AI Process Improvement Engineer

Process Improvement EngineerThis role focuses on enhancing engineering processes by applying artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven solutions. The Process Improvement Engineer identifies opportunities within product development and related engineering functions, designs and implements AI-enabled tools, and drives adoption of these solutions to improve efficiency, data quality, and speed to market across engineering teams.Responsibilities:Identify and implement AI-driven improvements across engineering workflows, with a focus on product development and related processes.Develop automation tools and data-driven solutions using Python and related technologies to streamline engineering activities.Support product development, testing, validation, reliability, and sustaining engineering activities by creating and enhancing AI-enabled tools and processes.Improve engineering data quality, structure, and accessibility to support analytics and AI applications across multiple functions.Partner with cross-functional teams to understand their needs, drive process improvements, and promote adoption of AI and automation solutions.Evaluate emerging AI tools, platforms, and technologies, and recommend solutions that deliver measurable business value.Integrate AI tools with existing company data and systems, such as test results, specifications, and design documents, to ensure practical and scalable usage.Validate and monitor AI outputs to ensure accuracy, reliability, and trustworthiness for engineering decision-making.Use data analysis and engineering problem-solving techniques to identify bottlenecks and propose continuous process improvements.Communicate technical concepts, solution designs, and process changes clearly to engineering and non-engineering stakeholders.Essential Skills:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.Experience in product development, manufacturing, reliability, or process engineering.Proficiency with Python or a similar programming language for automation and data-driven solutions.Hands-on experience with automation, data analysis, and engineering problem solving.Ability to apply AI tools or automation to improve processes or procedures in an engineering-focused role.Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple engineering functions.Experience with Generative AI, ChatGPT, Copilot, large language models (LLMs), or AI-enabled workflows, OR experience with Power BI, Power Automate, SQL, analytics tools, or engineering systems.Familiarity with process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies in an engineering context.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Experience in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or process engineering.Experience in electrical design or mechanical design within a product development environment.Exposure to digital transformation initiatives or Industry 4.0 technologies.Experience with reliability engineering or manufacturing technologies.Proficiency with Microsoft Office for documentation, reporting, and presentations.Experience working with test data, data sets, and engineering data management.Demonstrated ability to connect AI tools to company data or systems, such as test results, specifications, or design documentation.Experience validating AI outputs to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness for engineering decisions.Interest in a contract-to-hire opportunity, with openness to long-term conversion or completing the assignment as a contract role.Work Environment:This is an on-site role based in Champaign, Illinois. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The position is structured as a contract-to-hire opportunity over approximately nine months, with the goal of conversion to a longer-term role while also accommodating individuals who prefer to remain on a contract basis. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams in a collaborative environment that emphasizes digital transformation, AI adoption, and continuous process improvement.Job Type & Location:This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Champaign, IL.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $52.88/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: 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)Workplace Type:This is a fully onsite position in Champaign,IL.Application Deadline:This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 2026.