Sr. Director & Distinguished Scientist, AI Lab, Digital Development

JOB DESCRIPTION

About NIO

NIO is a pioneer and a leading company in the premium smart electric vehicle market. Founded in November 2014, NIO’s mission is to shape a joyful lifestyle. NIO aims to build a community starting with smart electric vehicles to share joy and grow together with users.

NIO designs, develops, jointly manufactures and sells premium smart electric vehicles, driving innovations in next-generation technologies in autonomous driving, digital technologies, electric powertrains and batteries. NIO differentiates itself through its continuous technological breakthroughs and innovations, such as its industry-leading battery swapping technologies, Battery as a Service, or BaaS, as well as its proprietary autonomous driving technologies and Autonomous Driving as a Service, or ADaaS.

NIO’s product portfolio consists of the ES8, a six-seater smart electric flagship SUV, the ES7 (or the EL7), a mid-large five-seater smart electric SUV, the ES6, a five-seater all-round smart electric SUV, the EC7, a five-seater smart electric flagship coupe SUV, the EC6, a five-seater smart electric coupe SUV, the ET7, a smart electric flagship sedan, and the ET5, a mid-size smart electric sedan.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Continuously research and analyze the latest advancements, technical solutions, and market trends in generative AI in the U.S.
• Translate these insights into actionable technical recommendations and detailed engineering plans tailored to our business requirements.
• Lead and participate in innovative generative AI projects from conception through implementation, ensuring high-quality and scalable solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate generative AI functionalities into our products and platforms, focusing on real-world applicability and performance optimization.
• Develop, test, and optimize AI models and systems with a focus on performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Engage in continuous learning and experimentation with new tools and techniques, driving improvements in our AI engineering practices.
• Lead cross-regional technical initiatives as the key bridge between US specialists and China HQ teams, guiding junior engineers through hands-on mentorship in cutting-edge project execution.
• Drive accelerated technology incubation programs by establishing modular development frameworks and agile validation processes tailored for 8-12 week innovation cycles.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Proven expertise in generative AI, deep learning, AI Infrastructure, and machine learning related innovation and engineering.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and experience with model deployment and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical trends and develop strategic technical recommendations.
• Experience leading technical projects, preferably in a cross-cultural or international environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Passion for staying current with AI research and emerging technologies, with a proactive approach to innovation.

Compensation:

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $226,300.00 - $294,000.00.

• Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

• Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only. It does not include discretionary bonus, equity, or benefits.

Benefits:

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time NIO employee, you are eligible for the following benefits on the first day you join NIO:

• CIGNA EPO, HSA, and Kaiser HMO medical plans with $0 for Employee Only Coverage.  

• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plan.  Both provide options with a $0 paycheck contribution covering you and your eligible dependents.

• Company Paid HSA (Health Savings Account) Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible CIGNA medical plan

• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) with Brokerage Link option

• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Sick and Vacation time

• 13 Paid Holidays a year

• Paid Parental Leave for first 8 weeks at full pay (eligible after 90 days of employment with NIO)

• Paid Disability Leave for first 6 weeks at full pay (eligible after 90 days of employment with NIO)

• Voluntary benefits including: Voluntary Life and AD&D options for you, your spouse/domestic partner and dependent child(ren), pet insurance

• Commuter benefits

• Mobile Cell Phone Credit

• Healthjoy mobile benefit app supporting you and your dependents with benefit questions on the go & support with benefit billing questions

• Free lunch and snacks

• Onsite gym

• Employee discounts and perks program