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Jobs · Engineering · Kansas

Artificial Intelligence Specialist

Actalent · Olathe, KS · 1 mo ago
On-siteEngineering$60–$80/hrContract

About the role

This role leads the exploration, design, and implementation of artificial intelligence and automation solutions that enhance productivity and support strategic business initiatives across the organization. You will define and drive the AI pilot roadmap, build production-grade automations, and administer Power Platform solutions that serve multiple departments. The position combines hands-on technical work with stakeholder engagement, training, and governance to ensure AI and automation tools are effective, secure, and adopted successfully.

Responsibilities

  • Define and lead the AI pilot roadmap, partnering with leaders across Administration, Engineering, IT, Energy Management, and other business functions to identify, prioritize, and deliver high-value use cases.
  • Own the internal AI playbook and AI usage guidelines, establishing standards for approved tools, prompt patterns, guardrails, data handling, and proven workflows.
  • Document pilots, retrospectives, and recommendations to support broader rollout of successful AI and automation initiatives.
  • Lead AI and automation training sessions, demonstrations, and recurring office hours across the company, serving as a technical reference for power users and a constructive partner for more skeptical or experienced staff.
  • Evaluate emerging AI tools, vendors, and platforms, and recommend build-versus-buy decisions while presenting outcomes, return on investment, and risks to leadership.
  • Establish and maintain standards for automation and Power Platform solutions, including code quality, testing, documentation, release coordination, and post-deployment monitoring to ensure long-term maintainability and reliable handoffs.
  • Architect and deliver production-grade automations using Python (including Docker-based deployments), AWS Lambda or similar serverless platforms, Microsoft 365, and supporting scripts in PowerShell, JavaScript, or SQL.
  • Own code quality, monitoring, documentation, and handoff standards for all automation and internal tooling solutions.
  • Identify high-impact automation opportunities across departments and lead discovery, scoping, and end-to-end delivery with limited oversight.
  • Provide technical guidance on selected IT and Microsoft 365 administrative tasks, partnering with IT on security, identity, and integration considerations.
  • Co-administer Power Apps used by Business Development, Construction, and Engineering Operations in collaboration with the Data Analytics Engineer and a third-party development partner.
  • Lead enhancement design discussions and backlog prioritization for Power Apps, ensuring that changes align with business needs and technical standards.
  • Own permissions, roles, data quality, and day-to-day administration across Dataverse and related environments.
  • Lead testing cycles, release coordination, and post-release validation for Power Platform solutions.
  • Lead Salesforce-to-Power App data migration validation, reconciliation, and cutover support to ensure accurate and reliable data transitions.
  • Build and maintain Power App dashboards for pipeline, operations, and leadership reporting, ensuring they are accurate, usable, and aligned with business metrics.
  • Produce user guides, release notes, and training materials at a quality level suitable for company-wide distribution.
  • Communicate clearly with nontechnical stakeholders to translate requirements into working solutions and to set realistic expectations around scope and timelines.
  • Constructively challenge and refine requirements or scope to ensure feasible, maintainable, and high-value solutions.

Essential Skills

  • At least 5 years of relevant experience in business applications, automation, data engineering, AI/ML enablement, or a closely related field.
  • Production experience in at least two of the following: Python, AWS Lambda or comparable serverless platforms, REST API integrations, SQL.
  • Proven record of leading at least one AI or automation initiative from ideation through user adoption with measurable outcomes.
  • Strong Microsoft 365 fluency, including Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook, with the ability to build solutions that integrate across these tools.
  • Ability to work confidently with nontechnical stakeholders and translate business requirements into practical, working technical solutions.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document standards, prepare user-facing materials, and present to leadership.
  • Ability to constructively push back on scope or requirements to protect solution quality and maintainability.
  • Working knowledge of modern AI tools and patterns, including platforms such as ChatGPT and Copilot, SDKs, retrieval-augmented generation, and prompt design.
  • Hands-on experience with scripting and automation using tools such as PowerShell and JavaScript.
  • Experience with cloud-based environments, particularly AWS and serverless architectures.
  • Solid understanding of automation best practices, including testing, monitoring, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics, Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Experience architecting and deploying Python-based solutions using Docker.
  • Familiarity with C or C++ programming in the context of automation or systems integration.
  • Experience with Microsoft Power Platform, including Power Apps and Dataverse administration.
  • Experience co-administering or supporting business-critical applications in partnership with internal teams and external development partners.
  • Background in designing dashboards and reports for operational and leadership audiences.
  • Experience working with Salesforce data and supporting data migration or integration projects.
  • Comfort evaluating new AI and automation tools and making recommendations based on ROI, risk, and strategic fit.
  • Interest in shaping and maturing an organization’s AI and automation strategy within a dynamic construction-focused environment.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office setting with a standard Monday through Friday schedule, typically during core business hours (approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). The role offers some hybrid potential, allowing a mix of onsite and remote work as business needs permit. You will work closely with cross-functional teams in Administration, Engineering, IT, Energy Management, Business Development, Construction, and Operations. The technology environment includes Microsoft 365, Power Platform (Power Apps and Dataverse), AWS and serverless technologies, Python-based services (including Docker), REST APIs, SQL, and modern AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Copilot. The workplace promotes a collaborative, learning-oriented culture where you can influence and help build out the company’s AI strategy. Dress expectations align with a typical professional office environment.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $60.00 – $80.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental & vision
  • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
  • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Health Spending Account (HSA)
  • Transportation benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

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