Director AI Excellence

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Location:

Fort Walton Beach, FL, US, 32548 Beavercreek, OH, US, 45431

Job

The Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems business is a global leader and strategic partner committed to delivering world‑class, full life‑cycle defense and intelligence products that protect the security of our nation and our allies. From air combat training to state‑of‑the‑art electronic warfare systems, our technology is deployed by virtually all U.S. military and government agencies around the world.

The Director of AI Excellence (AIEx) will be responsible for leading the strategic vision, development, and execution of AIEx initiatives across AIS. This role will align resources, budget, and processes to achieve defined AIEx goals and objectives. The Director will collaborate extensively with internal and external stakeholders to form a cohesive AI strategy, ensuring effective governance, implementation, continual process improvement and an enhanced customer and employee experience.

• Lead AIEx Strategy & Execution:
  Drive the development, communication, and alignment of the AIS AI vision, ensuring AIEx initiatives directly support company strategic objectives.
• Governance & Standards:
  Establish and maintain AI governance frameworks, policies, quality standards, and risk-management practices in partnership with Legal, Cyber, Ethics, and IT.
• Cross-Functional Alignment:
  Coordinate AI initiatives across business units, BEx, IT, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure efficiency, capability alignment, and cohesive deployment.
• Program Management & Performance:
  Oversee AIEx programs, defining goals, metrics, and KPIs; manage budgets, cost‑savings plans, schedules, and ROI for AI and AIEx activities.
• Process Optimization & Innovation:
  Champion AI-driven value creation, process improvement, and waste elimination; provide expertise in structured problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement:
  Serve as the primary AIEx point of contact, fostering collaboration across the enterprise, communicating progress and risks to leadership, and strengthening organizational AI readiness.
• Capability Building:
  Mentor AIEx coordinators and cross‑functional teams, developing AI literacy, bench strength, and a culture of continuous improvement across AIS.
• Tools, Platforms & Data:
  Work with Business Excellence, IT, and Finance to define requirements for AI tools, platforms, and technology providers; implement systems that ensure compliance with customer and industry standards.
• Monitoring & Reporting:
  Maintain dashboards and performance tracking for AI and AIEx initiatives, ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.

• Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency with hands‑on application in relevant tools, platforms, and methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, negotiation, communication, and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across functions and influence at all organizational levels.

• Experience leading enterprise‑level AI, automation, analytics, or operational excellence initiatives.
• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Business, or a related technical discipline.
• Background in AI governance, risk management, or compliance frameworks.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams in a complex, multi‑site or highly regulated environment.
• Certification or training in Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Familiarity with AI platforms, cloud technologies, or data/ML lifecycle management tools.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical,…