AI maturity
building
Head of AI/ML
Head of Data & AI
Whisker · Consumer Hardware / Pet Tech · 📍 Auburn Hills, MI
Whisker is hiring its first centralized data leader to unify a fragmented data environment and build the ML/BI infrastructure needed to scale a connected pet-tech ecosystem beyond its Litter-Robot flagship.
Reports to
CFO
Company stage
scale-up
Source
linkedin
Key responsibilities
- Unify fragmented data sources (product, app, device, marketing, ecommerce, finance, ops) into a single source of truth
- Define and own full data lifecycle: ingestion, transformation, storage, governance, quality, and access
- Build scalable data pipelines supporting real-time and batch processing across Whisker's ecosystem
- Lead ML/AI implementation across product development, marketing, and operations
- Establish company-wide data governance, privacy standards, access controls, and compliance frameworks
- Build and operate a cross-functional intake and prioritization model for all data engineering and BI work
- Drive consistent metric definitions and data models to eliminate conflicting reporting
Requirements
- Proven experience building and leading centralized data organizations
- Deep expertise in data engineering, BI, and ML/AI platforms
- Track record of unifying fragmented data environments at scale
- Experience establishing data governance, security, and privacy frameworks
- Ability to operate cross-functionally and influence without direct authority across business units
Signals
- ⚠ No salary or compensation range disclosed
- ⚠ Reports to CFO rather than CEO or CTO — may signal data is viewed primarily as a cost/finance function rather than a strategic product driver
- ⚠ Onsite 4+ days/week in Auburn Hills, MI — significantly limits candidate pool for senior data talent
- ⚠ Role scope is extremely broad (data engineering, ML, BI, governance) — potential for under-resourcing relative to mandate
- ⚠ No team size disclosed — may be building from scratch with unclear headcount budget
- ✓ Clear and specific problem statement — fragmented data environment being centralized signals genuine organizational need, not a vanity hire
- ✓ 700+ person company with connected hardware products generates rich proprietary data assets
- ✓ Cross-functional mandate with C-suite visibility and partnership
- ✓ Category-defining product (Litter-Robot) with ecosystem expansion underway — strong data growth trajectory
- ✓ Role owns ML/AI strategy, not just BI — elevated scope and strategic relevance