Group AI Technical Specialist

Magna International; Lancaster, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna International in Ohio seeks a Group AI Technical Specialist to lead AI strategy across manufacturing, including visual inspection, welding analytics, and OT automation.

You will guide roadmaps, governance, ROI modeling, pilot deployments, and cross-functional collaboration with plant management, IT/OT teams, and leadership, with travel as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Group AI Strategy and roadmaps.
• Lead AI governance, data privacy, cybersecurity and validation frameworks.
• Provide guidance on AI maturity, risks, and capability development.
• Drive discovery, evaluation and prioritization of AI opportunities in robotics, visual inspection, and OT automation.
• Build ROI models and business cases for AI projects with plant management.

Skills

AI/ML development

Industrial automation

Python

SQL databases

Debugging

Problem solving

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Ignition

Ignition modules

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Azure ML

Databricks

Docker

Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based on your language selection. What we offer: At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary:

Magna is an innovative leader in the development and manufacturing of high quality complete seating systems. Our solution includes seating structures, mechanisms and hardware, as well as foam and trim products for global automotive, heavy truck and bus industries. Our capabilities include market and consumer research; full concept development; design and engineering capabilities; testing, validation and world-class manufacturing. Our award-winning seating solutions are developed from consumer research, finding the ease of operation to be comfortable, convenient and connected.

Job Responsibilities:

The Group AI Technical Specialist serves as the Subject Matter Expert for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, responsible for building and driving the group-wide AI strategy, defining AI roadmaps, and championing cross-functional AI initiatives. This role provides technical leadership across manufacturing divisions including automated visual inspection, welding, assembly, robotics, controls, and operational technology (OT). This position supports all divisions by identifying opportunities to scale AI solutions that strengthen productivity, quality, traceability, and manufacturing performance, and acts as the strategic connector between group functions, manufacturing engineering teams, IT/OT, plant operations, and leadership to ensure responsible, secure, and value-driven AI adoption.

Duties and Responsibility:

Develop and maintain the Group AI Strategy, ensuring alignment with divisional manufacturing and business priorities. Build structured AI roadmaps that incorporate applications in visual inspection, welding analytics, assembly optimization, and OT-driven automation. Define and enforce AI governance and ethical standards, including data privacy, cybersecurity, and validation frameworks. Provide guidance to leadership on AI maturity, risks, and long-term capability development. Lead the discovery, evaluation, and prioritization of AI opportunities in robotics, welding, visual inspection, assembly, and connected manufacturing systems. Work with Plant Management teams to build business cases and ROI models for AI projects, considering plant, regional, and corporate objectives. Oversee pilot deployments, technical reviews, capability assessments, and enterprise scaling. Ensure AI projects follow standardized design approaches aligned with templates (e.g., documentation, testing, validation) Serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for AI/ML, generative AI, machine vision, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Automated visual inspection (Vision, defect detection, surface inspection).
• Welding analytics (seam quality prediction, parameter optimization, anomaly detection).
• Assembly processes (cycle-time prediction, torque/force pattern analysis, error-proofing with AI).
• Operational Technology (OT) systems integration (SCADA, PLC data, historian systems).
• Partner with OT/Controls teams to define requirements for data acquisition, model deployment, and edge compute.
• Support MLOps practices for scalable deployment at plant and group levels.
• Support plants and engineering teams in data strategy, model training, and production rollout.
• Maintain a central library of AI project documents, requirements, and validation results similar in structure to the Ignition/AI Developer documentation style.
• Stay current on emerging AI technologies, industrial automation trends, and OT cybersecurity standards.
• Provide support and training to internal team members, as necessary.
• Travel as required to the manufacturing divisions across the group, to new innovative suppliers, and to participate in workshops and training seminars.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in integrating AI solutions with industrial automation, SCADA, MES, historian, or OT platforms.
• Ignition experience preferred Strong proficiency in Ignition scripting (Python) and knowledge of Ignition modules (Vision, Perspective, Reporting, etc.).
• Solid understanding of industrial automation protocols (OPC, Modbus, MQTT, etc.).
• Experience with SQL databases (MySQL, MSSQL, PostgreSQL, etc.) and SQL query optimization.
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial automation, data science, machine learning, or AI solution deployment.
• Experience developing and deploying machine vision, deep learning, predictive analytics, or industrial AI solutions within manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Python, Java, or other programming languages commonly used for AI/ML development.
• Experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, Azure Machine Learning, Databricks, Docker, and related AI/ML platforms is preferred.
• Experience with Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI agents, or Microsoft Azure AI services is considered an asset.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work on complex, technical issues.
• Knowledge of networking and IT infrastructure in industrial environments.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with big data technologies or data analytics.
• Available to work flexible hours as required.
• Willing to travel as required.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure:

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies. Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type:

Regular / Permanent Group: Magna Seating

We see a future where everyone can live and move without limitations. That's why we are developing technologies, systems and concepts that make vehicles safer and cleaner, while serving our communities, the planet and, above all, people. In the right environment, your ideas can turn into industry-changing automotive technologies and improve the lives of people around the world.

Let's create the future of mobility, together. Learn more about us: Sustainability Innovation Interview-Tips