AI Engineering Leader
At Trane TechnologiesTM and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King®, we create innovative climate solutions for buildings, homes, and transportation that challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world. We're a team that dares to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities. We believe in a better future when we uplift others and enable our people to thrive at work and at home. We boldly go.
What’s in it for you:
Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient environments, it’s our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world.
Where is the work: Davidson NC or La crosse WI
From Monday to Thursday, work onsite with your colleagues.
On Fridays, choose your work location, balancing what your work requires
Thrive at work and at home:
· Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
· Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
· 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
· Paid time off, including in support of volunteer and parental leave needs.
· Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.
· Learn more about our benefits here!
What you will do:
Trane Technologies is seeking an accomplished and visionary leader for our AI in Engineering group, to architect, lead, and execute global AI and machine learning initiatives across the enterprise. This critical leadership role demands strategic acumen, technical depth, and a track record of shaping and delivering transformative AI solutions within engineering for product development, spanning hardware, software and systems. The Director of AI in Engineering will drive the strategic adoption of artificial intelligence to accelerate innovation, optimize product development, and enable operational excellence at scale. As a senior leader, you will champion cross-functional collaboration, ethical governance, and thought leadership—directly influencing the technology roadmap and long-term success of Trane Technologies.
· Set the enterprise-wide vision for AI in Engineering, in partnership with executive leadership and key stakeholders.
· Champion the execution and deployment of global AI engineering projects to accelerate adoption of AI technologies across products and engineering processes.
· Serve as the senior technical spokesperson; communicate vision, progress, and measurable results to executive management, board, and external partners.
· Lead enterprise-wide AI governance structures, including oversight of data science and generative AI initiatives via the Data Science Steering Committee.
· Ensure ethical stewardship of AI; uphold corporate values, compliance, and responsible use across all deployments.
· Build, mentor, and inspire a world-class international AI engineering organization; set clear priorities, drive accountability, and attract top technical talent
· Allocate and manage large, multi-million-dollar budgets and resources, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
· Integrate generative AI, machine learning, and advanced data management into modern software practices (DevOps, CI/CD).
· Architect advanced engineering workflows and systems, driving continuous improvement and breakthrough innovation in design, testing, and manufacturing.
· Anticipate and evaluate emerging trends in AI, proactively identifying disruptive technologies and translation opportunities for engineering and manufacturing domains.
· Translate complex, ambiguous business challenges into actionable requirements, prioritizing high-impact projects and delivering clear, risk-mitigated plans.
· Institute robust metrics and KPIs to measure impact, ROI, and adoption of AI technologies across products and processes.
· Leverage Trane Technologies’ Business Operating System for structured program management and global process alignment.
· Cultivate collaborative partnerships with internal engineering, product, and support teams, and promote knowledge transfer and skills development.
Qualifications
BS in Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline required; MS or PhD, highly preferred.
10+ years of experience in technical leadership roles, with documented success in building and leading international engineering or AI teams.
Proven track record leading international technical teams and delivering complex, high-impact projects.
Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering and simulation of complex systems.
Strong programming skills in Python and other relevant languages.
Demonstrated ability to deliver rapid prototypes, MVPs, and production-grade solutions using agile/iterative methodologies
Deep understanding of modern software development practices, including DevOps, CI/CD, and software architecture.
Experience with engineering and manufacturing processes, ideally in industrial AI applications.
Strong change management and stakeholder adoption experience.
Exceptional communication and leadership skills.
Experience in research and intellectual property portfolio management; patents/publications a plus.
Ability to travel up to 10%, including internationally
Key Competencies:
1. Strategic Leadership & Vision
· Architect and execute enterprise-wide strategy.
· Set the vision and roadmap for advanced systems and modular architectures.
· Proven ability to develop, communicate, and drive strategic plans that deliver measurable business value.
2. Deep Technical Expertise in HVAC & Systems Engineering
· Expert-level knowledge in HVAC principles, systems engineering, and technology innovation lifecycle.
· Ability to design, build, and test innovative HVAC systems at the cutting edge of the industry.
3. Global Organizational Leadership
· Experience leading and developing high-performing, global engineering teams.
· Capability to manage senior engineering managers, cross-functional experts, and teams across regions/countries.
4. Stakeholder Management & Executive Communication
· Exceptional communication and executive presence, especially with C-suite leaders.
· Ability to collaborate and influence at all levels of the organization.
5. Regulatory, Compliance & Industry Expertise
· Strong familiarity with global regulatory standards, industry best practices, and compliance requirements in HVAC.
· Experience representing the company with external partners and industry forums; shaping standards and best practices.
6. Market, Industry & Technology Trends Awareness
· Monitor global trends, competitor landscape, and emerging technologies to guide strategy.
7. Mentorship & Talent Development
· Provide direction, mentorship, and growth opportunities for engineers and leaders throughout the organization.
8. Enterprise-wide Collaboration
· Partner across product management, manufacturing, engineering, and other functions to define and deliver on global requirements.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.