Senior Principal, MLE - AI Governance

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A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.A career at Equinix means being at the center of shaping what comes next and amplifying customer value through innovation and impact. You’ll work across teams, influence key decisions, and help shape the path forward. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

Job Summary
Equinix is looking for a Sr. Principal of AI & Machine Learning Governance, who will report directly into the Chief Data Scientist & AI Officer.  This individual will be responsible for establishing, operationalizing, and continuously improving the enterprise-wide governance framework for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and advanced analytics. They will ensure that all AI/ML initiatives across the company are safe, reliable, transparent, lawful, and aligned with Equinix’s business goals and objectives. This role will partner with our AI, Product Management, Data Engineering, Security, Compliance, and Legal teams, to define and enforce governance standards that drive responsible and high-impact AI innovation. The Director will serve as a strategic advisor and program owner, shaping the company’s overall AI governance roadmap and ensuring that AI/ML solutions meet regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and organizational risk tolerance.
Responsibilities
AI/ML Governance

• Develop AI/ML risk management methodologies aligned with regulatory guidelines, industry best practices, and internal risk policies

• Establish standards for model documentation, validation, monitoring, testing, and explainability

• Help define and maintain the enterprise AI/ML governance framework, including principles, policies, procedures, and lifecycle controls, in partnership with the Enterprise Data & Analytics organization

• Drive the creation and adoption of responsible AI principles across teams and products

• Oversee model cataloging, classification, and risk scoring across the enterprise

• Establish and maintain enterprise-wide AI audits, controls, and compliance monitoring mechanisms

• Introduce tools and platforms that support transparency, traceability, and accountability across the model lifecycle

• Ensure consistent governance coverage across internal models, customer-facing AI, vendor solutions, and generative AI use cases

• Monitor and interpret global AI regulations (e.g., EU AI Act, U.S. AI policies, industry-specific regulations)

• Ensure enterprise readiness for regulatory audits and certifications related to AI/ML

• Maintain governance alignment with data governance, cybersecurity, privacy, and software compliance frameworks

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with AI/Data Science team, Data Engineering, Product Management, Legal, Compliance, Security, and Risk teams

• Support AI governance councils, steering committees, and working groups as technical subject matter expert

• Influence executive decision-making by providing insights on AI risks, opportunities, and governance maturity

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s or PhD in a relevant field (Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering) preferred

• 10+ years of experience in AI/ML, data science, risk management, governance, compliance, or related fields

• 5+ years in leadership roles with cross-functional influence in large, complex organizations

• Direct experience designing and operationalizing enterprise governance frameworks for AI, data, or technology risk

• Hands-on familiarity with machine learning development practices, MLOps processes, and model lifecycle management

• Experience with regulatory domains such as data privacy (GDPR, CCPA), AI-specific regulations (e.g., EU AI Act), information security, or financial/industry compliance

• Knowledge of common AI frameworks: NIST AI RMF, IEEE CertifAIED Ethical Transparency, DAMA DMBOK, DCAM EDM Council

• Strategic thinker with the ability to define and drive enterprise-wide governance frameworks

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, especially across cross-functional teams

• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation capabilities

• Prior experience in Data Center, Cloud, Telecommunications

The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

United States - Redwood City Office GHQ : 213,000 - 319,000 USD / Annual

United States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 177,000 - 265,000 USD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.

Equinix Benefits

As an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we’re providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you’ll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.

Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.

US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability.  If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law. 

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