Chief AI Officer job in Seattle, WA

Are you a forward-thinking AI strategist ready to drive transformative change at the executive level? We are seeking a Chief AI Officer (CAIO) to lead artificial intelligence initiatives for a pioneering tech-driven organization based in Seattle, WA. This is a unique opportunity to shape enterprise-wide AI strategies, build scalable machine learning systems, and redefine business performance through advanced technology. If you’re passionate about responsible AI, innovation, and cross-functional leadership, this role offers an exciting next step.

Lead AI Transformation at a Visionary Seattle-Based Company

A leading organization at the forefront of AI integration and digital innovation is looking for a Chief AI Officer (CAIO) to oversee the development and execution of its AI vision. Based in Seattle, WA, the ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in AI/ML systems, a strong understanding of data governance and ethics, and a track record of delivering AI-driven business outcomes. If you’re driven by purpose, innovation, and impact, this is your opportunity to influence how AI shapes the future of the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) – Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

AI Strategy & Vision:
Develop and execute a comprehensive AI strategy aligned with the company’s mission and business goals. Stay ahead of emerging AI trends, translating advancements into scalable solutions that deliver long-term enterprise value.

Technology Integration & Innovation:
Lead the design, development, and deployment of AI, machine learning, and data science solutions across business functions. Drive the integration of AI into products, services, and internal operations to enhance customer experiences and business efficiency.

Data Governance & Ethics:
Establish and oversee responsible AI practices, ensuring fairness, transparency, and regulatory compliance. Build robust data governance frameworks and ensure ethical use of AI in all applications.

Business Impact & ROI:
Identify high-impact use cases and measurable outcomes for AI implementations. Develop performance metrics, optimize AI project pipelines, and demonstrate ROI through data-driven decision-making and operational efficiencies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with engineering, product, marketing, and operations teams to integrate AI capabilities into strategic initiatives. Act as a bridge between technical and business teams to align AI goals with core business objectives.

Talent Development & Team Leadership:
Build and mentor a high-performing AI and data science team. Cultivate a culture of experimentation, continuous learning, and ethical innovation to maintain a competitive edge in AI leadership.

Stakeholder Communication:
Engage with executive leadership, board members, and external stakeholders to communicate AI strategies, insights, and outcomes. Provide clear and impactful reporting on AI initiatives and their business relevance.

Scalability & Infrastructure:
Ensure the AI infrastructure is scalable, secure, and future-ready. Oversee model training, deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management across cloud and hybrid environments.

Risk Management & Security:
Identify and mitigate risks related to AI deployment, including data privacy, bias, security vulnerabilities, and regulatory compliance. Ensure the integrity and reliability of AI models in production environments.

Innovation Ecosystem & Partnerships:
Establish relationships with academic institutions, research labs, AI startups, and technology partners. Foster an innovation ecosystem that supports rapid prototyping, knowledge exchange, and adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief AI Officer (CAIO), the client is seeking a visionary leader with deep technical expertise and a demonstrated ability to translate cutting-edge AI solutions into real-world business impact. You should be a strategic thinker with a strong leadership presence—someone who thrives at the intersection of innovation, technology, and enterprise growth. If you’re passionate about responsible AI, scalable innovation, and cross-functional collaboration, this role offers the opportunity to lead transformative change.

Proven Experience in AI Strategy and Implementation

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in designing and executing enterprise-level AI strategies. You should have led successful AI/ML projects that delivered measurable business outcomes, and possess a strong command of technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and computer vision. Experience integrating AI into products, operations, or customer experiences is highly valued.

Visionary Thinking with a Business Mindset

The client is looking for a forward-thinking executive who can bridge technical possibilities with business goals. You must demonstrate the ability to identify high-impact use cases, prioritize AI initiatives, and align them with broader strategic objectives. A background in leveraging AI to drive growth, innovation, and competitive advantage is essential.

Strong Ethical Foundation and Regulatory Awareness

As AI continues to evolve, the client places a premium on ethical leadership. You should have a solid understanding of AI governance, data ethics, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, emerging AI legislation). The ability to champion responsible AI practices while mitigating risk is critical to this role.

Technical Expertise and Analytical Depth

You must bring hands-on expertise in AI development frameworks, model training pipelines, and data architecture. The client is looking for someone who can confidently engage with technical teams, evaluate models for performance and fairness, and guide infrastructure decisions for long-term scalability.

Exceptional Leadership and Team-Building Ability

Leadership is at the core of this role. You should have a track record of building and mentoring top-tier AI, data science, and engineering teams. A collaborative leadership style and the ability to foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and high performance are crucial.

Effective Communication with Stakeholders

The client is seeking a CAIO who can articulate complex technical concepts in clear, business-relevant terms. You should be able to engage with executive leadership, board members, and non-technical stakeholders—offering strategic insights backed by data, and guiding the organization’s AI vision with clarity and confidence.

