About this Role

We are seeking an experienced AI Models Lead to serve as the scientific and deep technology anchor of the AI Tower. This role is responsible for developing, fine-tuning, training, validating, and governing advanced AI and machine learning models, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Small Language Models (SLMs), and predictive models. The successful candidate will lead high-value experimentation and pilot delivery, providing deep technical leadership across model engineering, data science, vendor strategy, and AI innovation while working closely with product and platform teams to enable scalable solutions.

What you’ll do

• Lead the strategy for model selection, fine-tuning, and training using approaches such as PEFT and LoRA on proprietary telecommunications data.
• Deliver high-complexity proof of concepts and pilot programs for emerging AI use cases and support successful transition into production environments.
• Provide leadership and subject matter expertise across data science, statistical modeling, machine learning, and AI algorithms.
• Define and oversee model governance frameworks, including model drift monitoring, hallucination measurement, performance evaluation, and accuracy tracking.
• Evaluate and recommend the optimal mix of proprietary, open-source, and vendor-based AI models, including solutions from Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Mistral.
• Collaborate with platform engineering teams to ensure models are deployable, scalable, and operationally effective.
• Lead distributed teams of machine learning engineers, data scientists, and researchers across a complex multinational environment.
• Manage model training compute budgets, including GPU utilization and research and development investments.
• Drive continuous innovation by evaluating emerging developments in AI, model optimization, quantization, and related technologies.
• Deliver measurable outcomes including pilot-to-production conversion, model performance improvements, faster delivery cycles, and accelerated time to market.

Who you are

• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Deep expertise in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning, including Transformer architectures.
• Expert proficiency in Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and the Hugging Face ecosystem.
• Experience with Vertex AI Model Garden and custom model training pipelines.
• Strong understanding of model fine-tuning techniques such as PEFT and LoRA.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex business challenges into data science and machine learning solutions.
• Experience leading highly skilled technical teams within agile and matrix-based organizations.
• Proven track record of delivering AI and machine learning initiatives across global and distributed teams.
• Experience building collaborative relationships with technology partners and vendors.
• Knowledge of model monitoring, governance, validation, and performance optimization practices.
• Published research or a proven record of delivering complex machine learning systems would be advantageous.