Head of AI Research Product

We are looking for a Head of AI Research Product to lead the intersection of applied machine learning research and product innovation across Via's rider and transit operations platform. This role sits at the frontier of what AI can do for public transportation, not as a feature layer, but as the engine that makes the system smarter, more equitable, and more efficient for every rider and agency we serve.

This is a three-part role: innovating with lighthouse customers to pilot and pressure-test cutting-edge approaches in real-world transit environments, conducting original applied research, and driving productization of proven methods into Via's core platform.

• Build and lead Via's AI research product function, defining the roadmap for how machine learning advances rider experience and transit network performance.
• Design and deploy reinforcement learning systems that optimize routing, pooling efficiency, and real-time dispatching, balancing rider satisfaction against vehicle utilization and transit agency cost targets.