Sr Director, Artificial Intelligence

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Position Summary

The Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is responsible for the design, development, and execution of the company’s enterprise AI strategy. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), this role has accountability for shaping how artificial intelligence is applied across the business, including the enablement of more efficient and technologically advanced customer support, streamlined workflows, and the integration of AI-driven innovation into core products and services.

The position requires a combination of deep technical expertise and strategic foresight to ensure the company remains at the forefront of leveraging AI for competitive advantage and long-term growth. The incumbent must be able to operate effectively in a highly matrixed, global organization, working across multiple regions, cultures, and functions to achieve business objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategy & Vision
• Define and execute the enterprise-wide AI roadmap aligned to business goals, customer needs, and product innovation.
• Partner with the CIO, senior executives, and business leaders to identify and prioritize AI use with the highest value impact.
• Drive thought leadership on emerging AI trends, risks, and opportunities.
• AI Product & Solution Development
• Lead the design and deployment of AI-powered tools, platforms, and solutions across customer support, workflow optimization, and product innovation.
• Establish AI governance standards, including data ethics, security, compliance, and model transparency.
• Oversee the integration of generative AI, machine learning, and automation technologies into core platforms and products.
• Technology, Resourcing & Infrastructure
• Build and scale robust AI infrastructure, including data pipelines, model training environments, and deployment frameworks.
• Partner with GIS and the organization to ensure scalable, secure, and high-performing AI platforms.
• Strategically leverage and oversee cost-effective consultants, contractors, and vendor partners to augment capabilities when warranted.
• Maintain ownership of AI budget planning, allocation, and tracking to maximize ROI and ensure cost discipline.
• Leadership & Influence
• Build, inspire, and lead a world-class AI team of data scientists and engineers.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and ethical AI adoption.
• Influence and educate senior leadership and business partners on AI potential, risks, and ROI.
• Operate effectively within a global, matrixed organization, navigating competing priorities and building alignment across multiple stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Visionary – Ability to see the “big picture” and translate AI potential into clear business impact.
• Change Leadership – Skilled at leading transformation and influencing adoption across a global, matrixed organization.
• Collaborative Influencer – Strong at building trust and alignment with C-suite leaders, business partners, and technical teams worldwide.
• Results Orientation – Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable outcomes through innovation.
• Financial & Vendor Acumen – Proven record of managing budgets and optimizing external resources for cost-effective outcomes.
• Global Mindset – Comfortable working across regions, cultures, and time zones with sensitivity to diverse perspectives.
• Ethical & Responsible Leadership – Commitment to ensuring AI is developed and deployed responsibly.

Technical Competencies

• Proven expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative AI techniques.
• Strong background in data science, algorithm design, and model deployment at scale.
• Experience with modern AI/ML frameworks and platforms (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, Azure/Google/AWS AI).
• Knowledge of enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud computing, and API integrations.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements, data privacy, and responsible AI principles.
• Track record of delivering enterprise AI applications with demonstrable business impact.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role includes direct supervision of a team with responsibility for performance management, coaching and development, workload prioritization, and day-to-day oversight. The position is also responsible for hiring, onboarding, and navigating people-related matters in alignment with company policies, values, and evolving workplace expectations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field. Master’s or Ph. D preferred.
• 20+ years of progressive related experience, with at least 12+ years in technology leadership/ management roles.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional AI/ML initiatives in a global, matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing AI teams.
• Exceptional communication and executive presence.

Other Requirements

• Flexible to work across multiple time zones as business demands.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required. Anticipated travel is 40% of the time.

The estimated base salary range for the Sr Director, Artificial Intelligence role based in the United States of America is: $220,500 - $330,700. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications, location where the role is to be performed, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact accommodations@illumina.com. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.