RAI Lead

Role Responsibilities

• Own the enterprise Responsible AI framework, embedding legal, regulatory, and ethical controls including risk classification/assessments throughout the lifecycle of AI products
• Serve as the company's RAI expert and strategic advisor to the ELT, leading the RAI working team—a governance committee that reports to the AI SteerCo (including the CEO)—to oversee portfolio‑level risk and drive consistency of responsible AI application across the enterprise
• Shape the organization’s position on RAI standards while engaging with internal and external stakeholders
• Maintain and operationalize the RAI handbook in partnership with legal, IT/OT, and other stakeholders, ensuring controls are practical, enforceable, and aligned with evolving regulatory requirements
• Embed RAI controls, risk scoring, and ongoing monitoring directly into the product lifecycle and stage gates, ensuring ethical and regulatory requirements are tested and validated at each stage of delivery, and that remediation processes are in place when issues are identified
• Review and approve RAI assessments for AI products and manage third‑party vendor compliance across the portfolio, evaluating risk across established ethical AI principles
• Track and report AI‑related incidents to the ELT, maintaining a structured incident log, assessing risk implications, and ensuring timely escalation, remediation, and closure in line with the enterprise RAI framework
• Drive RAI awareness and capability‑building across the organization, design training/guidance materials and engagement programs that embed responsible AI thinking into squad‑level delivery

Job Requirements and Experience

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Ethics, Law, or a related field, with a focus on AI/ML, ethics, or governance
• Certifications or specialized training in Responsible AI, AI ethics, or governance frameworks are preferred
• Minimum 11 years of relevant professional experience in responsible AI, technology governance, regulatory compliance, ethics, or related roles
• Deep expertise in responsible RAI best practice, frameworks, and the AI regulatory landscape, with the ability to translate complex requirements into practical, enforceable controls
• Superior, structured problem‑solving ability, navigating highly ambiguous challenges at the intersection of technology, law, ethics, and business needs to deliver clear policy recommendations
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing materials for C‑suite and board‑level audiences on governance risk and strategic RAI positioning
• Highly skilled at engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, building consensus across cross‑functional stakeholders on RAI standards
• Consistent commitment to excellence and innovation, identifying and embedding emerging best practices in responsible AI as the regulatory and technical landscape evolves
• Courage and decisiveness, willing to challenge AI product and delivery teams where ethical or regulatory controls are insufficient, and maintain those positions under pressure
• Experience in the power, utilities, or clean energy sector, including knowledge of U.S. power markets, renewable project development, and clean energy technologies preferred
• Solid understanding of AI product development processes, including model lifecycle management, stage‑gate governance, and deployment practices, sufficient to evaluate RAI compliance at each stage and engage credibly with technical teams and product squads
• This position is an office‑based role with some travel and visits to other RWE Americas offices and field locations
• Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time

Pay range

The annual base salary range for this position in Illinois is $200,000 - $240,000. The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position and represents the range for new hire salaries across all U.S. locations. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. RWE considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s education & work experience, training & certifications, and key skills as well as market and business considerations at the time of the offer.

Benefits offered

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. Eligible employees also participate in short‑term incentives, in addition to salary.

Legal and EEO Statement

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.