Director of AI

Cerence AI is the global leader in AI for transportation, specialized in building AI and voice-powered companions for cars, two-wheelers, and more, helping drivers enhance their in-car experience with cutting-edge, effortless connectivity . With over 500 million cars shipped with Cerence AI's technology, we partner with leading automakers (Volkswagen, Mercedes, Audi, Toyota, and many more), mobility providers, and technology companies to power intuitive, integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. 

Our Driving Force 
Riding on the wave of generative AI, our team is defining the dimensions of new age user experience in the automotive world, working around the globe with headquarters in Burlington, Massachusetts, USA and 16 other offices across Europe, Asia, and North America. We bring together diverse technological backgrounds, and varied skill sets with the shared goal of advancing the next generation of user experiences. Our culture is customer-centric, collaborative, fast-paced and fun, with continuous opportunities for learning and development to support your career growth. 

In this critical role, you will drive the strategic direction and execution of our AI technologies, enabling us to maintain our position as industry pioneers. As the Director of AI, you will work closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and data science, to develop and deploy AI-driven solutions that empower our customers and enhance their experiences.

Your Impact

• Develop and execute the AI strategy, defining the long-term vision and roadmap for AI technologies at Cerence AI. Align the AI strategy with business goals and market trends to ensure continued innovation and competitive advantage.
• Lead and inspire a team of AI researchers and engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation. Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Evangelize the company’s innovation in the evolving generative AI  with customers.
• Drive the research and development efforts of AI technologies, including Large Language Models and Multimodal modelling combining speech & haptics , and computer vision. Identify and explore new AI opportunities and applications to enhance Cerence AI's product offerings.
• Ensure the technical excellence of AI solutions, overseeing the design, development, and evaluation of AI models, algorithms, and architectures. Drive continuous improvement and innovation in AI methodologies and techniques.
• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, and other stakeholders to align on AI initiatives, prioritize projects, and ensure successful integration of AI technologies into Cerence AI's products.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and trends in AI technologies and their applications in relevant industries. Share insights and thought leadership internally and externally through publications, conferences, and other channels.
• Identify opportunities for intellectual property generation and protection through patents, copyrights, or trade secrets, ensuring Cerence AI's competitive edge in AI technology
• Collaborate with other teams within Cerence AI, such as UX design, data science, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless integration of AI technologies and deliver exceptional user experiences.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements related to AI technology development and usage.

What You Bring

• Extensive experience in AI research and development, with a strong focus on natural language processing, , deep learning, and computer vision.
• Proven track record of leadership in driving AI initiatives, including strategy development, technology innovation, and team management.
• Solid understanding of AI algorithms, models, and architectures, with expertise in applying them to real-world applications.
• Strong knowledge of programming languages commonly used in AI, such as Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar frameworks.
• Experience in leading and managing a team of AI researchers and engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Excellent understanding of the AI landscape, emerging trends, and technologies, and their potential impact on user experiences and business outcomes.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate business requirements into AI solutions and technical roadmaps.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex AI concepts and strategies to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence.

What we offer

We offer a generous compensation and benefits package (in addition to the base salary), including:

• Salary range of $ 173,200 - 277,200 It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. The actual salary will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors.

• Annual bonus opportunity

• Insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)

• Paid time off

• Paid holidays

• Company contribution to the RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)

• Equity awards for certain positions and levels

• Remote and/or hybrid work available depending on the position

All compensation and benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the underlying plans or programs, as applicable, and may be amended, terminated, or replaced from time to time.

Cerence Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNC and www.cerence.com) is the global industry leader in creating unique, moving experiences for the automotive world. Spun out from Nuance in October 2019, Cerence is a new, independent company that has quickly gained traction as a leader in the automotive voice assistant space, working with all of the world’s leading automakers – from Ford and Fiat Chrysler to Daimler, Audi and BMW to Geely and SAIC – to transform how a car feels, responds and learns. Its track record is built on more than 20 years of industry experience and leadership and more than 500 million cars on the road today across more than 70 languages.  

As Cerence looks to the future and continues an ambitious growth agenda, we need someone to join the team and help build the future of voice and AI in cars. This is an exciting opportunity to join Cerence’s passionate, dedicated, global team and be a part of meaningful innovation in a rapidly growing industry. 

Cerence is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all federal, state and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, genetic information and other protected classifications. Cerence Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.

All prospective and current Employees need to remain vigilant when it comes to executing security policies in the workplace. This includes:

- Following workplace security protocols and training programs to familiarize with the ways to maintain a safe workplace.
- Following security procedures to report any suspicious activity.
- Having respect for corporate security procedures to allow those procedures to be effective.
- Adhering to company's compliance and regulations.
- Encouraging to follow a zero tolerance for workplace violence.

- Basic knowledge of information security and data privacy requirements (e.g., how to protect data & how to be handling this data).

- Demonstrative knowledge of information security through internal training programs.