AI-Driven Manufacturing Engineer: Robotics & Vision Systems

NPAworldwide; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Global manufacturing firm located about 30 minutes north of downtown Lexington, KY, seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to lead AI-driven automation initiatives and improve manufacturing competitiveness. The role supports Advanced Technology with innovative tech validations and production deployment across North America.

Responsibilities include integrating AI robotics, CV/ML solutions, sensor fusion, and simulations to validate concepts, optimize systems, and enable scalable, safe manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Robotics, CS, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with manufacturing automation deployments.
• Experience in robotics, AI/ML, or advanced automation development.
• Having a full-stack mindset while working in team environments building complete solutions, not just independent AI algorithms, demonstrations, and experiments.
• Strong hands‑on experience in at least two of the following: Computer vision (detection, segmentation, 3D perception), Machine learning / deep learning, Robotics.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, ROS-based systems; strong software engineering fundamentals.
• Deep understanding of different sensor types (RGBD cameras, LiDAR, Time-of-Flight sensors, etc.) and the ability to tune for image quality accuracy and performance.

Responsibilities

• Integrate and deploy AI-enabled robotic solutions to improve manufacturing capability, flexibility, and performance.
• Develop and implement computer vision, machine learning, and sensor fusion solutions for real-world manufacturing applications (e.g., bin picking, part handling, inspection).
• Build and optimize AI models for robust performance on industrial hardware, balancing latency, reliability, and compute constraints.
• Bridge the gap between modern AI Python scripts and standard industrial automation.
• Utilize simulation tools (e.g., Isaac Sim, MuJoCo, or equivalent) to support concept validation, synthetic data generation, and Sim2Real deployment.
• Lead and support equipment trials, debugging, and performance validation from proof-of-concept through production deployment (yokoten).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with robotics engineers, controls engineers, and plant manufacturing teams to integrate AI into production systems.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging Physical AI technologies through benchmarking, supplier engagement, and industry events.
• Ensure solutions meet safety, reliability, and manufacturability requirements, including alignment with applicable standards and internal risk assessments.
• Present technical concepts, results, and recommendations to stakeholders, management, and executive leadership.
• Manage contractors to design and construct testing cells.
• Produce clear, detailed documentation to support future scaling and customer enablement.

Skills

Python

C++

ROS

Computer vision

Machine learning

Robotics

Sensor fusion

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field

Tools

ROS

Job description

Global manufacturing firm located about 30 minutes north of downtown Lexington, KY, seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to lead AI-driven automation initiatives and improve manufacturing competitiveness. The role supports Advanced Technology with innovative tech validations and production deployment across North America.

Responsibilities include integrating AI robotics, CV/ML solutions, sensor fusion, and simulations to validate concepts, optimize systems, and enable scalable, safe manufacturing