R&D Manager - AI

Location: Hybrid in Austin, TX (3 days a week on-site)

Our client is a global cyber-defense innovator whose cloud-native security platform safeguards millions of users and devices every day. Backed by decades of threat-intelligence leadership, they are investing heavily in applied AI to super-charge product velocity and customer value. Join a forward-thinking team that prizes curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning while tackling some of the most complex challenges in modern security.

The Impact You Will Make

• Shape next-gen security products. Drive the architecture, design, and delivery of AI-enhanced SaaS applications that detect and stop emerging threats faster than ever.
• Lead exceptional technologists. Mentor a tight-knit engineering squad, remove roadblocks, and champion a culture of experimentation and excellence.
• Accelerate AI adoption. Translate research breakthroughs into practical workflow and product features that shorten dev cycles and elevate user experience.
• Own feature roadmaps. Partner with product, UX, and go-to-market teams to transform customer problems into elegant, scalable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide strategic decisions on cloud architecture, micro-services, and data pipelines.
• Run agile ceremonies, refine backlogs, and uphold engineering best practices.
• Stay ahead of industry and AI trends, sharing insights that keep the team on the cutting edge.
• Turn functional and non-functional requirements into clear technical plans.
• Evaluate risk, scope, and resources to deliver high-impact releases on schedule.
• Champion AI-driven features and internal automations that measurably boost speed and quality.
• Conduct quarterly 1-on-1s, bi-annual growth reviews, and annual comp discussions.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and coaching for a diverse, high-performance team.
• Foster psychological safety so fresh ideas and healthy debate thrive.
• Align with HR, IT, and finance on equipment, licenses, and budget needs.
• Track KPIs and OKRs, leveraging dashboards and analytics for continuous improvement.
• Introduce AI tools that streamline asset tracking, recruiting workflows, and performance analytics.

What You Bring

• 8+ years in software engineering with 3+ years managing cloud-native product teams.
• Demonstrated success integrating AI/ML or LLM solutions into shipping products (share 2+ project wins).
• Fluency in modern cloud stacks (AWS or GCP), container orchestration, CI/CD, and micro-service design.
• Strong grasp of secure coding, data privacy, and high-availability architectures.
• Track record of attracting, developing, and retaining top technical talent in an agile environment.
• Bonus: familiarity with network defense platforms or intrusion-prevention technologies.

Total Rewards

• Competitive base salary plus annual bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
• 401(k) with company match, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and pet insurance.
• Generous PTO, 14 paid holidays, and wellness incentives.
• Parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, and robust employee resource groups.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS