Heads of AI4I-Leonardo Spa Joint R&D Units

The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Industry (AI4I) and Leonardo Spa, an international industrial group, among the main global companies in Aerospace, Defence, and Security (AD&S) are launching an exclusive Joint Lab initiative.

We are seeking bold, visionary, and entrepreneurial leaders to become the Heads of two strategic Research & Development Units, each dedicated to driving applied AI innovation in the areas of Next Gen Pilot & Training in multi domain Operation and AI for Software Development Life cycle.

This is not just research—it’s research that delivers. Our Joint Lab focuses on concrete technological solutions, product transformation, and industrial competitiveness. Together, AI4I and Leonardo aim to set new standards for AI-driven industrial excellence in Italy, Europe, and globally.

About AI4I-Leonardo Joint Lab

The AI4I-Leonardo Joint Lab represents a unique, high-impact partnership model that bridges cutting-edge research with real-world industrial challenges. Funded by both long-term national programs and significant private investment from LEONARDO, the lab integrates AI4I’s expertise in AI innovation with LEONARDO’s leadership and vision in advanced industrial applications and solutions.

The lab will initially consist of two focused R&D Units:

1. Next Gen Pilot & Training in multi domain Operation – dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI enabling technologies for the Pilot operations of tomorrow. Next-generation aircraft will require non-traditional solutions for pilot-aircraft interaction, addressing both the operational needs of pilots and the pilot training process. Advanced AI-enabled technologies has the potential to revolutionize current solutions to supporting the performance of future products and the competitiveness of the national aeronautical industry. Research activities will focus on the exploration of cutting-edge AI-enabled solutions to support new paradigms of future aircraft, characterized by high levels of flight and mission autonomy and human machine collaboration both in the same air domain (e.g. Crew-Uncrewed Teaming) and across multiple domains. Solution with a wide spectrum of application even outside the aerospace domain.

2. AI for Software Development Life cycle – focused on leveraging AI to revolutionize the way software is designed, developed, tested, and maintained. This unit will explore the integration of AI tools and techniques—such as large language models, code generation systems, automated testing frameworks, and anomaly detection algorithms—throughout the entire SDLC. The goal is to increase development speed, improve code quality, reduce human error, and enable predictive maintenance. Key use cases, to be prioritized during the project, also based on the industry needs, include AI-assisted coding, intelligent requirement analysis, automated bug detection and resolution, continuous integration optimization, and AI-driven documentation.

Each unit will be at the frontier between fundamental AI methodologies and their rapid, scalable deployment in industrial environments. The goal: create high-impact, market-ready solutions while fostering long-term technological leadership.

Your Role: Head of R&D Unit

As Head of an R&D Unit, you will:

• Shape and lead your Unit’s strategic vision, aligned with both AI4I and LEONARDO’s innovation roadmaps.
• Build, inspire, and manage multidisciplinary teams of top AI scientists, engineers, and technologists.
• Deliver high-value AI solutions that directly impact products, processes, and services.
• Act as the critical interface between research excellence and industrial deployment.

You will not only manage research—you will oversee the entire R&D lifecycle, ensuring a tangible return on innovation.

Location
Turin, Italy.

What We Offer

• A 3-year renewable appointment, with potential for permanent roles.
• A competitive international compensation package¹, plus relocation support.
• Dedicated initial budget covering team and operational expenses.
• Priviliged access to the Institute’ state-of-the-art HPC infrastructure and AI accelerators.
• Direct collaboration with AI4I and LEONARDO’s internal R&D centers and leadership.
• Spaces in Turin’s vibrant innovation ecosystem at the OGR-Tech Hub.

[1] Workers and researchers applying from abroad might be eligible for tax benefits (link).

Qualifications we are looking for

We seek leaders with:

• Proven expertise in AI methods or their industrial applications (deep learning, control systems, optimization, robotics, etc.).
• Experience managing complex, multidisciplinary R&D projects.
• Preferably, experience in sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, human-machine interfaces, software development.

PhDs, startup founders, or leaders from corporate R&D labs are highly encouraged to apply.

Key Success Metrics

You will be evaluated based on:

1. Strategic Vision & Execution: Delivering on ambitious KPIs tied to the AI4I-LEONARDO roadmap.
2. Technological Impact: Developing scalable, innovative AI solutions.
3. Industrial Value Creation: Generating real-world outcomes and securing external partnerships.
4. Revenue Growth & Funding: Expanding the Unit’s budget through contracts and grants.
5. Talent Development: Building a high-performance team of innovators.

Application Details

Submit via [application portal] by September 15^th 2025, 11:59 PM CEST:

1. CV
2. Motivation letter (max. 1,000 words)
3. Strategic Plan (max. 5,000 words) including:
   • Your vision for the Unit you are applying for
   • Organizational strategy & growth trajectory
   • Proposed KPIs & measurable outcomes
4. Three professional references (contacts).
5. Optional: Patents, publications, portfolio links.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity

AI4I and LEONARDO are committed to building diverse, inclusive teams. Applications from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.