Principal AI Program Manager

Google Chrome Microsoft Edge Apple Safari Mozilla Firefox Principal AI Program ManagerFull-timeJob Type (exemption status): Exempt position - Please see related compensation & benefits details belowSalary Range: 170,600.00-227,400.00Business Function: Program Management EngineeringWork Location: San Jose Great Oaks Headquarters--LOC_WDT_USCA23Company DescriptionWD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data.Job DescriptionThis role is the operational backbone of the Enterprise AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE), housed within the Office of the CIO. You will drive the day-to-day coordination, governance, and delivery of AI initiatives across the enterprise — translating between technical teams, business stakeholders, and executive leadership while helping mature the CoE as a durable capability.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:CoE Operations & GovernanceRun the CoE's operating cadence — workstreams, deliverables, status reporting, and steering committee rhythmsOwn the enterprise AI portfolio view: initiative tracking, dependencies, risks, and projected valueBuild and maintain intake, prioritization, and stage-gate processes for AI investment decisionsDevelop the AI roadmap with the CoE Program Lead, aligned to enterprise strategyCo-develop the transformation strategy with Head of AI COE and translate objectives into discrete initiativesDevelop and maintain integrated roadmapEnsure accountability to committed milestones and stage gatesDelivery & Stakeholder EngagementDrive end-to-end delivery across data engineering, data science, app dev, infrastructure, security, and business teamsPartner with business units to identify use cases, build business cases, and define success metricsTrack and report ROI across the portfolio to the CIO and C-suiteResponsible AI & EnablementEmbed responsible AI guardrails (bias, transparency, privacy, compliance) in partnership with Legal, Risk, and InfoSecBuild out CoE enablement assets — playbooks, AI literacy programs, and shared tooling standardsDrive adoption through change management, communications, and trainingQualificationsRequired0- 10+ years in program management, technology strategy, or management consulting0- 3+ years managing AI/ML or advanced analytics programsStrong grasp of the AI/ML lifecycle — data prep through MLOps and monitoringExecutive communication skills; able to make technical topics actionable for senior leadersExperience with AI governance or responsible AI frameworksBachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experiencePreferredExperience in a CoE, CIO/CTO office, or enterprise PMOFamiliarity with generative AI platforms (LLMs, copilots, AI agents) at enterprise scaleManagement consulting background (Big 4, MBB, or boutique advisory)PgMP, PMP, SAFe, or equivalent certificationCloud AI/ML platform experience (SageMaker, Azure AI, Vertex AI) Additional InformationWD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related...