Director of Artificial Intelligence

About the role

The Director of AI will lead the next phase of OpentronsAI strategy and platform capabilities. This role will focus on advancing AI-powered experiences across our robotics and software ecosystem, with particular emphasis on generative AI, intelligent workflow design, and production-grade AI systems for laboratory automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI Product & Platform Strategy
• Define and execute Opentrons’ AI roadmap in partnership with software, product management, and engineering leadership
• Drive the evolution of AI-powered workflow and protocol generation capabilities across the Opentrons platform
• Balance near-term product delivery with longer-term research and platform investments
• Identify opportunities to apply generative AI, ML infrastructure, and intelligent automation to improve the scientist experience
• Build Production-Grade AI Systems
• Lead development of reliable, scalable AI systems that translate natural language inputs into validated laboratory workflows and protocols
• Establish best practices for evaluation, validation, trust, and performance of AI systems in production environments
• Partner closely with engineering teams to operationalize AI capabilities across software and robotics products
• Help shape the technical architecture and infrastructure required to support future AI initiatives
• Drive External Innovation & Thought Leadership
• Build strategic relationships with academic institutions, industry partners, and the broader AI ecosystem
• Support collaborative research, technical partnerships, and recruiting pipelines for top AI talent
• Represent Opentrons externally through conferences, publications, panels, and industry engagement
• Help position Opentrons as a leader in AI-enabled laboratory automation and intelligent scientific systems

Requirements

The right candidate will not only set the direction but also expect to roll up their sleeves and execute work personally.

Qualifications

• Proven professional experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or applied research and engineering environments
• Proven track record of delivering AI-powered products from concept through production deployment and ongoing iteration
• Strong expertise in generative AI, foundation models, and modern AI/ML infrastructure
• Deep familiarity with Python-based AI development ecosystems and production AI workflows
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to varied audiences
• Comfortable operating as both a strategic leader and hands-on technical contributor

Skills

• Strong expertise in generative AI, foundation models, and modern AI/ML infrastructure
• Deep familiarity with Python-based AI development ecosystems and production AI workflows
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to varied audiences
• Comfortable operating as both a strategic leader and hands-on technical contributor

Benefits

We provide excellent benefits, competitive compensation, equity packages, and opportunities for growth.

Pay

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $265,000 and $295,000 per year. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and years of experience. We typically target mid-range for well-qualified candidates.

Schedule

The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected for the requisition or the requisition has a sufficient number of applications.