Director, AI/ML Platform Engineering Lead

Job Summary

We are seeking a hands-on AI/ML Architect/Engineer to design, build, and scale our next-generation platforms for Generative AI, LLMOps, and MLOps within a pharmaceutical environment. This role is pivotal in enabling the responsible and efficient adoption of AI across R&D, commercial, and support functions. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with data scientists, business partners, and other business and IT stakeholders to transform AI concepts into production-ready solutions using technologies such as DataIKU, Microsoft Azure AI Services, and AWS AI Services. This is a strategic and technical role focused on delivering real-world impact through robust, scalable AI platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and implement enterprise-scale AI/ML platforms to support GenAI, traditional ML, and hybrid use cases.
• Enable end-to-end LLMOps and MLOps capabilities, including model lifecycle management, CI/CD, prompt versioning, monitoring/observability, and governance.
• Develop and integrate AI workflows using DataIKU, Azure AI Services (e.g., OpenAI, Search, Cognitive Services, etc), Snowflake Cortex, and AWS AI Services (e.g., Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Comprehend, etc).
• Design and implement agentic architectures using frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, AutoGen, or Semantic Kernel—enabling multi-step reasoning, tool orchestration, memory persistence, and task planning.
• Build reusable tools, SDKs, and templates to support efficient development and deployment by cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with business partners, data scientists, and product owners to identify, prioritize, and deliver high-value AI use cases.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, data privacy, and responsible AI guidelines throughout the AI lifecycle.
• Provide hands-on support and mentorship to project teams deploying AI solutions across the business.
• Contribute to enhancing the AI readiness and Data literacy across the organization.
• Continuously evaluate emerging GenAI technologies, vector search strategies, and foundation models to enhance platform capabilities.
• Establish and maintain the AI platform strategic roadmaps aligned with the company's business priorities and the vision for AI, collaborating closely with relevant business and IT stakeholders.
• Implement FinOps for AI platforms to ensure proper financial discipline for cost forecasting and tracking, including providing cost metrics to the teams utilizing the platforms.
• Work closely with the Managed Service Providers to manage platform demand and perform Ops & Support resource planning.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in software engineering, data science, or AI/ML engineering, including 3+ years in a senior engineering lead or architect role.
• Proven experience productionizing Generative AI and LLM solutions, including agent-based systems leveraging LangChain Agents, AutoGen, or Semantic Kernel with tool use, memory, and task chaining.
• Hands-on expertise with DataIKU, including plugin development, automation scenarios, and Python integration.
• Strong proficiency in Azure AI Services and AWS AI Services.
• Proficient in Python, with practical experience in developing scalable AI services using FastAPI, Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD tools.
• Familiarity with vector databases (e.g., OpenSearch, Pinecone, etc) and enterprise search strategies using embeddings.
• Deep understanding of LLMOps/MLOps best practices, including experimentation tracking, performance monitoring, model safety, and prompt evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to set technical standards, define architectural patterns, and foster enterprise-wide alignment.
• Experience with vendor selection and management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, especially in cross-functional teams involving business and technical partners.
• Strong ability to influence outside of functional area regarding policies, practices and procedures as it pertains to introduction of new AI technologis and adoption of Responsible AI principles.
• Strong collaborative mindset, able to work cross-functionally across business, data, and engineering teams.
• Results-oriented, with a track record of delivering impactful solutions in complex environments.
• Experience working in or supporting regulated industries, preferably life sciences, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals.

Our Culture

About Our Culture

As we work to develop solutions that enhance peoples' lives, we also work to care for our teammates' professional and personal growth and well-being.

Growth and Development

As a member of our team, we see your growth and learning as being critical for an individual career. We will work with you within your first 30 days to establish a growth path that aligns your aspirations with ours.

Core Values

• Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others' perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Competencies
Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $183,335.00 - Maximum $274,160.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting salary for candidates hired to perform the work. Other elements may be used to determine actual salary such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Company benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; https://www.otsuka-us.com/careers-join-otsuka.

Disclaimer:  

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. 

 

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.   

 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability.  You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request. 

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