Director of AI

Director of AI

San Jose, CA, United States

Vectra® is the leader in AI-driven threat detection and response for hybrid and multi-cloud enterprises.

The Vectra AI Platform delivers integrated signal across public cloud, SaaS, identity, and data center networks in a single platform. Powered by patented Attack Signal Intelligence, it empowers security teams to rapidly prioritize, investigate and respond to the most advanced cyber-attacks. With 35 patents in AI-driven threat detection and the most vendor references in MITRE D3FEND, organizations worldwide rely on the Vectra AI to move at the speed and scale of hybrid attackers.

About Vectra

Vectra is the world leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, applying cutting-edge AI to detect and stop sophisticated cyberattacks across hybrid cloud, identity, and network environments. We are doubling down on AI innovation to drive strategic impact, accelerate our product roadmap, and ensure that we continue to deliver the most accurate threat signal in the industry.

Role Overview

We're looking for a strategic and inspired Head of AI to lead our AI and data engineering teams, drive our AI business transformation strategy, and serve as a resident expert within the organization. You will shape the vision and execution of AI initiatives and work with business leadership to unlock the next wave of AI-driven capabilities across our organization, including IT, Go To Market, Customer, G&A and Product functions. This individual will focus on creating and operationalizing AI strategy while scaling team capabilities and ensuring high ROI from AI investments.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership & Execution

• Define, evolve, and execute Vectra's AI strategy in alignment with business goals.
• Evangelize AI vision and strategy to executives, cross-functional partners, and external stakeholders.
• Translate long-term AI goals into actionable roadmaps with clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Lead a team of cross-functional executives responsible for driving Gen AI initiatives in their organizations through a 'hub-and-spoke model.'

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and grow high-performing teams of AI engineers, machine learning engineers, and data engineers to deliver transformational programs.
• Mentor and develop technical talent; foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Set performance targets and build career paths for team members.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work closely with Engineering, Product, Data Science, Security Research, and Go-to-Market functions to embed AI across Vectra's platform and solutions.
• Partner with executive leaders to conduct 'build vs buy' assessments, prioritize programs, conduct feasibility assessments, document requirements and deliver technical programs assessments, Technical Excellence.
• Guide architectural decisions for scalable AI/ML systems, data pipelines, model governance, and deployment frameworks.
• Drive best practices for experiment tracking, monitoring, retraining, and model lifecycle management.
• Stay abreast of AI advancements — especially in machine learning, deep learning, generative models, and large-scale distributed systems — and determine how to bring relevant innovation into production.

Governance & Responsible AI

• Ensure responsible, secure, and ethical use of AI — especially given the sensitive nature of customer and internal data.
• Establish governance frameworks for model quality, bias mitigation, and compliance with internal and external standards.

Measurement & Impact

• Define and track key performance indicators for AI initiatives (e.g., operational efficiency, ROI/cost impact, and business value delivered).
• Report on progress, blockers, and outcomes to senior leadership.

What We're Looking For

Experience

• 8+ years of experience building, scaling, and deploying AI/ML systems in production environments in Engineering or IT organizations.
• 3+ years in a leadership role managing engineers, data practitioners, or AI/ML teams.
• Proven track record shaping AI strategy that influences product and business outcomes.

Technical Expertise

• Strong foundation in machine learning, data architecture, distributed systems, and AI tooling.
• Hands-on experience with modern AI tools, LLM's, cloud platforms, and data infrastructure.
• Track record of deploying solutions at scale with attention to reliability, performance, and monitoring.

Leadership Skills

• Comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Excellent communicator with ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions and lead in a high-growth environment.

Education

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, AI/Machine Learning, IT development/ Data Science, or a related field preferred.

Vectra is at the forefront of cybersecurity AI innovation — applying cutting-edge AI to defend organizations worldwide. You'll lead a growing team, work with world-class technologists, and directly influence how AI protects customers from evolving threats. Join us as we build the next generation of AI-powered security capabilities.

Our competitive total rewards package includes cash compensation within the range provided below. Actual pay for this position may vary based on the hired candidate's location, experience and relevant incumbent pay position.

$252,000 - $340,900 USD

Vectra provides a comprehensive total rewards package that supports the financial, physical, mental and overall health of our employees and their families. Compensation includes competitive base pay, incentive plan eligibility, and participation in the employee equity plan (stock options). Specific benefits offered varies by location, but commonly include health care insurance, income protection / life insurance, access to retirement savings plans, behavioral & emotional wellness services, generous time away from work, and a comprehensive employee recognition program.

Vectra is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.