AI Application Engineer

Generac; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Generac is seeking an AI Applications Engineer to design, develop, and deploy scalable AI/ML solutions that accelerate digital transformation in manufacturing operations. You will translate operational challenges into practical AI deployments that integrate with shop-floor platforms for smarter decisions, automation, and predictive insights.

The role includes data engineering, model deployment via APIs and microservices, and collaboration with Operations and IT to define use cases and drive

Qualifications

• Experience building and deploying AI-based solutions in manufacturing.
• Strong Python and ML framework experience (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Data engineering, ETL pipelines, and API/microservice deployment.
• Understanding of industrial systems and OT/IIoT data.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test, and deploy ML/AI models for shop-floor use cases.
• Develop data pipelines and integrate AI with enterprise systems.
• Collaborate with Operations/IT to define use cases and drive adoption.
• Monitor model performance and govern data/models across sites.

Skills

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Data engineering

ETL pipelines

APIs

Microservices

Docker

Industrial systems

OpenCV

Time-series analysis

Education

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

Master’s Degree

Tools

Docker

OpenCV

Job description

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