Lead Engagement Director

Job Description:DataRobot delivers AI that maximizes impact and minimizes business risk. Our platform and applications integrate into core business processes so teams can develop, deliver, and govern AI at scale. DataRobot empowers practitioners to deliver predictive and generative AI, and enables leaders to secure their AI assets. Organizations worldwide rely on DataRobot for AI that makes sense for their business — today and in the future. DataRobot’s Forward Deployed Engagement Manager leads the delivery of our most advanced customer initiatives. In this high-impact role, you will be the captain of the ship for enterprise customer engagements, specifically focusing on the deployment of Agentic AI and Generative AI solutions.You are not just a project manager; you are a technical translator and a strategic partner. You will sit at the intersection of business strategy and engineering execution, guiding our customers through the complexities of adopting autonomous AI agents. Drawing on a background in software engineering or solution architecture, you will effectively manage technical risk while using your business acumen to ensure every project delivers measurable ROI. Key Responsibilities:Lead Complex AI Engagements: Own the end-to-end delivery lifecycle for high-stakes professional services engagements. You will manage the scope, timeline, budget, and execution of projects building GenAI agents and predictive solutions.Bridge Business & Technology: Act as the primary translation layer between client business stakeholders (up to the C-suite) and DataRobot’s technical delivery team (AI Engineers and Data Scientists). You will ensure business goals are accurately translated into technical requirements.Technical Risk Management: Leverage your technical background to identify implementation risks early—whether related to data infrastructure, API integrations, or agent logic—and work with the engineering team to mitigate them before they impact the critical path.Stakeholder Management: cultivate strong, trusted relationships with client sponsors. You will manage expectations, handle escalations, and navigate complex organizational dynamics to ensure project success.Drive Adoption & Change: Go beyond delivery by helping customers understand how to operationalize and adopt Agentic workflows, advising on process changes required to integrate AI agents into their daily operations.Agile Delivery: Run agile sprints, stand-ups, and sprint reviews, ensuring the delivery team maintains high velocity and clear direction.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Technical Fluency:Understanding of system architectures, API integrations, and cloud infrastructureAbility to engage in discussions on the software development lifecycle (SDLC) with engineering teamsFamiliarity with GenAI and Agentic systems (e.g., non-deterministic behavior, latency trade-offs, MCP servers, RAG architectures)Business Acumen:Ability to define KPIs, measure ROI, and align technical outputs with strategic business objectivesConsulting Mindset (“Consulting DNA”):Disciplined approach to project governance, documentation, and client communicationRequisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:Related Experience:7+ years of professional experience, including delivery of complex software or data products for enterprise clientsHybrid Background:Experience in technical roles (e.g., Software Engineer, Solution Architect, Technical Lead) with progression into client-facing leadership roles (e.g., Engagement Manager, Technical Program Manager, Product Owner)AI/ML Experience:Experience managing data science or machine learning projectsEducation:Technical undergraduate degree (Computer Science, Engineering, or similar); MBA preferredCertifications:PMP, Scrum Master (CSM), or cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP) preferredConsulting Experience:Experience working within a management consulting or technology consulting environment (Big 4 or boutique)Compensation StatementThe U.S. annual on-target earnings (OTE) range for this full-time position is between $180,000 and $220,000 USD/year. This range represents a combination of annual base pay and targeted commission. Actual offers may be higher or lower than this range based on various factors, including (but not limited to) the candidate’s work location, job-related skills, experience, and education.The talent and dedication of our employees are at the core of DataRobot’s journey to be an iconic company. We strive to attract and retain the best talent by providing competitive pay and benefits with our employees’ well-being at the core. Here’s what your benefits package may include depending on your location and local legal requirements: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Flexible Time Off Program, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, Global Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more!DataRobot Operating Principles:Wow Our CustomersSet High StandardsBe Better Than YesterdayBe RigorousAssume Positive IntentHave the Tough ConversationsBe Better TogetherDebate, Decide, CommitDeliver ResultsOvercommunicateAll DataRobot hires are required to complete a background check prior to starting employment, which includes identity verification, criminal history check, employment verification and education verification. Additionally, all DataRobot employees must be available to attend in-person company trainings and meetings.Research shows that many women only apply to jobs when they meet 100% of the qualifications while many men apply to jobs when they meet 60%. At DataRobot we encourage ALL candidates, especially women, people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying people, differently abled, and other people from marginalized groups to apply to our jobs, even if you do not check every box. We’d love to have a conversation with you and see if you might be a great fit. DataRobot is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. DataRobot is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Please see the United States Department of Labor’s EEO poster and EEO poster supplement for additional information.All applicant data submitted is handled in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Policy.SummaryLocation: California, US - Remote; San Jose, California, US; San Francisco, California, USType: Full time