AI COE Application Development Director

Summary

We are looking for an experienced AI Solution Architecture & Delivery Leader to drive rapid testing and learning, development, and delivery of AI solutions in a fast-paced, innovative environment. The ideal candidate will combine a strategic vision for AI adoption with hands-on expertise in rapid R&D, solution evaluation, and safe, responsible implementation. This role requires a results-driven leader with a passion for creating value and transforming current processes with AI through rapid experimentation, testing, and scaling AI technologies.

Responsibilities

• Rapidly assess, research, and evaluate emerging gen AI technologies, latest models and tools, and publish the best fit solutions for the company’s needs

• Architect and implement solutions at scale as an enterprise capability

• Create a "test-and-learn" mindset across the team to drive adaptive innovation and ensure that the company is benefiting from the latest AI innovations

• Act as a key delivery leader harnessing strong software engineering experience to lead architecture, design, development, and deployment of AI solutions for strategic and initiatives

• Apply proven software delivery leadership experience to ensure high-quality solutions reach production rapidly and have the responsibility to deliver and scale successful solutions

• Apply strong management experience to lead cross-functional teams to execute and implement AI solutions

• Manage high performing teams, optimize delivery timelines, and maintain focus on high-value initiatives

Qualifications

• 5+ years' proven experience in software delivery leadership including managing end-to-end lifecycle of solutions

• Strong expertise in AI technologies, frameworks and deployment strategies, as well as understanding of ethical AI practices and responsible AI deployment

• Experience in implementing enterprise systems in production setting for AI, computer vision, natural language processing

• Exposure to self-supervised learning, transfer learning, and reinforcement learning is a plus

• Experience with information storage/retrieval using vector databases like pinecone

• Strong understanding and exposure in natural language generation or Gen AI like transformers, LLM’s, text embedding’s and agentic frameworks

• Experience with designing scalable software systems for classification, text extraction/summary, data connectors for different formats (pdf, csv, doc, etc)

• Experience with machine learning libraries and frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, Hugging Face, Lang chain, Llama Index

• Ability to balance rapid R&D and experimentation with rigorous testing and responsible implementation

• Full stack engineering expertise, and experience in implementing enterprise systems in production setting

• Proficiency in designing architecture, building API Integrations, configuring, and deploying cloud services, security and authentication management

• Demonstrated ability to drive value creation and measurable business impact

• Excellent organizational leadership skills, with experience building and scaling teams

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on iterative learning and optimization

• Experience with cloud platforms, machine learning pipelines, and automation tools

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills

• Track record of leading transformative projects in dynamic, fast-moving environments

If you will be working at home occasionally or permanently, the internet connection must be obtained through a cable broadband or fiber optic internet service provider with speeds of at least 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload.

For this position, we anticipate offering an annual salary of 155,600 - 259,300 USD / yearly, depending on relevant factors, including experience and geographic location.

This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus and long term incentive plan.

We want you to be healthy, balanced, and feel secure. That’s why you’ll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, with a focus on supporting your whole health. Starting on day one of your employment, you’ll be offered several health-related benefits including medical, vision, dental, and well-being and behavioral health programs. We also offer 401(k) with company match, company paid life insurance, tuition reimbursement, a minimum of 18 days of paid time off per year and paid holidays. For more details on our employee benefits programs, visit Life at Cigna Group.

About The Cigna Group

Doing something meaningful starts with a simple decision, a commitment to changing lives. At The Cigna Group, we’re dedicated to improving the health and vitality of those we serve. Through our divisions Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services, we are committed to enhancing the lives of our clients, customers and patients. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the online application process, please email: SeeYourself@cigna.com for support. Do not email SeeYourself@cigna.com for an update on your application or to provide your resume as you will not receive a response.

The Cigna Group has a tobacco-free policy and reserves the right not to hire tobacco/nicotine users in states where that is legally permissible. Candidates in such states who use tobacco/nicotine will not be considered for employment unless they enter a qualifying smoking cessation program prior to the start of their employment. These states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington State.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.