Senior Manager & Lead Architect, AI Engineering

Job Description

Do you want to shape NKT's AI architecture, lead a high performing engineering team, and drive responsible, scalable AI across manufacturing and enterprise systems? We are looking for a senior leader who can set the technical direction for AI, ensure compliance with key regulations, and deliver impactful AI solutions that improve product quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

In this combined architecture + people leadership role, you will guide the AI Engineering team, design end-to-end AI solutions, integrate with factory systems, and drive full lifecycle operations through MLOps. You will collaborate across business lines, Data & AI teams, and technology partners to turn business needs into robust, responsible AI at scale.

Enable secure, scalable AI across manufacturing and enterprise

In this combined architecture-and-people management role, you set the technical direction for AI engineering while overseeing delivery quality, team development, and clear collaboration routines with data engineering and data science.

Your responsibility will be to:

• Oversee AI Engineering capacity, planning, and delivery across initiatives.
• Define AI architecture and integrations with MES, PLM, ERP, and OT platforms.
• Ensure compliance with EU AI Act, GDPR, and NIS2, including risk assessments.
• Implement MLOps (e.g., MLflow, CI/CD) for model lifecycle and monitoring.
• Oversee the lifecycle of AI systems from development to deployment, monitoring and decommissioning.
• Lead solution architecture, requirements, and design reviews for all AI initiatives across NKT.
• Collaborate with business lines, IT, engineering and data teams to ensure alignment with NKT's digital strategy and to translate business needs into scalable AI solutions.
• Guide solution design for computer vision and similar technologies and IT/OT data pipelines.
• Champion responsible AI, safeguard IP, and maintain high engineering and documentation standards.

This role is based in the Kladno Czech Republic (CZ) with hybrid working model, reporting to the Senior Director, Data & AI. International and domestic travel of around 50 days per year is expected.

Inclusive architect-manager with enterprise AI experience

You approach complex problems with structure and curiosity, value clear communication, and create a supportive environment where people can do their best work. You are comfortable prioritizing across multiple stakeholders, balancing technical quality with practical delivery. You welcome diverse perspectives, engage with governance and ethics, and stay attentive to detail-from documentation to maintainability. You are collaborative, patient in coaching, and skilled at facilitating discussions between business and technology. You navigate ambiguity with caution, make transparent decisions, and keep teams focused on measurable outcomes and safe, responsible AI adoption.

You also have:

• Experienced technical leader with proven ability to design and deliver AI/ML solutions at scale.
• Strong background in enterprise architecture, cloud platforms (Azure), and MLOps (e.g., Databricks, Data/AI services).
• Practical MLOps skills (e.g., MLflow, Git, Azure DevOps, CI/CD).
• Proficiency in Python and frameworks
• Strong communicator and facilitator who can align across technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Structured, analytical, collaborative and results‑oriented, with high attention to detail.
• Exposure edge computing and industrial automation.

Grow NKT's digital capabilities with compliant AI

NKT is committed to developing a diverse organization and culture where people of diverse backgrounds can grow and are inspired to do their best. We are establishing gender diversity at NKT and encouraging all interested candidates to apply - even if you don't tick all the boxes described. We believe that a diverse organization enables long-term performance, and that an inclusive and welcoming culture creates a better work environment.

You will join a collaborative international team with opportunities for professional development, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional learning. Expect access to modern tooling, the chance to shape AI engineering standards, and involvement in impactful use cases that improve product quality, efficiency, and safety. This role offers visibility across NKT's global operations and the space to grow your skills in architecture, governance, and responsible AI.

"As a leader, I'm looking for a person who can set a clear AI architecture, create a supportive environment for the team, and ensure responsible, compliant delivery that brings measurable value to our factories and business lines," says Hiring Manager, Sapna Anand.

Read more about our offer and listen to some voices of NKT Connectors here!

Be aware that personality and cognitive tests might be included in the recruitment process. If you have any questions about the role, you are very welcome to contact Hiring Manager, Sapna Anand, [email protected]. For inquiries about the recruitment process, please reach out to Global Talent Attraction Specialist, Dejan Zegarac, [email protected]. Please note that due to the GDPR regulations we cannot accept any applications via e-mail.

What we offer

• Remote work possibilities
• Flexible working hours
• Strong safety culture
• Exciting career development opportunities
• Global company & Scandinavian culture
• Hightech industry environment