Adobe Inc.

Director of Engineering - Machine Learning & AI Products

Adobe Inc. • $265K — $384K *
San Jose, CA 95123In-Person
Enterprise Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of software engineering experience, specializing in machine learning or AI-driven systems.
  • Proven record of delivering and managing AI/ML products in production settings.
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience leading revenue-impacting customer-facing AI/ML products.
  • Expertise in ML system architecture and operational challenges in real-world environments.
  • Track record of effectively managing and mentoring senior technical teams, including performance evaluations and scaling.
  • Deep engagement with product partners to navigate technical and product trade-offs.
  • Experience interfacing with external customers and understanding their production realities.

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end delivery of scalable AI/ML solutions in production environments.
  • Lead technical discussions on systems, model integration, and operational readiness.
  • Collaborate with Product Management to shape product vision and ensure differentiation.
  • Drive architectural decisions balancing innovation, scalability, and maintainability.
  • Act as a senior technical representative to address customer concerns and production issues.
  • Establish and grow a high-caliber ML engineering team, scaling from 4 to over 20 engineers.
  • Ensure excellence in production operations, monitoring, and incident response.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead a pioneering ML engineering organization.
  • Engagement in high-level strategic discussions with product and market leaders.
  • Direct impact on AI product development and customer satisfaction.
  • Mentorship opportunities with senior engineers and leaders.
  • Exposure to innovative projects in an evolving AI landscape.
Full Job Description
The Opportunity

We are looking for a Director of Engineering to guide the development of AI-native, production-ready machine learning products for external clients. This leader will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of sophisticated AI systems-from product conception and rollout to production, customer engagement, and continuous operational success.

This role requires a rare blend of hands-on technical depth, product judgment, and senior-level people leadership. You will lead a highly experienced ML engineering organization and work closely with Product, Development, and Go-to-Market partners to bring differentiated AI solutions to market.

Key Responsibilities
Technical & Product Leadership
  • Own the end-to-end delivery of AI/ML solutions deployed in production, moving beyond proofs-of-concept to scalable, reliable, customer-facing systems.
  • Lead deep technical discussions on system build, model integration, performance, reliability, and operational readiness.
  • Collaborate directly with Product Management to build product vision, challenge assumptions, and ensure differentiation beyond general-purpose LLM capabilities.
  • Drive architectural decisions that balance innovation, scalability, cost, and long-term maintainability.
  • Act as a senior technical voice with customers, handling partner concerns, roadmap discussions, and production issue resolution.
Team & Organizational Leadership
  • Establish, grow, and manage a high-caliber ML engineering organization, scaling the team from about 4 to over 20 engineers as time progresses.
  • Manage and mentor senior engineers and leaders with 16+ years of experience, encouraging accountability, ownership, and continuous growth.
  • Establish a flat, hands-on, hybrid operating model where leaders stay close to the work while empowering teams to implement initiatives independently.
  • Conduct performance management, career development, and succession planning aligned to director-level expectations.
Execution & Operations
  • Ensure excellence in production operations, including monitoring, incident response, model performance, and customer-reported issues.
  • Drive strong engineering rigor across testing, release readiness, and post-launch support.
  • Build scalable processes that support rapid iteration while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability.
Required Qualifications
  • Over 15 years of experience in software engineering, with extensive expertise in machine learning or systems driven by artificial intelligence.
  • Demonstrated history of delivering and managing AI/ML products in production, beyond just experimentation or research.
  • Strong business and commercial exposure, with direct ownership or leadership of a customer-facing, revenue-impacting AI/ML product.
  • Strong experience with ML system build, production architecture, and real-world operational challenges.
  • Demonstrated success leading senior technical teams, including performance evaluations, mentoring, and org scaling.
  • Ability to engage deeply with product partners and debate technical and product tradeoffs in fast paced environments.
  • Experience working directly with external customers and understanding customer-facing production realities.
Preferred Background
  • Proven track record of building AI/ML products in startup or startup-like contexts that prioritize rapid market introduction.
  • Background in external, customer-facing platforms or products, particularly AI-first offerings.
  • Familiarity with domains such as marketing technology, sales technology, or customer experience platforms.
Leadership Attributes We Value
  • Hands-on, credible technical leadership with the ability to go deep when needed.
  • Strong product intuition paired with engineering rigor.
  • Comfort operating in ambiguity while building structure for scale.
  • Ability to earn trust quickly with senior engineers, product leaders, and customers.

About Adobe Inc.

The Omniture product suite provides an integrated set of services: advanced web analytics and segmentation (SiteCatalyst, Discover and Data Warehouse), search marketing (SearchCenter), optimization (Advanced Testing and Targeting -- Offermatica and TouchClarity), and the marketing integration platform (Genesis). They also have an iPhone application that allows customers to sign into their Omniture account and view statistics from anywhere.

Adobe Inc. Careers

Join Adobe Inc., a global leader in digital media and digital marketing solutions, and be part of a team that thrives on innovation and creativity. Adobe offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward in an environment that fosters growth and leadership. Work You’ll Do At Adobe, you will be immersed in an atmosphere of innovative solutions and exceptional leadership, contributing to projects that drastically change the landscape of digital content. Our team at Adobe is dedicated to empowering creatives and enterprises alike through cutting-edge technology and expertise. Transform the World with Your Creativity Adobe’s mission is to change the world through digital experiences. We are looking for professionals who are passionate about creativity, technology, and driving significant market evolution. Join a diverse team that values individuality and the fresh perspectives each member brings. Lead in a Culture of Innovation Adobe Inc. is synonymous with fostering a culture of innovation where your ideas can pave the way for groundbreaking digital solutions. Our leadership is committed to nurturing a dynamic and inclusive workplace that promotes career growth and development. Collaborate with the Best Work alongside a global team of talented professionals who are leaders in their fields. At Adobe, you will enhance your skills through collaboration and be inspired by the creativity and dedication of your teammates. Our networking opportunities within the company are designed to foster connections that lead to lasting professional relationships. Explore Career Opportunities Adobe Inc. offers a range of career paths from software engineering to marketing, customer experience to IT. Explore job opportunities and internships that align with your skills and passions. Adobe is committed to hiring the best talent and providing them with the training, benefits, and support needed to succeed. Innovate and Grow Drive innovation as part of the Adobe team and see firsthand how your work contributes to the company’s success and your personal growth. Engage in projects that push the boundaries of technology and creativity. Future-Proof Your Career Adobe is dedicated to the development of its employees at all stages of their careers. We offer comprehensive training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, to ensure you are equipped for the future. Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being and financial security of our team members and their families. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for driven, curious, creative, and solution-oriented team players. Start your journey with Adobe today by exploring our exciting career and internship opportunities. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the rewarding and exciting opportunities that await at Adobe Inc.
Learn more about Adobe Inc.
Size
25,988 employees
Market Cap
$154.8 billion
Industry
Enterprise Technology
Net Income
$5.2 billion
Founded
1982
5 Year Trend
+21.9%
Revenue
$12.8 billion
NASDAQ
ADBE
* Ladders Estimates

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