Leonardo DRS · 1 month ago
Director AI Excellence
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
10+ years expLeonardo DRS is a global leader in defense and intelligence products, committed to protecting the security of our nation and allies. The Director of AI Excellence will lead the strategic vision, development, and execution of AI initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders to implement an effective AI strategy and improve processes.
AerospaceCyber SecurityInformation ServicesInformation TechnologyMarine TechnologyNational SecurityNetwork SecuritySecurityTechnical SupportTraining
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
A company contribution to a health savings account
Telemedicine
Life and disability insurance
Legal insurance
401(k) savings plan
Wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being
Programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement
Flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program
Competitive vacation
Health/emergency leave
Paid parental leave
Community service hours
Company
Leonardo DRS
Leonardo DRS is a manufacturer and designs advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and high-performance defense technology.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2022-12-02IPO
Leadership Team
David Gross
Co-Founder
Philip Perconti
Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
2026-01-13
Washington Technology
2026-01-11
Company data provided by crunchbase