Director of AI/ML

SMASH, Who we are?

We believe in long-lasting relationships with our talent. We invest time getting to know them and understanding what they seek as their professional next step.

We aim to find the perfect match. As agents, we pair our talent with our US clients, not only by their technical skills but as a cultural fit. Our core competency is to find the right talent fast.

This role is available to candidates located within the United States. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold a valid U.S. work authorization to be considered. 

Hybrid role: onsite 2 days per week. Flower Mound, TX

Role summary
You will lead the enterprise AI/ML and intelligent automation strategy, driving the design and operationalization of scalable AI solutions across the organization’s data platform. This role combines technical leadership, AI architecture expertise, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver machine learning, generative AI, multi-agent systems, and automation initiatives that create measurable business value.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the enterprise AI/ML and intelligent automation strategy.
• Lead and mentor teams of AI engineers, ML engineers, and automation developers.
• Design scalable, secure, and governed AI architectures using Databricks and Microsoft technologies.
• Drive implementation of machine learning, generative AI, and multi-agent orchestration solutions.
• Oversee development and deployment of AI-powered automation initiatives using Microsoft Power Automate and Copilot technologies.
• Collaborate with Data Engineering, Reporting, and business teams to operationalize AI capabilities.
• Implement AI governance, model lifecycle management, and responsible AI best practices.
• Lead adoption of Databricks AI capabilities including MLflow, model serving, and conversational AI solutions.
• Integrate AI and automation systems with enterprise applications such as ERP, CRM, and logistics platforms.
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics to measure AI and automation impact.
• Drive continuous innovation and evaluate emerging AI technologies and frameworks.
• Communicate AI strategy, risks, and business outcomes to executive stakeholders.

Requirements – Must-haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, automation, or related technical domains.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing technical or engineering teams.
• Experience leading enterprise AI and automation initiatives using Databricks and Microsoft technologies.
• Strong expertise in enterprise AI architecture and machine learning platform design.
• Experience implementing generative AI and agent-based systems.
• Hands-on experience with Databricks AI capabilities including MLflow and model serving.
• Experience integrating AI capabilities with Microsoft Copilot platforms.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to drive scalable, secure, and governed AI solutions.

Nice-to-haves (optional)

• Experience with Microsoft Power Automate and robotic process automation (RPA).
• Experience with conversational AI platforms such as Databricks Genie.
• Experience implementing multi-agent orchestration frameworks.
• Experience integrating AI systems with ERP, CRM, or logistics platforms.
• Experience with AI-powered image or video processing technologies.
• 12–15 years of progressive experience in AI engineering or enterprise data platforms.