Director III, Artificial Intelligence & Data Services

Job Description Our Information Technology organization is accelerating the company's transformation toward intelligent, data‑driven operations. As artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and automated decisioning increasingly define how we build, operate, and sustain enterprise systems, this role will serve as a senior leader shaping the direction of the company's data and AI ecosystem.

The Director III, IT Service Owner for Artificial Intelligence & Data Services, functions as the enterprise's executive‑level authority on data governance, analytics, AI product development, and data platform strategy. Acting as the strategic owner and operational leader for all enterprise data and AI capabilities, this leader will define long‑range data strategy, ensure trust and stewardship of mission-critical data assets, and drive the delivery of scalable, modern, secure AI‑enabled solutions.

This role partners across business areas, executive leadership, and technology domains to ensure data and AI services deliver measurable business value, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage. The director will also lead the organization in advancing data maturity, establishing strategic guardrails, developing technical talent, and ensuring that AI adoption adheres to security, governance, and ethical standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the enterprise executive responsible for the strategy, performance, and outcomes of all AI and Data Services.
• Define and lead the enterprise data governance strategy, including policies, stewardship structures, quality frameworks, and adoption mechanisms that deliver meaningful incremental value.
• Own the roadmap, implementation, and operations of the enterprise data catalog, metadata management, and data lineage capabilities.
• Oversee security and access controls, ensuring data protection, compliant usage, and appropriate guardrails for AI models and analytics platforms.
• Develop and direct the execution of the enterprise AI product development pipeline, including use‑case selection, model lifecycle management, and value realization.
• Lead enterprise predictive analytics, HR analytics, and advanced reporting solutions that enable data‑driven business decisions.
• Establish strategic and operational governance for all enterprise data and AI services, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, technology strategy, and risk posture.
• Define and maintain the technology roadmap for data platforms, AI infrastructure, reporting tools, and analytics ecosystems.
• Oversee support, sustainment, and continuous improvement of enterprise data systems and AI environments.
• Provide executive‑level communication and engagement to senior leaders, translating complex technical concepts into actionable recommendations.
• Influence, guide, and align leaders across the matrix-especially those outside direct reporting lines-to drive enterprise adoption of AI and data capabilities.
• Build and develop a high‑performing organization with deep data engineering, analytics, AI, and product delivery expertise.
• Establish and monitor service performance metrics, SLAs, risk indicators, and operational controls that ensure reliability and quality.
• Serve as an internal thought leader, advising executives on emerging AI practices, data opportunities, and enterprise-wide modernization initiatives.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, or related field; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum 12+ years of progressive experience across data, analytics, AI, or enterprise technology leadership roles.
• Strong leadership and executive presence, capable of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in data analytics, predictive analytics, AI technologies, data governance, and modern data platforms.
• Proven ability to architect and lead data governance frameworks that deliver organizational value.
• Strong background in software development, technical program management, or enterprise technology delivery.
• Ability to balance long‑range strategic planning with short‑term operational execution.
• Exceptional communication skills, able to simplify complex technical concepts for non‑technical executives.
• Collaborative and innovative mindset, capable of driving transformation across a large, matrixed enterprise.
• Strong talent development and coaching capability to build future data and AI leaders.
• Ability to travel as needed, approximately 25%.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Demonstrated success implementing enterprise data governance frameworks and data cataloging solutions.
• Proven experience managing secure data environments, access controls, and compliance‑driven analytics ecosystems.
• Significant experience developing and delivering predictive analytics, reporting platforms, and AI products.
• Demonstrated ability to create and execute technology roadmaps supporting enterprise transformation.
• Proven capability in building and leading technical teams, fostering strong engineering and analytics talent.
• Strong background in software development, systems engineering, or technical program management.

Demonstrated ability to influence executives, lead cross‑functional initiatives, and drive alignment across a large matrix organization.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $200222 - $340378

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems, Inc.BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.