Principal AI Engineer

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a Principal AI Engineer (computer engineering or electrical engineering background) with a strong product-development foundation to lead AI initiatives that accelerate time-to-market, improve engineering efficiency, and enable AI-driven product capabilities. This role spans five product lines within the IT Rack Infrastructure domain and supports AI efforts across sustaining engineering, New Product Development and Introduction (NPDI), and forward-looking blue-sky research. The ideal candidate combines deep technical credibility in real-world product development with a creative, research-oriented mindset to explore breakthrough AI methods and technologies that can redefine both engineering processes and products.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and explore AI-related research and emerging AI-technologies focused on IT Rack Infrastructure products (1PH UPS, rack-based power distribution units, KVM and Serial devices, mechanical racks).
• Define the AI/ML architecture and technology roadmap for the IT Systems Business Unit.
• Identify high-value AI use cases across single-phase UPS, rack PDU, KVM/Serial, racks, and integrated solutions.
• Drive alignment of AI initiatives with product-line strategies and long-term business goals.
• Lead feasibility studies, prototypes, and proof-of-concept developments.
• Ensure AI/ML model's robustness, performance, explainability, and lifecycle management.
• Lead AI initiatives for improving our NPDI process time-to-market and engineering efficiency.
• Work with engineering leaders across product lines to define technological needs and feasibility.
• Collaborate with embedded software and firmware teams to deploy models on constrained edge devices and real-time systems.
• Define requirements for data acquisition, signal conditioning, and model inference hardware/software.
• Establish practices for data collection, preprocessing, labeling, and governance.
• Implement Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) frameworks for continuous integration, testing, versioning, and monitoring of AI models.
• Develop prototype methods, models, and simulations to validate new ideas and support technology feasibility studies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, engineering, and infrastructure teams, to ensure alignment of research objectives with overall company vision and market trends.
• Publish technical papers, file patents, and present findings to internal stakeholders and external audiences, contributing to the organization's knowledge base and thought leadership.
• Identify and collaborate with external research institutions, industry partners, and academic organizations to leverage additional expertise and insights.
• Engage with standards bodies, and technology partners.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and technical excellence within the team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience computer engineering or electrical engineering or advanced research in related fields.
• 5+ years of experience in AI/ML development, applied machine learning, embedded systems and advanced analytics.
• Strong proficiency in:
  • Python, ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
  • Data engineering and MLOps tools
  • Model validation, testing, and deployment practices
• Experience deploying AI/ML models in embedded systems, cloud platforms, or distributed systems.
• Ability to provide technical leadership and drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Familiarity with IT rack systems and infrastructure components is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and validate transformative ideas in mechanical design and materials applications.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, engaging with cross-functional teams and external partners effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in energy technologies, IoT, or industrial/embedded products.
• Knowledge of digital twins, simulation environments, or control systems.
• Familiarity with edge AI inference frameworks and optimized runtime environments.
• Track record of patents, high quality research/publications, or technical presentations.
• Having research articles in ICML, ICLR or L4DC conferences is a plus

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong systems thinking and problem-solving ability
• Technical leadership and communication
• Strategic planning and innovation mindset
• Ability to navigate complex, cross-functional organizations
• Focus on scalability, reliability, and productization

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Office and lab environment. Must be comfortable working in a lab performing or guiding experiments.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• 10%

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About Us

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv's Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.


OUR CORE PRINCIPALS: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development

At Vertiv, we offer the stability of a global leader in a growing industry and the opportunity of a startup. We design, manufacture and service the mission-critical infrastructure technologies for vital applications in data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial environments. With $5 billion in sales, a strong customer base and global reach in nearly 70 countries, our move to establish a standalone business enables us to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people.

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. If you are interested in applying or learning more about this role, please visit the company's career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

About the Team

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer


We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability.