Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Digital Transformation Experts: Manufacturing, Operations and Supply Chain

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MetaOps is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented AI & Digital Transformation Expert for interim contract roles for current legal US residents to lead and execute high-impact AI-driven Operational Excellence and digital transformation projects for our manufacturing clients in sectors like Automotive, Aerospace, Heavy Industry, Medical Device and Pharma, FMCG, Food and Beverage, and Chemicals. The ideal candidates will bridge the gap between complex operational challenges (e.g., Lean/Six Sigma, TPM) and cutting-edge digital solutions (AI, IoT, Cloud, Digital Twins) to deliver step-change improvements in productivity, quality, and cost. No relocation required, but must be able to travel 75% or more.

Responsibilities & Deliverables 🛠️

Strategy & Client Engagement

• Lead Project Scoping: Partner with client C-suite and Operations VPs to identify and prioritize manufacturing pain points addressable by digital solutions.
• Digital Roadmap Design: Develop comprehensive digital transformation roadmaps focused on operational excellence principles (e.g., Just-in-Time, Six Sigma) but powered by AI/ML.
• Business Case Development: Create compelling, data-driven financial models and business cases demonstrating the ROI of proposed AI/IoT investments (e.g., 20% increase in OEE, 50% reduction in downtime).

Execution & Technical Leadership

• Solution Architecture: Design the technical architecture for connecting OT (Operational Technology - PLC, SCADA) systems to IT (Cloud, Analytics Platforms) environments.
• AI/Digital Transformation Implementation: Oversee and guide technical teams in the deployment of Machine Learning models for:
• Predictive Maintenance (PdM): Reducing unplanned downtime for critical assets (e.g., at Exxon Mobil, Caterpillar).
• Yield & Quality Optimization: Using Computer Vision and advanced analytics for real-time quality control (e.g., at Samsung, Intel).
• Process Automation: Implementing robotics, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), and workflow automation.
• Digital Twin Deployment: Implement and leverage Digital Twin models to simulate and optimize factory layouts, production scheduling, and supply chain logistics.

Capability Building

• Mentor client and internal teams on best practices for data governance, industrial data science, and sustaining digital operational improvements.

Required Qualifications & Experience 🎯

Must-Haves

• 10 years of professional experience with at least 5 years focused on AI and digital transformation within a major manufacturing or industrial environment (e.g., Automotive OEM, Tier 1 Supplier, Aerospace, or Chemicals).
• Deep Domain Expertise: Expert knowledge of operational excellence methodologies (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM) and how to apply them in a modern digital context.
• Technical Fluency: Proven experience with industrial software and platforms such as MES, ERP (SAP/Oracle), SCADA, and Industrial IoT platforms (e.g., PTC ThingWorx, Siemens MindSphere, Azure IoT).
• AI/ML Application: Direct experience leading the deployment of Industrial AI solutions (e.g., machine vision, deep learning for anomaly detection) in a shop floor setting.
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical), Computer Science, or a related field.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience in a consulting environment serving large industrial clients.
• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or relevant cloud technologies (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).

Why Join Us? 🌟

Your work will directly impact millions of dollars in efficiency, sustainability, and output for the world's most complex operations.

Core Methodologies

Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), Continuous Improvement, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Operational Technology (OT).

Technology Focus

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Industrial IoT (IIoT), Digital Twin, Predictive Maintenance (PdM), Computer Vision, Advanced Analytics, Robotics, Automation.

Industrial Systems

MES (Manufacturing Execution System), ERP (SAP, Oracle), SCADA, PLC, Cloud Computing (Azure IoT, AWS IoT, Google Cloud), Data Governance.

Target Industries

Automotive, Aerospace, Heavy Industry, Chemicals, Pharma, Semiconductor, Industrial Manufacturing, Oil & Gas.

Seniority/Roles

Director, Senior Manager, Consulting, Expert, Specialist, Lead, Enterprise Architecture.