Focus on Scalable Solutions and Long-Term Impact

Beyond innovation, the client values operational excellence and sustainable execution. You should have experience managing large-scale AI systems, optimizing performance, and ensuring seamless integration with business processes. A focus on long-term value creation, infrastructure efficiency, and measurable outcomes is key.

FAQs About the Role – Chief AI Officer (CAIO) – Seattle, WA

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief AI Officer in this role?
As the Chief AI Officer (CAIO), you will lead the development and execution of the company’s AI strategy across products, platforms, and operations. Your responsibilities include overseeing machine learning initiatives, ensuring data ethics and compliance, building scalable AI infrastructure, and integrating AI solutions into core business functions. You will also collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate insights to key stakeholders, including executive leadership and the board.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data science leadership roles. A strong technical foundation, coupled with a proven track record of delivering AI-driven business outcomes, is essential. Familiarity with cloud infrastructure, AI/ML frameworks, and responsible AI principles is highly desirable. A master’s or Ph.D. in computer science, data science, AI, or a related field is preferred.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client is seeking a visionary yet pragmatic leader with strong communication and decision-making skills. You should be capable of inspiring technical teams, translating complex AI concepts into business strategies, and fostering a culture of innovation and ethical AI practices. The ability to build high-performing teams and influence across departments is key.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You may encounter challenges such as navigating rapid advancements in AI technology, ensuring responsible use of data, integrating AI across diverse business units, and balancing innovation with compliance. Adapting to regulatory changes and aligning AI investments with measurable business value are also critical aspects of this role.

5. What is the expected impact of the CAIO on the company’s growth?
As CAIO, you will play a central role in positioning the company as an AI-driven leader in its industry. Your work will directly influence innovation pipelines, operational efficiency, customer experience, and long-term competitiveness. The successful implementation of your AI strategy will contribute significantly to revenue growth and market differentiation.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company promotes a forward-thinking, collaborative, and tech-driven environment. Innovation, continuous learning, and ethical leadership are core to the culture. You’ll be joining an organization that encourages experimentation, cross-functional synergy, and bold thinking—especially when it comes to applying AI to solve complex business challenges.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) in Seattle, WA, you can expect a highly competitive and rewarding compensation package designed to attract top-tier AI leadership talent. Given the strategic significance of this role in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, the total compensation reflects both market demand and the value you bring in driving innovation and growth.

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Chief AI Officer in a mid-to-large technology-focused or AI-driven organization typically ranges from $275,000 to $500,000 annually, depending on the company’s size, industry, and funding stage. In high-growth or enterprise-level firms, salaries may exceed this range.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Annual performance bonuses are commonly tied to key performance indicators (KPIs) such as successful deployment of AI solutions, cost savings, AI-driven revenue growth, and innovation milestones. These bonuses can range from 25% to 100% of base salary, based on individual and organizational achievements.

3. Equity & Stock Options
Given the strategic nature of this role, equity compensation—such as stock options, RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), or performance-based shares—is often a major part of the package. These align the CAIO’s contributions with long-term company success and can result in substantial wealth creation over time, especially in high-growth startups or publicly traded tech firms.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Many companies offer LTIPs designed to reward sustained leadership over a 3–5 year horizon. These may include deferred stock units, milestone-based bonuses, or additional equity tied to company valuation or innovation metrics.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks
CAIOs typically receive comprehensive executive-level benefits, which may include:

Premium health, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) or executive retirement plans with company contributions
Paid time off and sabbatical options
Home office stipends or R&D budgets for experimental projects
Access to industry conferences, speaking engagements, and tech communities
Travel allowances or corporate memberships

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
To attract top AI talent, companies may offer signing bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 or relocation packages for candidates moving to Seattle. These incentives reflect the demand for experienced AI leaders and help ease the transition into the new role.

Total Compensation Potential

When combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and long-term incentives, total compensation for a Chief AI Officer can range from $500,000 to over $2 million annually, depending on the company’s size, stage, and success. In high-growth AI-driven companies or late-stage startups, packages can be even more lucrative, especially with substantial equity upside.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary and results-driven AI leader with a proven track record in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven innovation, we encourage you to apply for the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) role based in Seattle, WA. This is a rare opportunity to drive enterprise-wide AI transformation, lead cutting-edge technology initiatives, and shape the future of AI in a forward-thinking organization.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience in AI strategy, product innovation, data infrastructure, team leadership, and the ethical application of machine learning technologies. Be sure to highlight your ability to align AI initiatives with business goals, deliver measurable outcomes, and drive operational and technological excellence.

This executive role offers a unique platform to impact long-term business performance, influence strategic direction, and lead AI efforts across multiple business functions. Apply today to take the next bold step in your leadership career as a Chief AI Officer (CAIO) in Seattle, WA.

For more information or to explore similar opportunities in executive AI leadership, visit our CAIO (Chief AI Officer) Recruitment Page.

Job Category: Chief AI Officer

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Seattle

Chief AI Officer job in Seattle, WA