Director Artificial Intelligence
Orange EV, Kansas City, KS, United States
Join Orange EV, a fast-growing manufacturer of electric vehicles that are better for the earth, people and the bottom line. Make a difference for the world as part of a company leading the electric vehicle revolution.
Position Summary
Orange EV is a technology-forward OEM seeking a Director of Artificial Intelligence to serve as the company's AI authority and strategic enabler. This is a role reporting directly to the CEO, designed to ensure our internal leaders can move quickly and confidently with AI - while protecting the company's data, systems, reputation, and competitive position. This is not a role built primarily around building a large team or running large-scale engineering projects. It is a role built around enabling speed with guardrails - empowering every business function to leverage AI effectively, responsibly, and in alignment with company strategy. As the company grows, limited supervisory responsibilities may develop, but the core mission is always to make the business faster and smarter, safely.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to shape how a growing, technology-driven OEM harnesses AI across its entire enterprise. You will work at the intersection of strategy, operations, and technology - with direct access to the CEO and the ability to influence how the company competes and grows. Specifically, you will:
Define the AI governance framework that gives business leaders the confidence to move fast without undue risk
Be the trusted advisor who translates AI possibilities into practical, high-impact business decisions
Operate as a hands-on strategist - more architect and guide than manager
Build the foundation of an AI-capable culture in a company with the technical DNA to embrace it
Position Responsibilities
AI Strategy & Governance
Develop and own the company-wide AI strategy, roadmap, and governance framework - aligned to business objectives and the realities of an OEM operating environment
Establish clear AI policies, guardrails, and decision-making frameworks that enable internal leaders to move fast while protecting company data, IP, and regulatory standing
Define acceptable use standards for AI tools, platforms, and third-party integrations across all departments
Advise the CEO and executive team on AI trends, risk, and competitive implications specific to OEM and manufacturing-adjacent sectors
Enablement & Implementation
Partner with department heads across engineering, operations, supply chain, sales, finance, and HR to identify and prioritize high-value AI use cases
Lead the total Orange EV Team in an ongoing effort to begin to implement AI Vibe Coding projects that have ROI
Lead evaluation and selection of AI tools, platforms, and vendors - ensuring fit, security, and scalability
Guide proof-of-concept initiatives through to scaled deployment, ensuring business outcomes are realized and documented
Serve as the primary point of escalation when AI projects surface compliance, data privacy, or ethical concerns
Internal Capability & Culture
Design and deliver AI literacy programs to help business leaders understand what AI can and cannot do - and how to use it responsibly
Translate complex AI concepts into plain-language guidance that non-technical leaders can act on confidently
Champion responsible AI practices across the organization, building trust in AI outputs and processes
May supervise a small team of AI-focused staff as the company's AI program matures; initial scope is individual contributor with strategic influence
Position Qualifications
5+ years of progressive experience in AI strategy, data science, machine learning, or enterprise technology leadership
Demonstrated success designing and implementing AI governance frameworks, acceptable use policies, or enterprise AI risk management programs
Strong business acumen - able to tie AI decisions directly to operational outcomes, margin, compliance, and competitive positioning
Proven ability to enable and guide non-technical business leaders through AI adoption, not just oversee technical builds
Experience operating effectively as an individual contributor with executive-level influence in a fast-moving, resource-conscious organization
Exceptional communication skills - able to simplify complex AI topics for a CEO, a plant manager, and a legal team equally
Ideal Candidates Will Also Have
Background in OEM, manufacturing, engineered products, or technology-intensive product companies
Familiarity with ERP platforms, PLM systems, supply chain software, or industrial data environments
Experience with AI regulatory and compliance topics including data privacy (GDPR, CCPA), export controls, or product liability considerations relevant to manufactured goods
Exposure to responsible AI standards, AI ethics frameworks, or enterprise AI audit practices
Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience in a technology-forward industry environment
What Success Looks Like
In the first 90 days:
Complete AI readiness and risk assessment across all major business functions
Draft a foundational AI Acceptable Use Policy and governance framework for executive review
Identify the top 3-5 AI opportunities with the highest near-term business impact and lowest governance risk
Complete the implementation of AI Vibe Coding project within 10 weeks
In year one:
Governance framework is adopted and actively used by internal leaders as a decision-making tool, not a bottleneck
At least three AI initiatives are live, with documented ROI or operational improvement
Improve the efficiency of Orange EV within 6 months through the implementation of AI Vibe Coding
Department leaders describe the Director of AI as a trusted partner who helps them move faster - not a gatekeeper who slows them down
Orange EV is an Equal Opportunity Employers and seek diversity in candidates for employment.
