AI Application Engineer

Generac Power Systems Inc; North Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Generac Power Systems Inc. seeks an AI Applications Engineer to design, develop, and deploy scalable AI/ML solutions across manufacturing operations. You will translate operational challenges into deployable AI solutions and integrate with enterprise systems for smarter decision-making and automation.

The role focuses on building a Digital Factory + AI capability stack, with travel up to 25% locally, and requires strong Python, ML, and data engineering skills in a manufacturing context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, data science, or related field.
• Experience working with structured and unstructured data.
• 5+ years in manufacturing/OT environments with AI/ML development and deployment.
• Strong Python skills and experience with ML frameworks and data pipelines.
• Ability to bridge technical and business domains and to deploy solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy AI/ML models for shop floor use cases.
• Integrate operations platforms to enable smarter decision-making and automation.
• Build data pipelines and ensure scalable AI/data architecture.
• Collaborate with Operations and IT to translate problems into AI solutions.
• Monitor model performance and ensure governance and reuse across sites.

Skills

AI/ML development

Python

Data engineering

API deployment

Docker

ETL pipelines

Industrial IoT

Cross-functional collaboration

Model deployment

Vision systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

OpenCV

Docker

Job description

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.

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

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.

As one of the leaders and largest suppliers of power generation equipment and technology, the work we do touches millions of lives. Employees at Generac are encouraged to be innovative and are valued as an integral part of our global team. Our challenging goals develop knowledgeable employees dedicated to helping continue Generac's success. Generac provides individuals the opportunity to work in a fast-paced agile work environment where their work makes a difference in people's lives and their own.