AI Application Engineer

generac; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Generac seeks an AI Applications Engineer to design, develop, and deploy scalable AI/ML solutions for manufacturing operations, translating challenges into deployable AI capabilities and integrating operations platforms for smarter decision-making.

The role emphasizes productionizing models, data pipelines, cross-functional collaboration with Operations and IT, and governance to standardize AI across sites and functions. Travel up to 25% locally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, data science, or related field.
• 5 years in manufacturing / OT environments, PLC, SCADA, MES exposure.
• 2 years of experience in AI/ML development and deployment.
• Experience with structured and unstructured data.
• Experience building and deploying AI based vision systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test, and deploy machine learning and AI models, including productionizing solutions and maintaining model performance over time.
• Develop and support AI solutions for shop floor applications such as predictive maintenance, quality inspection, yield optimization, and throughput improvement.
• Develop data pipelines, integrate with enterprise systems, and ensure scalable, reusable AI and data architecture.
• Partner with Operations and IT teams to define use cases, translate business problems into AI solutions, and ensure adoption.
• Monitor model performance, ensure data/model governance, document solutions, and drive reusability and standardization across sites/functions.

Skills

Python

ETL pipelines

Model deployment

Industrial IoT

Systems thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Computer vision

Time-series analysis

Edge AI

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, data science, or related field

Master’s Degree

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.

Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?

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.”