Director of AI & Process Innovation

Mechanics Bank is currently searching for a Director of AI & Process Innovation to join our team. Here at Mechanics Bank, we value connection, partnership, long term relationships and working together in person. This role can work remote or onsite within our California footprint.

The Director of AI & Process Innovation will lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced technology solutions across the bank. This role is responsible for driving the adoption of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation tools to optimize operations, enhance customer experience, and unlock new efficiencies.

Reporting directly to senior leadership, the Director will serve as a strategic partner, blending business acumen, technical expertise, and change leadership to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, compliance, and service delivery.

What you will do:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the bank’s AI and process innovation roadmap, aligned with corporate goals and regulatory standards.

• Identify opportunities where emerging technologies can enhance efficiency, reduce risk, or improve customer engagement.

• Act as a thought leader and advisor to executives on AI adoption and automation trends in financial services.

​Technology Implementation

• Lead cross-functional teams to design, pilot, and deploy AI-driven solutions, including workflow automation, predictive analytics, chatbots, and intelligent document processing.

• Partner with IT, risk, compliance, and business units to ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and audit-ready.

• Oversee vendor evaluation and partnerships with fintech, AI, and automation providers.

Operational Excellence

• Build a culture of continuous improvement by embedding data-driven decision-making and automation across functions.

• Deliver measurable operational outcomes, including reduced cycle times, increased accuracy, and cost efficiencies.

• Establish metrics and KPIs to track ROI of innovation initiatives.

Risk & Compliance Alignment

• Ensure all AI and automation initiatives are designed with appropriate risk management, model governance, and regulatory compliance in mind.

• Collaborate with internal audit, compliance, and risk teams to develop AI governance frameworks.

Team & Change Management

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a small team of specialists in AI, data science, and process engineering.

• Work with department leaders to streamline workflows and establish standardized best practices that improve efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enable teams to scale their impact.

Who you are:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering or related field required; MBA preferred.

• Required: 10 years of progressive experience in technology, innovation or operations

• Required: 5 years of leadership experience

• Travel required: 0-10%

• Proven track record implementing AI, machine learning, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), or process optimization solutions in a regulated industry, ideally banking or financial services.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.​

#LI-DNI

Salary: $142,000 - $215,000 annually

AIP/Bonus: up to 25%

Our comprehensive employee benefits program is designed for you to live your best life at work, home, and everywhere in between. Employees working 25 hours or more per week are eligible for health benefits effective the first day of the month following or coinciding with their date of hire.
Benefits package includes[1]:

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their eligible family members

• Employer paid Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, AD&D, and Disability benefits

• Health Savings Account with employer contribution

• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter/Parking Benefit

• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with company contribution

• 529 Education Savings plan, Tuition Reimbursement Program and Student Loan Assistance Program

• Supplemental Health plans, Voluntary Legal and Identity Theft Services

• 11 paid holidays, paid Sick days (accrual of one hour for every 30 hours worked), up to 25 paid vacation days, and 16 hours of paid volunteer time throughout the calendar year

• Free personal checking and savings account; Discounted rate