The AI Applications Engineer will design, develop, and deploy scalable AI/ML solutions that accelerate digital transformation across manufacturing operations. This role will focus on translating operational challenges into deployable AI solutions-integrating operations platforms to enable smarter decision-making, automation, and predictive insights. This position plays a critical role in building the "Digital Factory + AI" capability stack. This position could include up to 25% travel locally. Major Responsibilities: AI Solution Development & Deployment • Design, build, test, and deploy machine learning and AI models, including productionizing solutions and maintaining model performance over time. Manufacturing (Operations) Use Case Delivery • Develop and support AI solutions for shop floor applications such as predictive maintenance, quality inspection, yield optimization, and throughput improvement. Data Engineering & Platform Integration • Develop data pipelines, integrate with enterprise systems, and ensure scalable, reusable AI and data architecture. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Translation • Partner with Operations and IT teams to define use cases, translate business problems into AI solutions, and ensure adoption. Including build vs. buy analysis. Continuous Improvement, Governance & Documentation • Monitor model performance, ensure data/model governance, document solutions, and drive reusability and standardization across sites/functions. Minimum Job Requirements: Education • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, data science, or related field Work Experience • Experience working with structured and unstructured data • Experience building and deploying AI based vision systems • 5 years in manufacturing / OT environments, PLC, SCADA, MES exposure • 2 years of experience in AI/ML development and deployment Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Python (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn) • Data engineering and ETL pipelines • Model deployment (APIs, microservices, Docker, etc.) • Understanding of industrial systems, manufacturing processes, or IoT data • Strong problem-solving and systems thinking mindset • Ability to bridge technical and business domains • Execution-focused with a bias toward deployment (not just modeling) • Ability to work across operations, engineering, and service functions • Ability to demonstrate clear communication with both technical teams and leadership Preferred Job Requirements: Education • Master's Degree Work Experience • Experience in discrete manufacturing environments • Experience working in digital factory or Industry 4.0 initiatives • Familiarity with MES, PLM, and ERP integrations (SAP, Tulip, Windchill, etc.) Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Experience with Computer vision (OpenCV, vision models • Time-series analysis (sensor, telemetry data) • Edge AI deployment