Technical Director, Generative AI
Monks · New York, United States
- On site
- Full-time
- $130,000 / year
- New York, United States
Job highlights
- Lead technical direction for AI production.
- Build and scale AI pipelines for content generation.
- Collaborate with creative and solutions leads.
- Manage end-to-end technical delivery.
- Focus on image and video generation.
About the role
Technical Director, Generative AI
As a Technical Director, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to define processes and to deliver high-quality results through well-managed, on time and on budget projects. This is a leadership role combining technical strategy, hands-on technical expertise, and execution. You will be responsible for discovery, shaping solutions, prototyping, guiding creative technologists and developers, owning the technical delivery and scale automation frameworks for our global clients.
We are looking for a Technical Director to lead the technical direction, planning, and delivery of AI-driven production work across key client accounts. This role sits within our Transformation and Applied AI team, focused on building and scaling AI pipelines for image, video, text and content generation. Technical Director acts as the technical counterpart to Solution Leads (Producers) and Creative Directors, ensuring what is sold can be realistically delivered from a technical perspective. You will define how things get built, estimate technical efforts, and assemble the right technical team to execute.
This role is focused on AI pipelines for image and video generation at scale, workflow automation and content production systems, model usage, fine-tuning, and dataset considerations, connecting multiple tools, APIs, and systems into production-ready pipelines.
Responsibilities
- Own technical delivery end-to-end: from early estimations through production/development and final delivery.
- Define technical approaches for AI-driven projects (image/video generation, automation pipelines, model training/fine-tuning).
- Translate ambiguous briefs into clear technical plans, asking the right questions around scope, assets, datasets, outputs, and constraints.
- Partner closely with Solution Leads and Creative Directors to align scope, timelines, and feasibility.
- Know how to assemble the right project team with required technical skills (e.g. Creative Technologists, ML engineers, backend developers).
- Lead and guide technical teams during production, ensuring quality, avoiding scope creeps, and focus on the right technical direction.
- Validate feasibility and manage trade-offs between budget, timeline, and technical complexity.
- Identify risks early and communicate constraints, assumptions, and dependencies clearly.
- Review and guide implementation of AI pipelines (e.g. ComfyUI workflows, API integrations, automation systems).
- Ensure technical quality and QA alignment, working with QA teams where needed.
- Be client-facing when required, presenting technical approaches, documentation, and progress.
About You
The essentials
- 1+ years in a Technical Director, Technical Lead, or similar production-focused leadership role.
- 5+ years of hands on experience in one of the focus areas: Creative Technology, Software Development, 3D/VFX, Real-time Engines.
- Solid understanding of machine learning fundamentals - model architectures, training vs. inference, and fine-tuning methods, and apply them in real-world generative AI pipelines.
- Strong experience in scoping, estimating, and delivering technical projects.
- Hands-on experience building or working with AI / generative pipelines, beyond text to image.
- Experience integrating APIs, automation workflows, or multi-step pipelines.
- Ability to translate high-level ideas into concrete technical plans.
- Strong understanding of production realities: timelines, budgets, resourcing.
- Comfortable leading technical teams and making architectural decisions.
- Ability to operate in ambiguous environments and bring structure quickly.
- Strong communication skills and ability to push back on unrealistic expectations.
Not a must, but a plus
- Academic or research background in Machine Learning, Computer Science, or related fields.
- Certifications in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, or Engineering.
- Experience leading cross-functional technical teams (e.g. software engineers, ML engineers, creative technologists, AI artists).
- Background in creative technology, real-time systems, or virtual production pipelines.
- Experience building or supporting scaled content generation systems or working with CPG / enterprise clients.
- Experience in marketing campaign execution (e.g. media, email) and understanding of basic performance metrics.
At Monks, we believe in fostering an environment where a diversity of perspectives can thrive. We proactively work to design hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage qualified applicants, from all backgrounds, who are excited to contribute to our mission.
Key skills/competency
- Technical Director
- Generative AI
- AI Pipelines
- Machine Learning
- Creative Technology
- Software Development
- Workflow Automation
- API Integration
- Team Leadership
- Project Delivery
Skills & topics
- Technical Director
- Generative AI
- AI Pipelines
- Machine Learning
- Creative Technology
- Software Development
- Workflow Automation
- API Integration
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Computer Science
- 3D/VFX
- Real-time Engines
- Model Training
- Inference
- Fine-tuning
- ComfyUI
- ML Engineer
- Backend Developer
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in generative AI, technical leadership, and project delivery, aligning with the Technical Director role at Monks.
- Showcase your portfolio: Include examples of AI-driven projects, especially those involving image/video generation and automation, to demonstrate hands-on expertise.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss machine learning fundamentals, AI pipeline architecture, and real-world applications of generative AI.
- Understand Monks' culture: Research Monks' focus on digital-first, data-driven solutions and their commitment to DEI to articulate your fit during interviews.
- Follow application instructions: Submit your application exclusively through the official Monks careers website (monks.com/careers) and be wary of fraudulent solicitations.
Technical preparation
Master ML fundamentals and generative AI concepts.,Practice building AI pipelines and automation workflows.,Develop skills in API integrations and system design.,Prepare to discuss specific AI project examples.
Behavioral questions
Describe leading a technical team through ambiguity.,How do you translate complex briefs into plans?,Share an experience managing project trade-offs.,How do you ensure technical quality in delivery?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities of a Technical Director, Generative AI at Monks?
- The Technical Director, Generative AI at Monks is responsible for leading the technical direction, planning, and delivery of AI-driven production work, focusing on image, video, text, and content generation. This includes defining technical approaches, estimating efforts, assembling technical teams, and ensuring end-to-end technical delivery for global clients.
- What specific AI technologies and skills are crucial for this Technical Director role at Monks?
- Crucial skills include a solid understanding of machine learning fundamentals, experience with AI/generative pipelines (beyond text-to-image), integrating APIs, workflow automation, and model training/fine-tuning. Expertise in areas like Creative Technology, Software Development, or 3D/VFX is also highly valued for this Technical Director position.
- How does Monks ensure a fair and inclusive hiring process for the Technical Director, Generative AI position?
- Monks is committed to designing hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias. They celebrate diversity and encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can thrive.
- What is the expected work arrangement for the Technical Director, Generative AI role at Monks?
- This role is subject to Monks' Return to Office (RTO) policy. If you reside within a commutable distance of an office, you will be expected to work from the office a set number of days per week, in accordance with the company's current RTO policy.
- How can I ensure my application for the Technical Director, Generative AI role is considered by Monks?
- To ensure your application is considered, please submit it exclusively through the official Monks careers website (monks.com/careers). Be cautious of any recruitment activities or postings that misuse the Monks name and protect your personal information.
- What is the salary range for the Technical Director, Generative AI position at Monks?
- Monks has provided a compensation range of $115,000 to $130,000 USD per year for the Technical Director, Generative AI position. The final salary will be determined based on job-related factors.
- Does Monks offer benefits for the Technical Director, Generative AI role?
- Yes, Monks offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous PTO, 401k with company contribution, paid parental leave, and opportunities for career growth within a diverse and inclusive culture.
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