AI Applications Manager

We’re seeking a driven, technically fluent AI leader who can help AWC multiply the expertise of our employee-owners through the thoughtful and effective use of artificial intelligence. Our team values curiosity, ownership, sound judgment, and a growth mindset, and we’re committed to applying those qualities to solutions that create meaningful value for our customers and our people. US manufacturing runs on hard-won expertise: codes, standards, decades of engineering judgment, and the people who carry it. As our AI leader you will guide us to multiply that expertise with care. A builder and a guardian who helps our teams use AI to work faster and smarter, while making sure we do that safely and effectively. Our teams have proven the opportunities exist, demonstrated value, and are eager to scale. This new technical leadership role will build that scale from the ground up, with authority and responsibility for results. This is not a policy-writing seat bolted onto someone else's compliance function.The AI Applications Manager will lead the company-wide adoption and governance of AI applications, partnering directly with business leaders to identify high-value opportunities, build repeatable solutions, and ensure AI is used safely, accurately, and effectively. This is a hands-on technical leadership role with broad responsibility and authority to scale AI capabilities across the organization.AWC's leadership operates on a simple standard: Trust = Intent and Competence. We expect straight talk over politics, ownership over excuses, and mutual respect even in disagreement. We commit to decisions once they're made, then PDCA: plan, do, check, adjust, and try again. You'll find that standard applied to how AI gets adopted here, too. Not “move fast and hope,” but measure, learn, and earn trust one application at a time. Reporting to the CIO, this role will work across every business line to strengthen AWC’s Go-to Expertise and Fast Response capabilities. The position is hybrid, with candidates located in Texas or Louisiana preferred.How you’ll make an impact:Drive AI Adoption and Business ImpactPartner directly with business unit leaders to identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI applications that create measurable business valueCoach leaders and teams on how to achieve accurate, well-grounded results from modern AI tools, extending beyond basic prompting to effective application and workflow designTranslate successful pilots into repeatable playbooks that can be scaled across business lines so proven practices compound over timeBuild and Govern Responsible AIDevelop and maintain AWC’s enterprise AI governance framework, including standards for data usage, reference materials, approvals, and production readinessLead a cross-functional review process with business owners, technical subject matter experts, IT/Security, and LegalExercise sound judgment and appropriate authority to pause or block AI applications that are not ready for deploymentEnsure AI knowledge sources remain current, accurate, and trustworthy so outputs do not become stale or unreliableBuild Scalable AI CapabilityBegin as a hands-on individual contributor with direct accountability for outcomes, while building the business case and organizational structure needed as adoption growsCreate durable AI applications by applying sound practices for data structure, version management, testing, documentation, and long-term maintainabilityMeasure results, gather feedback, and continuously improve AI applications using a Plan-Do-Check-Adjust mindsetServe as a trusted internal resource who helps teams determine where AI can add value and where it is not the right solutionSkills you’ll need:Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Computer, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related engineering discipline)Demonstrated fluency with modern AI tools and practical experience applying them to real business workflowsStrong technical foundation with an understanding of how data is stored, managed, versioned, and used within scalable applicationsAbility to distinguish between compelling AI demonstrations and solutions that are accurate, durable, secure, and ready for operational useExcellent communication, coaching, and teaching skills, with the ability to make complex technical concepts understandable to non-technical audiencesSound judgment regarding the capabilities and limitations of AI, including the confidence to recommend alternative approaches when AI is not the appropriate solutionStrong relationship-building and influencing skills, including the ability to challenge well-sponsored initiatives constructively while remaining a trusted partnerAbility to work effectively across business, technical, security, and legal stakeholders in a cross-functional environmentComfort working in an industrial, manufacturing, or engineering environment where technical accuracy and operational reliability have meaningful consequences, or demonstrated ability to quickly build credibility in that settingHere’s what will set you apart:Hands-on experience building, deploying, or scaling AI applications across multiple business functionsExperience establishing AI governance, review processes, or enterprise standards for responsible AI adoptionDemonstrated ability to turn successful AI pilots into repeatable, scalable workflows or playbooksExperience partnering with senior business leaders to prioritize technology investments and measure business outcomesA strong bias for action, ownership, continuous improvement, and creating scalable value rather than maintaining the status quoIndustrial, manufacturing, engineering, automation, or controls industry experienceThe Rewards:Base compensation expected in the $140,000 to $190,000 range, calibrated to experienceAnnual performance bonus opportunityEmployee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)401(K) MatchMedical, Dental and Vision Insurance PackageEmployer Paid Life InsurancePaid Time Off and Holiday PayCareer Development OpportunitiesAbout AWCAs employee co-owners, we’re driven to do more than complete tasks; we build fulfilling careers by challenging assumptions and continually raising the bar. We embrace creative, innovative approaches to deepen our expertise and deliver real value to our customers.AWC is a 100% employee-owned Automation and Controls Engineering company. More than 700 employee-owners work with many of the world’s leading technology brands to help engineering, reliability, and maintenance teams solve complex problems and keep U.S. manufacturing and utility operations running. As experts in our partners’ technologies, we’re equipped to properly size, select, configure, and support the right solutions. Our goal is simple: combine caring, knowledgeable people with innovative technologies to help our customers succeed.How We Win TogetherWe are committed to solving customer problems and welcome team members who want to be the trusted resource for those looking for a partner who out-knows, out-cares, and out-serves everyone else. Our leadership operates on a simple standard: Trust = Intent and Competence. We value straight talk over politics, ownership over excuses, and mutual respect even in disagreement. Every day, we strive to empower people to make the greatest positive impact for the communities and families we serve together. When our employee-owners are safe to pursue their passions, learn, serve, and share in the rewards of our combined efforts, then we are Winning Together. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.