Senior Manager, Open Innovation - AI

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Computer Vision (CV), Effective communication skills, Large Language Models - LLMs

Job Description

The Sr. Manager, Open Innovation - AI is responsible for researching and developing collaborations with external innovations in AI and formulating strategies to deliver innovative solutions through Samsung’s device ecosystem.

The Open Innovation Group combines the best of Samsung product expertise with the latest advances in technology to create radically futuristic and innovative products, services and experiences to delight and improve the lifestyles of our customers. We research, identify, partner and promote new technologies that make the consumer experience better, faster, seamless, more powerful, and multi-dimensional across different product categories.

In this role, you will perform technology research on the latest advances in the AI domain from startups, universities, and regulatory institutions to create new internal collaboration projects with R&D teams. With an aim towards advancing Samsung’s consumer products (Mobile, TV, Appliances, Networks, and Samsung Research), you will develop business cases, promote the most relevant and impactful technology breakthroughs with our leadership team, foster partnerships with startups & universities, and drive pivotal initiatives that increase Samsung’s differentiation in the space.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate domain expertise by paying attention to market trends, advances in core technology, and university research & technology publications in AI that are relevant to Samsung’s Device eXperiences (DX) business to target partnership opportunities and identify new user experiences that can be delivered to consumers
• Navigate the constantly evolving field of AI and be able to thoroughly evaluate innovative potential across a range of disciplines, including but not limited to speech/language, knowledge representation & reasoning, computer vision, and more
• Identify new opportunities and key research areas that Samsung and SRA need to embrace to secure core technology for future development and champion them through the organization.
• Foster relationships with external technology startups, VCs, and universities to find breakthrough innovations and effectively communicate their value proposition to Samsung R&D teams and executives globally
• Be the primary liaison between partners and Samsung by leading discussions, facilitating evaluations, and driving POCs with an eye towards partnership, commercialization, investment, and/or M&A. Be the internal champion for partner’s strategic goals and vision and advocate their needs to stakeholders ensuring awareness and understanding through effective communication
• Coordinate cross-functional and cross-geo team activities, setting project milestones, and motivating teams to meet project timelines and deliverables
• Proactively address ambiguity through strategic thinking followed by tactical execution
• Form a clear understanding of team priorities to balance urgent vs. daily activities
• Proactively build concepts and define new consumer experiences through partners

Background and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in technology or engineering discipline required. Post-graduate (MS, PhD and/or MBA) degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred
• 7-10 years of experience in AI as a technology researcher, developer, or hardware/software engineer in a technology company, with a foundational understanding of AI, LLM, VLM, Transformer, and their potential applications
• Effective interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Strong personal network within the industry, startup and ventures community
• Experience in leading complex, multi-team and cross-geographic projects to success
• Excellent written, verbal communications and presentation skills
• Ability to deal with ambiguity associated with working in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally (20%)

Success Factors:

• Positive attitude and energy, persistence, and flexibility
• Great communication skills: clear, patient, and well adapted to the audience and situation
• Analytical skills to formulate and present structured, objective recommendations and respond to challenges and objections
• Personal skills to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments and delivery on tight schedules

Ability to position and sell technology to executive audiences

Our total rewards programs are designed to motivate and engage exceptional talent. The base pay range for roles at this level is listed below, but may be higher or lower in other states due to geographic differentials in the labor market. Within the base pay range, individual rates depend on a number of factors—including the role’s function and location as well as the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, education and training. This is part of our comprehensive compensation package with annual bonus eligibility and generous benefits to help you live life well.

Base Pay Range

$145,000—$217,700 USD

Additional Information

Essential Job Functions

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, and frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Samsung Research America is committed to complying with all Federal, State and local laws related to the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact the recruiter or email sratalent@samsung.com.