EEO Employer W/M/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Position Summary
Orange EV is a technology-forward OEM seeking a Director of Artificial Intelligence to serve as the company's AI authority and strategic enabler. This is a role reporting directly to the CEO, designed to ensure our internal leaders can move quickly and confidently with AI - while protecting the company's data, systems, reputation, and competitive position. This is not a role built primarily around building a large team or running large-scale engineering projects. It is a role built around enabling speed with guardrails - empowering every business function to leverage AI effectively, responsibly, and in alignment with company strategy. As the company grows, limited supervisory responsibilities may develop, but the core mission is always to make the business faster and smarter, safely.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to shape how a growing, technology-driven OEM harnesses AI across its entire enterprise. You will work at the intersection of strategy, operations, and technology - with direct access to the CEO and the ability to influence how the company competes and grows. Specifically, you will:
Define the AI governance framework that gives business leaders the confidence to move fast without undue risk
Be the trusted advisor who translates AI possibilities into practical, high-impact business decisions
Operate as a hands-on strategist - more architect and guide than manager
Build the foundation of an AI-capable culture in a company with the technical DNA to embrace it
Position Responsibilities
AI Strategy & Governance
Develop and own the company-wide AI strategy, roadmap, and governance framework - aligned to business objectives and the realities of an OEM operating environment
Establish clear AI policies, guardrails, and decision-making frameworks that enable internal leaders to move fast while protecting company data, IP, and regulatory standing
Define acceptable use standards for AI tools, platforms, and third-party integrations across all departments
Advise the CEO and executive team on AI trends, risk, and competitive implications specific to OEM and manufacturing-adjacent sectors
Enablement & Implementation
Partner with department heads across engineering, operations, supply chain, sales, finance, and HR to identify and prioritize high-value AI use cases
Lead the total Orange EV Team in an ongoing effort to begin to implement AI Vibe Coding projects that have ROI
Lead evaluation and selection of AI tools, platforms, and vendors - ensuring fit, security, and scalability
Guide proof-of-concept initiatives through to scaled deployment, ensuring business outcomes are realized and documented
Serve as the primary point of escalation when AI projects surface compliance, data privacy, or ethical concerns
Internal Capability & Culture
Design and deliver AI literacy programs to help business leaders understand what AI can and cannot do - and how to use it responsibly
Translate complex AI concepts into plain-language guidance that non-technical leaders can act on confidently
Champion responsible AI practices across the organization, building trust in AI outputs and processes
May supervise a small team of AI-focused staff as the company's AI program matures; initial scope is individual contributor with strategic influence
Position Qualifications
5+ years of progressive experience in AI strategy, data science, machine learning, or enterprise technology leadership
Demonstrated success designing and implementing AI governance frameworks, acceptable use policies, or enterprise AI risk management programs
Strong business acumen - able to tie AI decisions directly to operational outcomes, margin, compliance, and competitive positioning
Proven ability to enable and guide non-technical business leaders through AI adoption, not just oversee technical builds
Experience operating effectively as an individual contributor with executive-level influence in a fast-moving, resource-conscious organization
Exceptional communication skills - able to simplify complex AI topics for a CEO, a plant manager, and a legal team equally
Ideal Candidates Will Also Have
Background in OEM, manufacturing, engineered products, or technology-intensive product companies
Familiarity with ERP platforms, PLM systems, supply chain software, or industrial data environments
Experience with AI regulatory and compliance topics including data privacy (GDPR, CCPA), export controls, or product liability considerations relevant to manufactured goods
Exposure to responsible AI standards, AI ethics frameworks, or enterprise AI audit practices
Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience in a technology-forward industry environment
What Success Looks Like
In the first 90 days:
Complete AI readiness and risk assessment across all major business functions
Draft a foundational AI Acceptable Use Policy and governance framework for executive review
Identify the top 3-5 AI opportunities with the highest near-term business impact and lowest governance risk
Complete the implementation of AI Vibe Coding project within 10 weeks
In year one:
Governance framework is adopted and actively used by internal leaders as a decision-making tool, not a bottleneck
At least three AI initiatives are live, with documented ROI or operational improvement
Improve the efficiency of Orange EV within 6 months through the implementation of AI Vibe Coding
Department leaders describe the Director of AI as a trusted partner who helps them move faster - not a gatekeeper who slows them down
Orange EV is an Equal Opportunity Employers and seek diversity in candidates for employment.
EEO Employer W/M/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity