Project Manager, AI & Machine Learning Initiatives

Hybrid 3 days onsite in Irvine, CA

Our client seeks an experienced Project Manager to lead and coordinate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning initiatives across the organization. The role drives AI and ML projects from use-case definition through development, deployment, and adoption. The ideal candidate combines strong project and program management capabilities with working knowledge of AI, machine learning, data, cloud platforms, and enterprise technology to manage technical teams, identify dependencies, and translate between engineering and business stakeholders.

The position will establish structure, governance, prioritization, and delivery standards for a growing portfolio of AI and ML initiatives.

This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $75.00 to $80.00/hr. w2

JN -

• Lead multiple AI and Machine Learning projects from discovery and proof of concept through production deployment and adoption.
• Develop and manage project plans, milestones, dependencies, risks, budgets, resources, and executive status reporting.
• Partner with AI and ML engineers, data scientists, data engineers, architects, product owners, cybersecurity, infrastructure and cloud teams, and business stakeholders.
• Facilitate AI use-case definition, requirements gathering, prioritization, and success criteria.
• Advance initiatives from POC or pilot into scalable production solutions.
• Coordinate dependencies across data availability, data quality, model development, integrations, infrastructure, security, privacy, and business processes.
• Manage Agile delivery ceremonies including backlog management, sprint planning, dependency tracking, risk management, and stakeholder reviews.
• Establish clear KPIs and measurable business outcomes for AI and ML initiatives.
• Track model and solution readiness across development, testing, validation, deployment, and adoption.
• Coordinate third-party technology partners and vendors for AI, ML, cloud, or data initiatives.
• Identify project risks early and drive resolution of technical, resource, organizational, and cross-functional blockers.
• Create concise executive reporting covering project health, milestones, risks, decisions, dependencies, and business value.
• Help establish repeatable AI and ML project governance and delivery standards as the portfolio expands.

• 7+ years of project or program management experience supporting complex technology initiatives.
• Proven experience managing AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Engineering, Analytics, or advanced technology programs.
• Strong understanding of the AI and ML lifecycle including discovery, data preparation, model development, testing and validation, deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
• Experience working directly with highly technical engineering and data teams.
• Proficiency with Agile and Scrum delivery methodologies and tools such as Jira or Azure Dev Ops.
• Ability to manage multiple AI initiatives with competing priorities and shared technical dependencies.
• Executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to translate technical AI and ML concepts into clear business language and outcomes.
• Preferred:
  Experience with Generative AI, LLMs, predictive analytics, intelligent automation, or ML platforms.
• Preferred:
  Understanding of MLOps or LLMOps, model governance, responsible AI, data governance, and AI security.
• Preferred:
  Experience with ecosystems such as Microsoft Azure and Azure AI, AWS and Sage Maker, Google Cloud and Vertex AI, Databricks, Snowflake, or MLflow.
• Preferred:
  Background in semiconductor, manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, or other technical environments.
• Preferred: PMP, CSM, SAFe, or equivalent certification.