Senior Principal, MLE - AI Governance

Who are we?

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet. 

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