AI Transformational Lead

Granite Construction Company; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k) with company match

HSA/FSA options

Job summary

Granite Construction Company is seeking an experienced AI/ML software professional to build and deploy data-driven tools for aggregate and asphalt operations. You will develop ML models to optimize automation, production efficiency, and material quality while analyzing sales data to sharpen pricing strategies.

Collaborating with operations, sales, quality, and IT, you will ensure secure, scalable AI integrations across plant systems and modernize legacy software with automation and predictive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in AI, CS, software engineering, data science, math, or related field; practical experience considered.
• Master's degree in CS or closely related discipline preferred.
• Minimum five years delivering software, analytics, or automation in industrial/operational settings.
• Experience with plant or equipment data flows and modern database or application architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain AI-enabled applications to enhance operational efficiency and sales performance.
• Develop and refine ML models to optimize automation, uptime, quality, and costs.
• Analyze sales, pricing, and GIS data to inform product pricing strategies.
• Integrate AI with existing plant systems, sensors, databases, and software for seamless data flow.
• Build data pipelines, APIs, and services delivering real-time insights for decision support.

Skills

AI/ML

Data analysis

SQL

BI tools

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field

Master's degree in CS or related discipline

Tools

Python

APIs

Cloud services

ETL pipelines

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 operationsDevelop and refine machine learning models to optimize automation settings, improve production efficiency, increase plant uptime, strengthen material quality, and reduce operational costsAnalyze sales, pricing, and GIS data to optimize product pricing strategies that support revenue growth and market competitivenessIntegrate AI capabilities with existing plant systems, sensors, databases, and operational software to ensure seamless information flow and improved decision-makingEnhance sales efficiency by deploying AI tools and bots that automate the review of technical specifications and other sales-related documentsModernize legacy software systems by implementing automation, predictive analytics, and decision-support tools that improve reliability and scalabilityBuild and maintain data pipelines, APIs, and services that deliver real-time and near-real-time insights for operational and business decision supportAnalyze large datasets from production systems, quality labs, and equipment to generate actionable intelligence that drives performance improvementsCollaborate with operations, sales, quality, maintenance, and IT teams to translate business needs into technical solutions that drive organizational valueEnsure all AI solutions comply with cybersecurity standards, company policies, and responsible AI practices to safeguard data and maintain system integrityDocument systems, models, and technical processes to support long-term system sustainability, knowledge transfer, and user adoptionContinuously evaluate emerging AI and software technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvementMay 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 portfolioMaster 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 environmentsDemonstrated success deploying production-ready applications used in field, plant, or equipment-intensive operationsExperience working with operational data systems, plant or equipment data flows, and modern database or application architectures supporting industrial processesBackground 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 stakeholdersStrong cross-functional facilitation skills, enabling alignment between operations, engineering, sales, and maintenance teamsProficiency 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 anomaliesAbility to analyze sales and production data using tools such as Excel, SQL, or BI platforms to develop clear operational insightsApplied artificial intelligence and machine learning at a practitioner level, including developing or utilizing supervised/unsupervised models to improve operational efficiencyIndustrial software development and systems integration at an intermediate-advanced level, including scripting, API use, and connecting OT/IT data flowsStrong data-driven problem-solving ability, including defining problems, selecting appropriate analytical tools, evaluating alternatives, and recommending measurable improvementsOperational and sales mindset with a demonstrated ability to incorporate safety, quality, and efficiency considerations into routine decision-makingCollaborative, 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 timeOvernight travel requiredComply, understand, and support company safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environmentAbility and willingness to abides 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...

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.