AI Application Engineer

ND Defense is putting AI to work on the factory floor and in engineering. We want an engineer to lead that effort. You will be our expert on applying AI across manufacturing and engineering. You will write code, stand up AI tools and infrastructure, and push to the edge of what these systems can do in a live production plant. This is a hands‑on build role, not a research seat.

You will also keep core IT systems running for the people around you, which keeps the work tied to what the business actually needs. We hire for drive and ability, not pedigree. If you are early in your career, hungry, and unafraid to try things that have never been done here, this is your seat.

• Build, deploy, and maintain AI tools and applications that solve real problems in manufacturing and engineering.
• Write and ship code. Prototype fast, then harden what works into something the business can depend on.
• Serve as the company subject matter expert (SME) on applying AI in a manufacturing and engineering environment.
• Test new and unproven AI models, frameworks, and infrastructure, and put the ones that earn their place into production.
• Stand up and run the infrastructure AI workloads need, from data pipelines to compute to deployment.
• Work with engineers and the shop floor to find where AI saves time, cuts scrap, or catches problems early.
• Document what you build and train the people who use it.
• Support the ERP system and its integrations.
• Provide day‑to‑day IT and end‑user support so you stay close to how the plant runs.
• Escalate advanced issues to the right internal teams or vendors.

• No degree required. We care about what you can build and how fast you learn.
• Hands‑on coding ability. You can write and debug real code, ideally in Python.
• Real curiosity about AI and a habit of teaching yourself new tools before anyone asks.
• Comfortable with new and unproven technology. You would rather try, break, and fix than wait for permission.
• Sound independent judgment, and the sense to know when to ask for help.
• Clear communicator who can explain technical work to engineers, operators, and executives.
• Works well with people across the shop floor, engineering, and IT.
• Recent graduates and early‑career candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Physical ability to perform duties that may involve lifting heavy objects, crawling, squatting, walking, and working on the plant floor as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Disability/Veteran