AI Transformational Lead

Granite Construction; The Woodlands (TX); On-site; USD 101,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Granite Construction in the United States seeks an experienced AI/ML engineer to design and deploy data‑driven tools for aggregate and asphalt operations. You will build models, optimize production, and improve safety and efficiency across plant networks while integrating AI with existing systems.

The role requires strong analytics, data engineering, and software development skills, with emphasis on real‑time decision support and cybersecurity compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a quantitative field; strong portfolio may be considered.
• Master’s degree strongly preferred in CS or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain AI‑enabled applications to enhance operational efficiency and sales performance across aggregate and asphalt plant operations
• Develop and refine machine learning models to optimize automation settings, improve production efficiency, increase plant uptime, strengthen material quality, and reduce operational costs
• Analyze sales, pricing, and GIS data to optimize product pricing strategies that support revenue growth and market competitiveness
• Integrate AI capabilities with existing plant systems, sensors, databases, and operational software to ensure seamless information flow and improved decision‑making
• Enhance sales efficiency by deploying AI tools and bots that automate the review of technical specifications and other sales‑related documents
• Modernize legacy software systems by implementing automation, predictive analytics, and decision‑support tools that improve reliability and scalability
• Build and maintain data pipelines, APIs, and services that deliver real‑time and near‑real‑time insights for operational and business decision support
• Analyze large datasets from production systems, quality labs, and equipment to generate actionable intelligence that drives performance improvements
• Collaborate with operations, sales, quality, maintenance, and IT teams to translate business needs into technical solutions that drive organizational value
• Ensure all AI solutions comply with cybersecurity standards, company policies, and responsible AI practices to safeguard data and maintain system integrity
• Document systems, models, and technical processes to support long‑term system sustainability, knowledge transfer, and user adoption
• Continuously evaluate emerging AI and software technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement
• May perform additional duties as needed from time to time to support evolving business and technology needs

Skills

Data analysis

AI/ML practitioner

Cross-functional collaboration

SQL/BI tools

Industrial software development

Cybersecurity awareness

Communicate with stakeholders

Education

Bachelor’s degree in AI/CS/SE/Data Science/Math

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

APIs

Scripting

API integration

Python/ML libraries

SQL databases

Job description

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite’s century-old success. We’re building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.

General Summary

This role builds and deploys smart, data driven tools that enhance efficiency, quality, safety, and decision making across aggregate and asphalt production operations. It uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics to improve production systems, optimize workflows, and support overall operational excellence.

Essential Job Accountabilities

• Design and maintain AI‑enabled applications to enhance operational efficiency and sales performance across aggregate and asphalt plant operations
• Develop and refine machine learning models to optimize automation settings, improve production efficiency, increase plant uptime, strengthen material quality, and reduce operational costs
• Analyze sales, pricing, and GIS data to optimize product pricing strategies that support revenue growth and market competitiveness
• Integrate AI capabilities with existing plant systems, sensors, databases, and operational software to ensure seamless information flow and improved decision‑making
• Enhance sales efficiency by deploying AI tools and bots that automate the review of technical specifications and other sales‑related documents
• Modernize legacy software systems by implementing automation, predictive analytics, and decision‑support tools that improve reliability and scalability
• Build and maintain data pipelines, APIs, and services that deliver real‑time and near‑real‑time insights for operational and business decision support
• Analyze large datasets from production systems, quality labs, and equipment to generate actionable intelligence that drives performance improvements
• Collaborate with operations, sales, quality, maintenance, and IT teams to translate business needs into technical solutions that drive organizational value
• Ensure all AI solutions comply with cybersecurity standards, company policies, and responsible AI practices to safeguard data and maintain system integrity
• Document systems, models, and technical processes to support long‑term system sustainability, knowledge transfer, and user adoption
• Continuously evaluate emerging AI and software technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement
• May perform additional duties as needed from time to time to support evolving business and technology needs

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field. Equivalent practical experience may be considered for candidates with a demonstrated strong portfolio
• Master of Science degree with a focus in Computer Science or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred

Work Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience delivering software, analytics, or automation solutions within operational or industrial environments
• Demonstrated success deploying production‑ready applications used in field, plant, or equipment‑intensive operations
• Experience working with operational data systems, plant or equipment data flows, and modern database or application architectures supporting industrial processes
• Background in aggregates, asphalt, construction materials, mining, manufacturing, or similar industrial operations, with familiarity of field and plant operational constraints

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to present complex technical or analytical concepts clearly and concisely to non‑technical stakeholders
• Strong cross‑functional facilitation skills, enabling alignment between operations, engineering, sales, and maintenance teams
• Proficiency with plant control systems (e.g., batching, weighing, or monitoring systems) at an intermediate level, including the ability to interpret production data and identify equipment or process anomalies
• Ability to analyze sales and production data using tools such as Excel, SQL, or BI platforms to develop clear operational insights
• Applied artificial intelligence and machine learning at a practitioner level, including developing or utilizing supervised/unsupervised models to improve operational efficiency
• Industrial software development and systems integration at an intermediate–advanced level, including scripting, API use, and connecting OT/IT data flows
• Strong data‑driven problem‑solving ability, including defining problems, selecting appropriate analytical tools, evaluating alternatives, and recommending measurable improvements
• Operational and sales mindset with a demonstrated ability to incorporate safety, quality, and efficiency considerations into routine decision‑making
• Collaborative, partnership‑oriented approach, with demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships across technical and operational teams

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to operate a computer keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Additional Requirements/Skills

• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive for extended periods of time
• Overnight travel required
• Comply, understand, and support company safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environment
• Ability and willingness to abide by company code of conduct daily

Our Benefits At a Glance

Building tomorrow starts with you, and Granite knows that you can excel only if we support you in and out of the workplace. That is why we offer a broad benefits package that includes paid holidays, sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending plans, as well as special programs for musculoskeletal health, mental wellness, and more. Salaried employees may choose from two PPO medical plans through Anthem BlueCross, including our most popular plan, for which 100% of the premium is paid by Granite for eligible employees and dependents. Employees can also opt into a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). As part of our investment in your future outside of the workplace, Granite provides a 100% match on the first 6% of eligible compensation that salaried employees defer into their 401(k) plans, which vests immediately. Benefits may vary for positions located outside of the continental United States.

Base Salary Range

$100,791.00 - $166,683.00

Pay may vary based upon relevant experience, skills, location, and education among other factors.

About Granite Construction Incorporated

Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug‑Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For additional information on applicant/employee rights please click here.

Notice to Staffing Agencies

Granite Construction, Inc. and its subsidiaries(“Granite”) will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Granite, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Granite mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Granite employees, or to Granite's resume database will be considered Granite property. Granite will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Granite will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully‑executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening.

Granite will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place.

Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Granite's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Granite employee is authorized to bind Granite to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.