Senior AI Specialist - Operations

Matson, Inc.; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Matson, Inc. seeks an AI Specialist - Operations Division to lead AI-enabled analytics, automation, and data-driven decision-making. You will work with Operations, Finance, Accounting, and IT to identify opportunities, acquire data, and deliver practical AI solutions that improve efficiency and visibility.

The role emphasizes building prototypes, data pipelines, and dashboards while expanding both technical and business expertise to accelerate AI adoption across Operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 5+ years of analytics/AI enablement experience.

Responsibilities

• Support development, testing, deployment, and continuous improvement of AI-enabled solutions across Operations.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify high-value opportunities for AI, automation, and reporting.
• Acquire, prepare, validate, and analyze data from multiple systems to support decision-making.
• Design, develop, and maintain dashboards, reporting solutions, AI agents, and decision-support tools.
• Build prototypes and scalable solutions addressing operational and financial challenges.
• Develop data models, data pipelines, integrations, and workflows to improve data accessibility and quality.
• Create training materials to support adoption of AI tools and technologies.
• Monitor AI adoption, performance, and impact; develop metrics and dashboards for optimization.
• Collaborate with IT to ensure data access and governance compliance.]
• The annual salary range is posted for this position in California. The salary offered will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Skills

Generative AI platforms

Data analytics

Visualization & reporting

SQL

Python

Data modeling

APIs & integrations

Data governance & security

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Analytics, Business, Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field

Tools

Power BI

Power Query

Excel

SQL

Python

Job description

Description

Position at Matson Navigation Company, Inc

About Us

Matson has been the leading ocean shipping and logistics provider throughout the Pacific since 1882. We are the supply chain lifeline for Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and islands of the South Pacific.

We also offer the top two ocean shipping services in the world’s largest trade lane - Asia to the U.S. West Coast. With our subsidiaries Matson Terminals and Matson Logistics, our business focus is exceeding customer expectations with quality, reliability, and integrity.

We strive to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner and promote land-based environmental programs in Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska.

We help improve the communities in which we work and live through our community giving program that annually supports hundreds of local organizations.

Matson is honored to be certified as a Great Place to Work. Our team of dedicated and talented employees consistently deliver exceptional results for our customers and the communities in which we serve.

Learn more at matson.com.

About The Role

The AI Specialist - Operations Division is a unique opportunity for an ambitious, analytical, and technology-driven professional who wants to help shape the future of Matson's Operations. This role sits at the intersection of AI, data, analytics, automation, and business operations. Working closely with Operations, Finance, Accounting, and IT, you will identify opportunities to improve business performance through advanced analytics, AI-enabled solutions, process automation, and data-driven decision making.

Success in this role requires the ability to move from business problem identification through data acquisition, analysis, solution design, implementation, and ongoing performance measurement. You will work with operational and financial data to develop practical solutions that improve efficiency, enhance visibility, support decision-making, and deliver measurable business value.

The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex problems, exploring emerging technologies, and transforming data into actionable insights. This role is designed for someone who wants to continuously expand both technical and business expertise while helping accelerate the adoption of AI, analytics, and automation across Operations.

We recognize that strong candidates may bring different combinations of technical and business expertise. We are looking for someone with a strong foundation, demonstrated ability to build practical solutions, and the drive to continuously expand their capabilities.

What You’ll Do

• Support the development, testing, deployment, and continuous improvement of AI-enabled solutions, workflows, analytics, and automation initiatives across Operations.
• Partner with business stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and document high-value opportunities for AI, automation, reporting, and process improvement.
• Acquire, prepare, validate, and analyze data from multiple operational and business systems to support solution development and decision-making.
• Design, develop, and maintain dashboards, reporting solutions, AI agents, and decision-support tools.
• Build prototypes and scalable solutions that address operational and financial business challenges.
• Develop and maintain data models, data pipelines, integrations, and workflows that improve accessibility, quality, and usability of business information.
• Develop training materials and user guidance to support effective adoption of AI tools and technologies.
• Monitor AI adoption, solution performance, business impact, and user feedback; develop metrics and dashboards that identify opportunities for optimization and future enhancements.
• Collaborate with the IT "hub" to ensure Operations has access to the data, platforms, and tools required to support ongoing implementation of emerging technologies. Ensure compliance with established governance, security, and data management requirements.

You Have These Skills

AI, Technology & Problem Solving

• Passion for emerging technologies and a drive to identify practical applications that improve business performance.
• Hands‑on experience with Generative AI platforms and technologies such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar solutions.
• Experience working with structured and unstructured data to support analytics, automation, reporting, and AI initiatives.
• Proficiency in data analysis, visualization, and reporting tools such as Power BI, Power Query, Excel, SQL, Python, or similar technologies.
• Understanding of data modeling, data transformation, APIs, system integrations, and data workflows.
• Ability to acquire, organize, validate, and analyze data from multiple sources to generate meaningful business insights.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques, statistical concepts, and data-driven problem‑solving methodologies.
• Ability to develop prototypes, proofs of concept, analytical models, and technology‑enabled solutions that address business challenges.
• Understanding of data governance, security, and data quality principles.

Problem Solving & Business Acumen

• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills with the ability to evaluate complex operational and financial issues.
• Ability to connect operational, financial, and technical information to uncover insights and drive better outcomes.
• Ability to identify root causes, evaluate alternatives, and recommend scalable solutions.
• Understanding of operational processes, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement.
• Ability to translate business requirements into practical technical solutions.

And These Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Analytics, Business, Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in analytics, business intelligence, operations, finance, technology, digital transformation, process improvement, AI enablement, or a related discipline.
• Proven ability to leverage AI, advanced analytics, automation, and data-driven approaches to improve business processes and operational performance.
• Demonstrated success developing reports, dashboards, analytical models, business intelligence solutions, or automation tools that deliver measurable business value.
• Track record of building prototypes, proofs of concept, and scalable solutions that address operational or financial business challenges.
• Strong capability in acquiring, preparing, validating, and analyzing data from multiple sources to generate actionable insights.
• Knowledge of APIs, system integrations, enterprise applications, data models, and data workflows.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and business stakeholders on cross‑functional initiatives.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies, adapt to evolving business needs, and translate business requirements into practical technical solutions.
• Passion for AI, analytics, automation, and emerging technologies, with a desire to continuously grow technical and business expertise.

The annual salary range is posted for this position in California. The salary offered will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

At Matson, we're looking for people to build a unified team to maintain our values of trust, integrity, and reliability. We welcome people who think rigorously and thoughtfully challenge assumptions.

#MI

Matson is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, AIDS/HIV status, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws, as well as applicable local ordinances, including, but not limited to, the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinances. View our applicant privacy statement: https://www.matson.com/media/Applicant_Privacy_Statement.pdf.