Director AI Strategy and Innovation

Director AI Strategy and Innovation

Key Logic is seeking an experienced AI Strategy & Innovation Lead to guide artificial intelligence initiatives in support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This role will shape how AI enhances scientific discovery, accelerates R&D, modernizes operations, and strengthens mission impact across the complex. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in AI/ML with consulting agility, business development skills, and the ability to envision “art of the possible” applications across scientific domains, advanced energy systems, digital engineering, and laboratory operations.

This position balances strategy, execution, technical leadership, and the development of new opportunities that mature into funded programs.

Location: Remote with preferred locations:
Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV, and Albany, OR

• visionary who sees how AI can reshape the Lab's mission for decades.
• collaborative builder who assembles strong teams and partnerships.
• trusted advisor to senior leaders.
• hands‑on expert who can dive into technical discussions with top scientists.
• mission‑driven innovator committed to advancing U.S. energy and scientific excellence.

• Advance AI Strategy and Vision
• Develop and drive an AI strategy aligned with DOE mission priorities, scientific roadmaps, and future state operating models.
• Identify high‑value AI applications across research, modeling, simulation, energy systems, materials discovery, cyber, facility operations, and mission support.
• Translate emerging AI technologies (e.g. LLMs, multimodal models, agentic AI, scientific ML, HPC‑AI fusion) into actionable pathways that maximize value for the Lab.
• Shape and Deliver High‑Impact AI Initiatives
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in designing and implementing AI solutions that improve insight generation, scientific productivity, model accuracy, operational efficiency, and decision support.
• Integrate AI into existing Lab tools, platforms, and workflows to modernize and scale capabilities.
• Guide technical design, architecture, and research direction for pilots, prototypes, and full‑scale solutions.
• Business Development and Opportunity Advancement
• Identify, shape, and mature AI‑driven opportunities with DOE programs, other national laboratories, academia, and industry partners.
• Lead the development of concepts, white papers, proposals, and partnership strategies.
• Drive prioritization of AI investments based on value, feasibility, mission impact, and risk.
• Serve as a primary interface with DOE sponsors, advocating for the Lab's AI capabilities and securing new funding.
• Operationalize Responsible, Scalable AI
• Establish governance, model risk management, data practices, and responsible AI frameworks tailored to DOE R&D.
• Support Model Ops/MLOps implementation, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and long‑term sustainability.
• Champion ethical, secure, and compliant adoption of AI across scientific and operational environments.
• Build and lead high‑performing teams of AI scientists, engineers, domain experts, and analysts.
• Mentor staff and grow a scalable internal AI capability that can support diverse mission needs.
• Coordinate with technical and operational leaders to align talent, resources, and execution plans.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Thought Leadership
• Represent the Lab in high‑level discussions with DOE leadership, inter‑laboratory AI working groups, academia, and industry collaborators.
• Communicate complex AI topics to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Serve as a thought‑leader in emerging AI technologies relevant to scientific R&D, energy systems, digital twins, and operational excellence.

• Bachelor's degree required;
  Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Applied Math, Scientific Modeling, or a related field preferred.
• 5‑10+ years’ experience in AI/ML, scientific computing, digital transformation, or advanced analytics.
• 5‑10+ years leading AI/ML projects with executive or senior stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and develop new business opportunities within federal R&D, government, or scientific…