AI Labs seeks a Director of AI Research to lead advanced machine learning research team that powers credit, fraud, and marketing decisions. This leader will define and execute a forward-looking research agenda, combining deep technical expertise with strong business judgment to translate cutting-edge machine learning and systems innovation into scalable, governed, and business-critical AI capabilities. The role sits at the intersection of applied AI research, large-scale AI platforms, and high-performance compute infrastructure, with a particular focus on creating and integrating foundational models that deliver value across multiple use cases.
The ideal candidate combines deep machine learning expertise with practical experience building scalable infrastructure and data science platforms, and can influence strategy at the enterprise level.
Colleagues in AI Labs are key members of the Global Decision Science organisation within Credit and Fraud Risk at American Express. This team manages enterprise risk across the customer lifecycle, spanning consumer and commercial businesses and all global products. It develops industry-leading data capabilities, builds profitable decision-making frameworks, creates machine learning-powered predictive models, and enhances customer servicing strategies.
Our Global Decision Science teams use industry-leading modelling and AI practices to predict customer behaviour. We develop, deploy, and validate predictive models and apply them within decision frameworks that enable profitable outcomes across credit, fraud, marketing, and servicing optimisation engines.
Responsibilities- Lead advanced AI research and its integration into the business across areas such as foundation models, graph-based methods, reinforcement learning, and causal modelling techniques
- Lead the research and implementation of Tabular Foundational Models (TFMs) for structured data and modelling use cases
- Lead the research, development, and implementation of sequence-based foundational models for event streams such as customer actions and transaction histories.
- Partner with business, technology, and infrastructure teams to ensure solutions are flexible, secure, cost-effective, and compliant with enterprise standards.
- Translate research outcomes into production-ready platforms, tools, and capabilities that can be adopted at scale across the enterprise.
- Provide thought leadership in AI research and machine learning, and present research findings to senior leadership to influence enterprise-level decision-making and strategic direction.
- Lead a team of AI researchers and build a highly effective, engaged culture focused on innovation and impact.
Advanced degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Operations Research, Engineering, Mathematics, Economics, Physics, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent work experience. At least 7 years of experience in leading an applied research team is required.
- Strong record of applied research impact through platforms, patents, production systems, or enterprise-scale adoption, in addition to traditional publications.
Expertise in GPU-accelerated machine learning workloads, high-performance computing, and advanced optimisation techniques.
Expert knowledge of machine learning and statistical modelling methods for supervised and unsupervised learning, including transformers and other sequence-based architectures, deep learning for structured, sequential, and graph data, and multi-task and transfer learning.
Exceptional programming skills in Python and Spark. Additional knowledge of C/C++ and Java is preferred.
- Expertise in hybrid-cloud AI/ML infrastructure, including Google Cloud (for example, Vertex AI, BigQuery, and Dataproc), and large-scale distributed computing environments.
Strong knowledge of databases and related tools and languages, including SQL, NoSQL, and Hive.
Exceptional people leadership and managerial skills.
Ability to work in a dynamic, cross-functional environment with strong attention to detail.
Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain complex data products in simple terms.
Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.
About the TeamWe back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:
- Competitive base salaries
- Bonus incentives
- Support for financial-well-being and retirement
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
- Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
- Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
- Career development and training opportunities
American Express is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law.
Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Skills Required
- Advanced degree in Computer Science or related field or equivalent work experience
- At least 7 years of experience in leading an applied research team
- Expertise in GPU-accelerated machine learning workloads and high-performance computing
- Exceptional programming skills in Python and Spark, with knowledge of C/C++ and Java being preferred
- Expertise in hybrid-cloud AI/ML infrastructure
- Strong knowledge of databases and related tools
- Exceptional people leadership and managerial skills
- Effective communication skills
- Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills
American Express Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about American Express and has not been reviewed or approved by American Express.
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Healthcare Strength — Pay is often viewed as attractive when combined with comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage that supports day-to-day needs. The benefits package is also framed as especially helpful for those supporting dependents.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards through a 401(k) plan with company matching. Financial wellness services and coaching are also highlighted as strengthening longer-term financial security.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is repeatedly characterized as generous and a valued component of the overall package. Time off and flexibility are presented as helping the total rewards feel more complete beyond base salary.
American Express Insights
What We Do
At American Express, we know that with the right backing, people and businesses have the power to progress in incredible ways. Whether we’re supporting our customers’ financial confidence to move ahead, taking commerce to new heights, or encouraging people to explore the world, our colleagues are constantly striving to uphold our powerful backing promise to our customers and each other every day. These beliefs have been our North Star for 170 years as our business transformed – from helping evacuate travelers during World Wars, to ensuring the safety of our customers’ funds during the Great Depression in the U.S., to creating the Shop Small® movement to help small businesses recover from the Financial Crisis, to providing aid to communities impacted by many natural disasters and so much more. For generations, the key to our success has been the determination and resilience of our American Express colleagues. Now, as a globally integrated payments company, we work together to provide customers with access to products, insights and world-class experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Join us and let’s lead the way together.
