Senior Data and AI Specialist

Thomas Built Buses, Inc.; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus program

401k with company match up to 6%

Non-elective company contribution 3-7%

4 weeks paid vacation

13+ holidays

8 weeks paid parental leave

Healthcare plans and wellness programs

Tuition assistance

Volunteer paid time off

Disability plans

Job summary

Thomas Built Buses, Inc. seeks a Senior Data and AI Specialist to lead data science, analytics, and AI initiatives in a hybrid Detroit setting.

You will partner with enterprise AI, data engineering, and security teams to design and govern AI-enabled solutions that drive operational efficiency and data-driven decision making. The role requires strong AI/ML architecture experience, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to translate complex technology into business value while aligning with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a technical field with strong data/AI background.
• Experience delivering AI/ML, analytics, and automation at enterprise scale.
• Hands-on with data engineering, BI, cloud environments, security, governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead data science, analytics, and AI initiatives to improve operations.
• Design, implement, and govern AI-enabled solutions across teams.
• Partner with enterprise AI, data engineering, and security teams for governance.
• Provide technical leadership and ensure alignment with enterprise standards.

Skills

Data engineering

AI/ML concepts

BI analytics

Cloud/hybrid

Communication & leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in CS or related field

Tools

Microsoft Copilot

Copilot Studio

Snowflake Cortex

OpenAI-based tools

Job description

## Senior Data and AI SpecialistApplyremote type: Hybridlocations: Detroit, MI UStime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: August 19, 2026 (13 days left to apply)job requisition id: DT-19096**Inside the Role**The Senior Data and AI Specialist serves as a technical leader responsible for advancing Detroit's data, analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation capabilities. This role partners with enterprise AI, data engineering, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and business teams to design, implement, and govern AI-enabled solutions that drive operational efficiency, data-driven decision making, and business value. The position combines expertise in data engineering, business intelligence, AI/ML architecture, analytics delivery, and technical project leadership. The Senior Data and AI Specialist acts as a trusted advisor, helping the organization identify, evaluate, and deploy AI technologies while ensuring alignment with enterprise standards, security requirements, governance policies, and long-term business objectives.**Posting Information**We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.**We Take Care of Our Team****Position offers a starting salary range of $117,000 – $150,000 USD**Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.Benefits include annual bonus program; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ calendar holidays; 8 weeks paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans.**What You Will Drive*** Data Science Engineering & Analytics Delivery + Build, support, and guide solutions across data engineering, automation, advanced analytics, reporting, and visualization. + Apply data engineering concepts, data modeling, and database knowledge to help solve complex business challenges.* AI Platform Enablement & Configuration + Develop a deep understanding of enterprise AI platforms available across the global enterprise, such as Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, LibreChat, Snowflake Cortex, and other approved internal AI tools. + Partner with technical teams to define, document, and implement standardized AI configurations for Detroit in alignment with enterprise architecture and governance.* Infrastructure, Security & Ownership Clarity + Define and document roles, responsibilities, and ownership across AI platforms, security controls, and operational support. + Coordinate with infrastructure, enterprise architecture, cyber security, and governance teams on items such as endpoints, firewall requirements, IAM roles, and access patterns.* AI Architecture & Pipeline Integration + Collaborate with data engineers, platform owners, application teams, and business partners to design and implement AI/ML pipelines and workflows. + Support end-to-end AI architecture documentation, including data ingestion, processing, orchestration, model execution, integration points, and operational dependencies.* AI Strategy, Advisory & Use Case Enablement + Partner with global technical teams, enterprise AI teams, and business stakeholders to identify where AI/ML, automation, analytics, or business intelligence can improve business performance, operational efficiency, and decision-making.* Performance, Cost & Optimization + Evaluate performance, scalability, token usage, compute consumption, and cost implications of AI platform configurations and architectural decisions. Recommend approaches that balance speed, value, governance, cost efficiency, and long-term maintainability.* Cross-Functional Collaboration & AI Adoption + Partner with teams driving end-user AI adoption and enablement to ensure alignment between technical capabilities and business adoption strategies. + Act as the technical counterpart to AI enablement initiatives. + Act as a key point of contact for AI related data and technical topics.* Project & Initiative Leadership + Lead and coordinate DDC AI and data technology initiatives across cross-functional teams, managing scope, dependencies, risks, stakeholders, communication, and delivery milestones for medium to large complex projects.* Continuous Improvement & Emerging Technology Awareness + Stay current on AI/ML, GenAI, agentic approaches, automation, data engineering, analytics, cloud, and governance trends. + Recommend opportunities to improve standards, tooling, workflows, and solution delivery practices.**Knowledge You Should Bring*** Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems or 5-8 years of relevant experience in data analytics, AI/ML, automation, business intelligence, or data engineering related roles.* Working understanding of AI/ML concepts, LLMs, prompt-based systems, tokens, GenAI, automation, BI, and agentic approaches.* Hands-on familiarity with enterprise AI and productivity platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Snowflake Cortex, OpenAI-based tools, or similar approved enterprise AI platforms.* Demonstrated proficiency or strong working knowledge in database concepts, data modeling, data extraction, and transformation.* Experience with business intelligence and analytics tools such as Power BI, or comparable enterprise analytics platforms.* Familiarity with cloud and hybrid environments, access provisioning, network dependencies, IAM roles, and security considerations for enterprise data and AI solutions.* Knowledge of data governance, information security, enterprise standards, policies, and measures to protect sensitive data.* Ability to evaluate technical trade-offs across architecture, user experience, speed to value, risk, cost, scalability, maintainability, and governance.* Strong project leadership skills with the ability to lead department-level and cross-functional initiatives of notable complexity, risk, dependencies, and resource requirements.* Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to translate complex AI, data, and technical concepts into clear business language for stakeholders at multiple levels.* Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and align Detroit, DTNA, and Global stakeholders around standards, ownership, and implementation decisions.* Ability to learn new technologies quickly, adapt to changing technology landscapes, and operate effectively in ambiguous situations.**Exceptional Candidates May Have*** Experience implementing, configuring, or operationalizing enterprise AI platforms, copilots, agents, or LLM-enabled solutions.* Experience moving AI/ML, automation, analytics, or data engineering solutions beyond prototype into governed, production-ready solutions.* Experience with AI/ML pipelines, data engineering patterns, model integration, workflow orchestration, or enterprise architecture standards.* Experience with cost governance for cloud, AI token, processing and compute on various platform workloads.* Experience in manufacturing or automotive environments.#LI-DC1#LI-HYBRID**Where We Work**This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-Detroit, MI US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.**Schedule Type:**Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.**Additional Information*** This position is **not open** for Visa sponsorship **or** to existing Visa holders* Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application* Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check* Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen* Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions* EEO - Disabled/Veterans