Innovation Technologist

At SGS, we are the world's leading testing, inspection, and certification company, setting the global benchmark for sustainability, quality, and integrity. With a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories and a dedicated team of employees, we work together to create a better, safer, and more interconnected world. 

As Innovation Technologist focused on AI Trust you will explore how SGS can act as an independent provider of AI trust services and solutions that strengthen and extend the SGS DIGITAL TRUST offering. The role identifies where the market needs credible assurance for the trustworthy development, deployment, and use of AI systems. It analyses emerging AI technologies, risks, and research, evaluates startups and tools, and proposes where SGS should build, partner, invest, or acquire to expand its AI Trust capabilities.

Key responsibilities:

• Analyse emerging AI trends to understand where organisations need independent Trust in AI and identify credible roles SGS could play.
• Map AI trust risks — robustness, bias/fairness, explainability, governance, data integrity, cybersecurity of AI, and misuse (deepfakes, hallucinations) — and translate them into opportunity areas.
• Evaluate AI assurance approaches (adversarial testing concepts, dataset validation, interpretability methods, provenance/watermarking) for relevance and feasibility.
• Interpret AI regulations and standards (EU AI Act, ISO/IEC AI, NIST AI RMF) and derive potential roles for SGS in independent evaluation, governance, or oversight.
• Engage with universities, AI research labs, and technology leaders to track cutting-edge developments and explore partnership opportunities.
• Assess AI startups, tools, and platforms for innovation maturity and strategic fit with SGS's Trust in AI ambitions.
• Propose where SGS should build, partner, invest, or acquire to realise promising Trust in AI opportunities.
• Provide technical insight and high-level due diligence for AI-related build–buy–partner–invest evaluations.
• Work with the Innovation Architect to shape early AI trust concepts, frameworks, or service ideas.
• Contribute expert insight to Digital Trust marketing, thought leadership, and internal education on AI trust issues.
• Work cross-functionally with business lines, M&A, R&D, innovation teams, and IT on early-stage AI trust assessments

Essential Experience:

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven capability in applied AI, model evaluation, AI safety/robustness, or ML systems analysis, with a strong record of delivering impactful solutions.
• Broad understanding of AI trust challenges, including robustness, bias, explainability, governance, data integrity, security, and misuse risks.
• Ability to translate complex AI concepts into clear implications for AI assurance and strategic recommendations.
• Strong analytical and systems-thinking mindset — able to assess trust challenges at a strategic level and connect technical insights to business outcomes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, comfortable engaging senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Innovative and pragmatic, with a passion for emerging AI technologies and the future of trustworthy AI.

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with AI trust methods such as interpretability techniques, dataset validation, adversarial testing, and provenance/watermarking approaches.
• Understanding of major AI regulations and standards and their implications for AI assurance and governance.
• Experience working with research labs, universities, or advanced AI R&D environments.
• Exposure to AI startups or tools, including technical due diligence and strategic fit assessments.
• Ability to evaluate AI solutions for innovation potential, scalability, and compliance readiness.
• Strong storytelling skills to shape strategic narratives around AI risks and opportunities.

Why SGS?

• Opportunity to work with a global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Join Us: At SGS, we are dedicated to fostering an open, friendly, and supportive culture that thrives on teamwork. We value diversity and provide endless opportunities to learn, grow your expertise, and fulfil your potential.