Applied AI Engineer - Manufacturing Systems

Inside the Role

We are seeking a motivated engineer to help develop and deploy practical AI-enabled software solutions for manufacturing operations. This role will support a small internal software team focused on building proof-of-concept applications, integrating AI into plant processes, and developing scalable digital tools that improve quality, productivity, and decision-making.

The ideal candidate is a strong problem solver with solid software development fundamentals, hands-on programming experience, and interest in applying AI and edge technologies in real-world industrial environments. This position is well suited for an engineer who is comfortable working in a fast-paced setting, collaborating across functions, and helping shape a new and evolving capability within the plant.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

Position offers a starting salary range of $86,000 - $110,000 USD 

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience  

 

Benefits include annual bonus program; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ calendar holidays; 8 weeks paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans.  

What Success Looks Like

In this role, success means helping translate manufacturing problems into practical software and AI solutions. The engineer in this position will contribute to rapid prototyping, support plant-focused digital tools, and help the team expand its ability to use AI in ways that are useful, scalable, and operationally relevant.

What You Drive at DTNA

• Develop software applications and proof-of-concept tools that apply AI to manufacturing use cases

• Support the design, development, testing, and deployment of software solutions for plant operations

• Build and maintain APIs, services, and lightweight applications for industrial data collection and processing

• Assist with deploying software and AI models on edge devices and plant-connected systems

• Collaborate with operations, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify high-value opportunities for digital and AI-enabled solutions

• Prepare, structure, and analyze data to support machine learning models and decision-support tools

• Train, test, and optimize machine learning models for targeted manufacturing applications

• Document technical solutions, communicate learnings, and share best practices across teams and plants

• Contribute to the ongoing development and support of internal software tools with a small engineering team

• Stay current on emerging AI, software, and industrial technology trends relevant to manufacturing

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Computer Engineering, or related field

• 1–5 years of relevant experience in software development, data applications, or AI/ML-related projects

• Exposure to manufacturing, automotive, or other industrial environments

• Strong programming skills in Python

• Understanding of software development fundamentals, including debugging, testing, and version control

• Basic knowledge of AI/ML concepts and experience with at least one ML framework such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn

• Experience developing or consuming APIs and web services

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work independently and effectively in a new and evolving area

• Clear written and verbal technical communication skills

• Comfortable working in ambiguous environments and learning new technologies quickly

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Experience with edge computing, embedded systems, or IoT devices

• Familiarity with Raspberry Pi or similar edge hardware platforms

• Experience with industrial data collection, sensors, or connected devices

• Familiarity with Docker, containers, or lightweight deployment environments

• Experience with C#, SQL, JavaScript, React, or Angular

• Exposure to computer vision, anomaly detection, time-series analytics, or NLP applications

• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as MQTT, OPC-UA, or Modbus

• Understanding of PLC-connected environments or industrial automation concepts

• Interest in applying LLMs or AI-assisted workflows to practical business problems

#LI-TN1 #LI-Onsite

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Cleveland, NC US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Onsite

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.