Project Manager, AI & Machine Learning Initiatives
Irvine, CA
Type: Contract-to-Hire
Category: Program/Project Management
Industry: Manufacturing
Standard Hours: Open
Reference ID: JN -102026-109212
Date Posted: 10/26/2026
Shortcut: http://careers.eliassen.com/P9muVk
Description
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Description:
Hybrid 3 days onsite in Irvine, CA
Our client seeks an experienced Project Manager to lead and coordinate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning initiatives across the organization. The role drives AI and ML projects from use-case definition through development, deployment, and adoption. The ideal candidate combines strong project and program management capabilities with working knowledge of AI, machine learning, data, cloud platforms, and enterprise technology to manage technical teams, identify dependencies, and translate between engineering and business stakeholders. The position will establish structure, governance, prioritization, and delivery standards for a growing portfolio of AI and ML initiatives.
This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.
Rate: $75.00 to $80.00/hr. w2
JN -102026-109212
Responsibilities:
Lead multiple AI and Machine Learning projects from discovery and proof of concept through production deployment and adoption.
Develop and manage project plans, milestones, dependencies, risks, budgets, resources, and executive status reporting.
Partner with AI and ML engineers, data scientists, data engineers, architects, product owners, cybersecurity, infrastructure and cloud teams, and business stakeholders.
Facilitate AI use-case definition, requirements gathering, prioritization, and success criteria.
Advance initiatives from POC or pilot into scalable production solutions.
Coordinate dependencies across data availability, data quality, model development, integrations, infrastructure, security, privacy, and business processes.
Manage Agile delivery ceremonies including backlog management, sprint planning, dependency tracking, risk management, and stakeholder reviews.
Establish clear KPIs and measurable business outcomes for AI and ML initiatives.
Track model and solution readiness across development, testing, validation, deployment, and adoption.
Coordinate third-party technology partners and vendors for AI, ML, cloud, or data initiatives.
Identify project risks early and drive resolution of technical, resource, organizational, and cross-functional blockers.
Create concise executive reporting covering project health, milestones, risks, decisions, dependencies, and business value.
Help establish repeatable AI and ML project governance and delivery standards as the portfolio expands.
Experience Requirements:
7+ years of project or program management experience supporting complex technology initiatives.
Proven experience managing AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Engineering, Analytics, or advanced technology programs.
Strong understanding of the AI and ML lifecycle including discovery, data preparation, model development, testing and validation, deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
Experience working directly with highly technical engineering and data teams.
Proficiency with Agile and Scrum delivery methodologies and tools such as Jira or Azure DevOps.
Ability to manage multiple AI initiatives with competing priorities and shared technical dependencies.
Executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to translate technical AI and ML concepts into clear business language and outcomes.
Preferred: Experience with Generative AI, LLMs, predictive analytics, intelligent automation, or ML platforms.
Preferred: Understanding of MLOps or LLMOps, model governance, responsible AI, data governance, and AI security.
Preferred: Experience with ecosystems such as Microsoft Azure and Azure AI, AWS and SageMaker, Google Cloud and Vertex AI, Databricks, Snowflake, or MLflow.
Preferred: Background in semiconductor, manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, or other technical environments.
Preferred: PMP, CSM, SAFe, or equivalent certification.
Recruitment Transparency Notice
Eliassen Group values transparency in our recruitment practices. Please be advised that Eliassen Group utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of its initial application screening and hiring process. You may receive email and SMS notifications from the Eliassen Virtual Recruiting Team ( noreply@eliassen.com , 781-808-2924) inviting you to complete a brief voice screening as part of your application process. These tools assist our hiring teams in different ways, including but not limited to, assistance in reviewing application materials to help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position. All AI-assisted evaluations and responses are reviewed by human recruiters before any hiring decisions are made. The use of AI in our process is intended to support fairness, efficiency, and consistency, and Eliassen Group takes measures to prevent bias or discrimination in connection with its hiring practices. By proceeding, you acknowledge, agree, and consent to Eliassen Group's use of these tools, including AI tools, as part of the application and hiring process.
Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.
W2 employees of Eliassen Group who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for the following benefits: medical (choice of 3 plans), dental, vision, pre-tax accounts, other voluntary benefits including life and disability insurance, 401(k) with match, and sick time if required by law in the worked-in state/locality.
If anyone reaches out to you about an open position connected with Eliassen Group, please ensure that you are working directly with us by confirming the following:
· When you work with Eliassen Group, all email communication will come from an Eliassen.com address, never Gmail, Yahoo, etc.
· Eliassen Group will never ask you for personal information (home address, bank account, or check routing number) until you have worked with someone clearly associated with Eliassen Group.
If you have any indication of fraudulent activity, please contact fraud@eliassen.com _.
About Eliassen Group:
Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients' capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.
Eliassen is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and all employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. Eliassen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual preference or orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, prohibited criminal record inquiries of applicants and employees, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Don't miss out on our referral program! If we hire a candidate that you refer us to then you can be eligible for a $1,000 referral check!_
