Automation and AI Engineer

  Automation and AI Engineer

Join a diverse team at the center of America’s aerospace supply chain, trusted by Boeing and its sub-tiers with highly engineered parts that have zero room for error. We’re known for tackling complex, high-precision surface finishing for aerospace, defense, and space, and we treat quality like a craft.
You’ll work alongside hands-on problem-solvers who take pride in quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our leaders are engaged and approachable, and they are committed to mentoring early-career professionals while providing meaningful ownership and opportunities to build practical AI solutions that improve how work gets done.
What we look for in this role: analytical thinking, technical curiosity, sound judgment, strong communication, collaboration, attention to detail, and a drive to solve practical business problems through technology.

Position Overview
Title: Automation and AI Engineer
Reports to: VP of Finance
Location: Kent, WA
Type: Exempt (Salaried)
Work Schedule: 1st Shift; Full Time

Salary: $73,000 - $99,000 ; placement within this range will be based on education, internships, project experience , technical skills, and overall qualifications.

Full benefits package includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) matching, Performance Share incentive compensation (Profit Sharing Plan), 3-weeks paid time off to start, paid community service day, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, long-term care plan options, 10 paid holidays, and onsite health services that includes access to a massage therapist.

Job Summary
The Automation and AI Engineer supports Hytek Finishes’ continuous improvement efforts by identifying, testing, and implementing practical automation and AI-enabled solutions across the business. Working with Quality, Operations, IT, Finance, and frontline teams, this role helps map current processes, improve data accuracy and visibility, reduce manual work, and document repeatable workflows. The position is well suited for a recent graduate or early-career professional with strong analytical skills, technical curiosity, and an interest in applying data, automation, and AI tools to real business problems. This position reports to the VP of Finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve business processes through automation, data analysis, and practical AI-enabled tools
• Assist with the design, development, testing, and implementation of automation workflows, scripts, reports, and AI-supported solutions
• Use programming, data analysis, and machine learning concepts to support projects that improve quality, efficiency, and decision-making
• Evaluate software, reporting, and internally developed solutions that may reduce manual work or improve process consistency
• Build, test, monitor, and refine models or automation tools under appropriate guidance as business needs evolve
• Support project planning, including phases, testing steps , documentation, training materials, and implementation activities
• Manage project tracking (timelines, action items, meeting notes) and provide weekly status updates on progress, risks, and next steps
• Support user testing by developing test cases, executing test scripts, documenting issues, and coordinating fixes with internal teams or vendors
• Create clear documentation and training materials (quick reference guides, work instructions) and help train end users on new processes and tools
• Coordinate with cross-functional partners to ensure changes are practical, support accurate reporting, and meet business compliance requirements
• Develop visualizations, reports, and technical documentation that communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Help deploy, maintain, and support automation and AI solutions so they remain accurate, reliable, and integrated with existing workflows
• Troubleshoot data, software, model, or system issues and escalate more complex technical matters as needed
• Maintain organized project files, version control for templates, and accurate documentation to support repeatable processes and audits
• Stay current on automation, AI, and machine learning tools and best practices, and perform other duties as assigned

Education & Experience  Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field
• 0-2 years of relevant experience; internships, academic projects, research experience, or equivalent hands-on work are acceptable
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or similar
• Exposure to machine learning frameworks
• Familiarity with data structures, algorithms, and statistical analysis

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Foundation in machine learning concepts, statistical modeling, programming fundamentals, and software development practices.
• Ability to manipulate and analyze data, debug technical issues, and document code, models, and processes effectively
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, basic data cleaning); familiarity with Power Query/Power Pivot, VBA, SQL, or Python is a plus
• Comfortable learning and working in business systems (ERP/MRP, receiving, inventory, planning); prior exposure to ERP systems is a plus
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail with sound mathematical and statistical aptitude
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage routine assignments under direct supervision
• Ability to handle sensitive business information appropriately and follow data and access controls
• Team player with a proactive mindset, curiosity, and willingness to work on the production floor and in office settings as needed
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English and maintain a regular and dependable attendance record
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. An export license will be required to work in all areas of the facility

Essential Mental/Physical Demands:
Ability to sit in an office for long periods but also comfortable with working in a manufacturing environment as well. Extensive use of hands in writing, computer and using mechanical equipment. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. on an occasional basis. Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May need to wear PPE such as safety glasses or goggles in some areas.

Application Process
Please apply at with an up-to-date resume and your current contact information. If you are a qualified candidate, we will set you up with a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter to learn more about your experience and to tell you more about the job, compensation, and benefits. The recruiter will reach out should we move forward with the next steps.

Hytek Finishes is an equal opportunity employer. It is Hytek’s policy to make all employment decisions without regard to an individual’s sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding, and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race (including traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists), creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming), color, national origin, ancestry (including association, affiliation, or participation with persons or activities related to national origin, English-proficiency or accent or immigration status), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital or domestic partner status, age, veteran or military status, and any other categories protected by applicable state, local, or federal law. M/F/Disability/Protected Vet