AI Systems Team (Developer, Architect, Infrastructure)

Location: Wilmington, NC
Term: Permanent, Full-Time
Anticipated Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Type: In-Office

Full transparency: we work a little differently around here.

This isn't just another job where you punch in and punch out. We come to work every day because we strive to earn a living in a meaningful way. Too many people exist without finding joy or purpose in their work, and we believe that's just wrong. After all, we spend at least a third of our lives working-so why not create workplaces where people want to come to work in the morning and feel good when they leave at the end of the day?

At Protocase, your ideas don't just matter-they shape our future. We thrive on collaboration and innovation, where every voice is heard, valued, and makes a real impact. Does this sound like something you'd want to be a part of and help grow?

Protocase specializes in custom sheet metal enclosures, panels, and parts for engineers and innovators worldwide, built with unmatched speed and quality. We take the impossible and make it possible for some of the brightest minds on the planet.

Learn more about us here:

About Us

Established in 2001, Protocase Inc. combines advanced software with innovative manufacturing to deliver custom sheet metal parts to engineers and innovators worldwide-in as fast as 2-3 days. With 400+ employees and over 16,000 customers (including NASA, Google, Apple, and Tesla), we've built a system designed for speed, precision, and continuous improvement.

We're not a traditional manufacturer-our entire operation is built on rethinking how things should work. That same mindset is now driving our next evolution: using AI to transform how the business runs from end to end.

About the Opportunity

We're building an AI team from the ground up to transform how our entire company operates-from sales to production-and we need builders, designers, and systems thinkers to make it real.

This isn't one role-it's a team.

Not sure which role fits you best? Start here:

• If you love building and shipping fast → AI Systems Developer
• If you think in systems and design how everything connects → AI Systems Architect
• If you care about performance, scale, and infrastructure → AI Infrastructure Engineer

AI Systems Developer (Builder / Execution):

Take ideas and turn them into working systems-fast. Build AI-powered tools that automate workflows, reduce manual work, and improve how the business runs day-to-day.

• Build AI workflows using APIs, automation tools, and internal systems
• Rapidly prototype → test → deploy → iterate
• Turn real business problems into usable tools
• Integrate AI into sales, production, logistics, and customer workflows

AI Systems Architect (Strategy / Design / Scale):

Design how everything fits together. Ensure what we build scales, connects, and drives real business results-not just technical output.

• Design end-to-end AI systems and data flows
• Define where AI should (and shouldn't) be used
• Translate business strategy into AI roadmaps
• Set standards for tools, prompts, data, and system design

AI Infrastructure Engineer (Performance / Compute / Reliability):

Drive the systems that power everything. Make sure everything runs fast, reliably, and cost-effectively.

• Design and manage compute (GPU/CPU, cloud vs local)
• Optimize performance, latency, and cost per request
• Build internal AI infrastructure and environments
• Ensure systems scale and don't break under load

Across all roles, you will:

• Turn real business problems into working AI solutions
• Build, integrate, and improve systems across departments
• Focus on speed, usability, and real-world adoption
• Continuously improve how we use AI across the company

About You

We're not looking for one type of person-we're building a team. Whether you're a builder, a strategist, or an infrastructure expert, you should see yourself in at least one of these areas.

What you have in common:

• A builder mindset-you ship and improve, not just plan
• Systems thinking-you understand how things connect, not just how they work in isolation
• Curiosity and a willingness to experiment
• Comfort working in ambiguity and solving real business problems

What sets you apart (depending on your role):

Technical Skills:

• Strong coding ability (Python, JavaScript, or similar)
• Experience with APIs, automation tools, and system integrations
• Familiarity with AI tools, models, and prompting

Systems & Architecture (Architect-focused):

• Experience designing scalable systems and workflows
• Ability to translate business strategy into technical execution

Infrastructure (Infrastructure-focused):

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), Linux, and containers
• Understanding of GPUs, performance optimization, and scaling systems

How you approach work:

• You focus on business impact-not just technical output
• You move fast without over-engineering
• You're comfortable figuring things out as you go

Why Us?

At Protocase, we believe in recognizing and rewarding hard work and dedication.
Our starting annual total compensation package-including base salary and performance incentives-ranges from $70,000-$130,000 depending on role and experience.

In addition, you can look forward to:

Training and Growth: Leadership Training and skills development opportunities, as well as regular coaching and opportunity for growth.

Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, life insurance, and 401K.

Community Discounts: Access exclusive deals at local businesses.

Wellness Support: Participate in wellness events and enjoy access to a gym membership.

Vacation: Two weeks of vacation, increasing to three weeks after three years, and four weeks after five years.

Social Events: Participate in team-building activities and celebrations.

Wilmington Lifestyle: Embrace coastal living with stunning beaches, rich culture, historic charm, and a thriving innovation scene.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're excited about building real systems that solve real problems-and want to help shape how an entire company runs-we want to hear from you. Apply today!