of complex AI/ML models.

Business Problem Solving

• Translate complex business challenges into AI-driven solutions
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to identify high-impact use cases
• Ensure research outputs are aligned with tangible business outcomes

Strategy & Influence

• Provide expert guidance that shapes the broader AI/ML research strategy
• Act as a thought leader across the organization in AI innovation
• Contribute to establishing lululemon's AI capabilities as a competitive advantage

Partnership & Delivery

• Collaborate closely with AI Platform and Data teams to productionize solutions
• Ensure research innovations can be effectively integrated into business operations
• Balance experimentation with scalable, practical implementation

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of AI/ML research scientists
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning
• Build an inclusive, collaborative environment aligned with lululemon's values

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in AI/ML, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation
• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, AI, or related field with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed conferences and journals.
• Proven experience leading technical research teams in industry or academia
• Deep expertise in modern AI/ML techniques (e.g., deep learning, NLP, generative AI, optimization)
• Track record of developing novel models, frameworks, or applied research solutions
• Experience translating research into real-world business applications• Strong collaboration experience with engineering and data platform teams

must haves

• Acknowledge the presence of choice in every moment and take personal responsibility for your life.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and continuously innovate to achieve great results.
• Communicate with honesty and kindness and create the space for others to do the same.