Head of Exploratory R&D - Industrial AI

Head of Exploratory R&D – Industrial AI📍 East Bay, California | Hybrid💼 Full-timeWe’re partnering with a global industrial technology company to appoint a senior AI research and innovation leader who will help shape its long-term approach to emerging AI.This is a highly exploratory role sitting at the intersection of frontier AI research, technical strategy and industrial application.You’ll be responsible for identifying important developments across the AI landscape, determining what has genuine potential versus hype, and turning the strongest ideas into prototypes and early-stage technology initiatives.The opportunityYou’ll have the freedom to investigate emerging areas of AI, build and test new concepts, and influence where a major industrial technology organisation invests next.The role will involve:Exploring emerging AI research, models and architecturesBuilding and validating experimental AI conceptsTaking promising ideas from research through early incubationEvaluating new approaches across foundation models and the wider AI ecosystemIdentifying opportunities for AI within complex industrial environmentsWorking closely with senior technical, product and business leadersCommunicating emerging technology opportunities to executive stakeholdersBuilding and mentoring a high-calibre AI R&D teamWe’re looking forSomeone with 10+ years of experience across AI/ML, applied research, advanced R&D or technology innovation, ideally combining deep technical capability with the ability to influence at executive level.You’ll likely have:Deep knowledge of modern AI and foundation modelsA strong research and experimentation mindsetExperience taking emerging technologies from concept towards real-world applicationExposure to AI within industrial, engineering, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing or other complex physical environmentsStrong technical credibility, ideally supported by publications, patents or recognised research contributionsExperience presenting complex technical ideas to senior executivesPrevious technical leadership and/or team-building experienceAn advanced degree in Computer Science, AI, Applied Mathematics or a related technical discipline is highly desirableThis is a rare opportunity for someone who wants to stay close to frontier AI research while having the resources and influence to determine how those technologies could be applied to real-world industrial problems.Interested? Get in touch for a confidential conversation.