Industrial AI & Automation Systems Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Industrial AI & Automation Systems Engineer REPORTS TO: Industrial Engineering Leader or Site leader DIRECT REPORTS: – COLLABORATORS & INTERFACES: : Industrial Engineering teams (KEZ, ALD), R&D, Process Engineering, Operations, IT/Digitalization teams, external technology partners LOCATION: Hengstler, s.r.o., Kežmarok ABOUT THE ROLE We are looking for an Industrial AI & Automation Systems Engineer to help shape the next stage of digital manufacturing at our Kežmarok site. This role offers the opportunity to combine engineering expertise, process understanding, and modern digital technologies to deliver practical improvements across production and support functions. The ideal candidate will bring a strong engineering foundation, a systems-thinking mindset, and genuine interest in applying AI, automation, and physical AI technologies in a manufacturing environment. You will work closely with colleagues across industrial engineering, operations, process engineering, quality, R&D, and IT to identify opportunities, implement effective solutions, and support long-term operational excellence. POSITION SUMMARY As Industrial AI & Automation Systems Engineer, you will identify, design, and help deploy AI-enabled improvements across manufacturing and business processes. The role is suited to a systems-oriented engineer who can connect operations, quality, maintenance, engineering, and digital tools to deliver measurable results. You will contribute to digital transformation initiatives involving AI, automation, advanced analytics, and physical AI applications such as machine vision, smart sensing, robotics, or connected equipment. The focus of the role is on safe, scalable, and practical solutions that support improvements in quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and operational reliability. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Identify and support AI, automation, and digitalisation opportunities across manufacturing and support processes Analyse production systems and workflows to identify inefficiencies, variation, and improvement potential Develop and help implement AI-enabled solutions using data from manufacturing, quality, and business systems Contribute to practical physical AI applications such as machine vision, predictive maintenance, robotics support, and smart sensing Work with cross-functional teams to ensure solutions address operational needs and can be adopted successfully Support digital transformation projects from idea through pilot, validation, implementation, and sustainment Create dashboards, workflows, and decision-support tools that improve visibility and problem solving Apply structured improvement methods such as Lean, root cause analysis, FMEA, and statistical thinking Help ensure that solutions are secure, maintainable, and aligned with technical, safety, and organisational standards Keep up to date with relevant developments in AI, automation, and digital manufacturing, and assess their practical value for the site AUTHORITIES Define the architecture of digital and AI solutions within the plant Propose digitalization projects, including prioritization based on business value Lead the implementation of digital and AI initiatives across functions Propose the selection of technologies, tools, and platforms (AI, IoT, data, automation) Propose data models, integrations, and data governance standards Establish and enforce standards for digitalization, automation, and AI solutions Propose on deployment and scaling of digital solutions across manufacturing and business processes Manage and coordinate external vendors and digital partners Stop or adjust projects that do not meet technical, safety, or business requirements Propose and oversee implementation of cybersecurity and data protection measure CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY Senior Industrial AI & Automation Leader / Digital Manufacturing Leader QUALIFICATIONS Required Qualifications Degree in Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline Experience in a manufacturing, production, process, or industrial environment Strong systems-thinking capability and a structured approach to problem solving Interest in applying AI, automation, and digital tools to practical manufacturing challenges Knowledge of continuous improvement methods such as Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, SPC, or FMEA Familiarity with manufacturing systems and data environments such as MES, ERP, SCADA, IoT, SQL, or Power BI Ability to work collaboratively across functions and translate operational needs into scalable solutions Good command of English, both written and spoken Preferred Qualifications Exposure to physical AI technologies such as machine vision, robotics, smart sensors, edge AI, or connected equipment Working knowledge of digital application tools such as Power Platform, Python, low-code/no-code tools, or modern analytics platforms Experience with programming, industrial communication protocols, or embedded systems would be an advantage depending on application needs (Scale: 8–10 = required, 5–7 = important, 1–4 = beneficial) SUCCESS MEASURES IN THE FIRST 12 MONTHS Build a prioritized pipeline of AI and automation use cases linked to measurable plant or business outcomes Launch and validate a small number of high-value pilots in areas such as quality, maintenance, process optimization, or workflow automation Demonstrate measurable improvement in at least one core performance dimension such as productivity, quality, delivery, cost, safety, or asset reliability Establish a practical data and integration foundation connecting plant systems, business systems, and digital tools needed for scale Improve cross-functional engagement and user adoption by building trust, usability, and clear business ownership of deployed solutions Document standards, lessons learned, and deployment patterns that allow successful solutions to be repeated or scaled across functions or sites Create a roadmap for next-wave opportunities, including physical AI applications where they provide practical operational value PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES (Scale: 8–10 = required, 5–7 = important, 1–4 = beneficial) Systems thinker with strong problem-framing ability – 10 Curiosity and passion for improvement, learning, and practical AI adoption – 10 Communication and stakeholder influence skills – 9 Analytical, methodical, and structured approach – 9 Bias toward action and experimentation with sound judgment – 8 Collaboration and teamwork across functions – 10 Persistence and ownership – 8 Attention to detail balanced with strategic perspective – 9 The annual gross salary range for this position is EUR 21,100 – EUR 39,300.