Associate Director, AI for Manufacturing and Operations

Job Description:

• Partner with manufacturing engineering, operations, supply chain, Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP), quality, and digital transformation teams to identify high-value AI use cases.
• Translate complex AI/ML concepts into clear, actionable factory solutions for non-technical stakeholders.
• Evaluate current processes and determine where AI can meaningfully augment automation, analytics, maintenance, and production systems.
• Architect AI-driven tools and workflows in areas such as predictive maintenance, defect detection, digital twins, scheduling optimization, and intelligent automation.
• Guide teams through data readiness requirements, model selection, feasibility trade-offs, and integration constraints.
• Work with product teams and external vendors to assess technologies, shape roadmaps, and ensure alignment with factory needs and enterprise standards.
• Develop and execute proof-of-concepts, pilot plans, and deployment strategies for new AI capabilities; measure results and iterate designs.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and coaching to engineering teams to raise overall AI maturity.
• Ensure solutions meet security, safety, compliance, and ethical use standards.

Requirements:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience
• 5+ years experience applying AI and machine learning in industrial or highly operational environments
• Ability to communicate highly technical AI concepts in simple, business-oriented language
• 5+ years experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders at multiple levels
• Understanding of factory workflows, industrial automation, sensors, MES, quality systems, and operational constraints
• Prior experience in advanced manufacturing or aerospace/defense production
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, data science, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred
• Background in systems engineering or manufacturing engineering
• Experience deploying AI in environments with strict safety, reliability, or regulatory requirements
• Experience with predictive modeling, computer vision, anomaly detection, optimization algorithms, or intelligent robotics
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, edge devices, and MLOps best practices
• Working knowledge of digital twins, simulation systems, or industrial IoT architectures

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• And more!