Artificial Intelligence (AI) Implementation Lead

Mcfarland-Johnson • Portsmouth, NH

39d

About The Position

At McFarland Johnson (MJ), you'll own your future. We're a 100% employee-owned firm with 80 years of experience delivering innovative engineering, planning, environmental, technology and construction solutions that make a lasting impact on the clients and communities we serve. Certified as a Great Place to Work, our employee-owners describe MJ's culture as collaborative, people-focused, and supportive. Join us, and help shape the future of infrastructure, together. The AI Implementation Lead is responsible for leading MJ's ongoing adoption and literacy around artificial intelligence. This role keeps AI practical, approachable, and tied to real business outcomes. This position makes sure every employee understands how to use AI tools that are applicable totheir job, help them understand why it matters, and identify where it adds value. Why Join Us? Career Growth: Accelerate your professional career with opportunities to lead, learn, and expand your expertise. Collaborative Culture: Work alongside multidisciplinary teams that thrive on creativity, support, and teamwork. Collaborative is the most frequent word used to describe MJ's culture in annual employee survey. Employee Ownership: As a 100% ESOP, your contributions directly shape our shared success - you own your future. Innovation & Impact: Work on projects that push boundaries, drive sustainability, and create real-world solutions. Professional Development: From mentorship, ongoing technical training, and conferences we invest in your growth every step of the way. Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible schedules, generous PTO, and a culture that values balance so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Shape the next generation: For experienced professionals, MJ offers the chance to mentor emerging talent, share your expertise, and leave a lasting legacy in the industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Communications, or a related field.
• Equivalent industry experience may substitute for formal education if the candidate demonstrates strong applied AI and training skills.
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience or course work ideally within an engineering, architecture, or consulting environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading technology adoption or training initiatives - doesn't need to be formal 'AI experience,' but must show the ability to teach and translate tech for practical use.
• Hands-on familiarity with generative AI tools ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, etc.) and workflow integration into common platforms (Office 365, SharePoint, Teams, Bluebeam, etc.). AMAZON Q for business most preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver live training sessions, workshops, and self-guided materials to mixed technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.The candidate must be comfortable engaging groups, fielding questions, and demonstrating tools in real time.
• Naturally curious and approachable with the ability to act as a 'translator' between technical and practical users.
• Comfortable testing and learning on the fly, sharing wins and lessons learned.
• Balanced view of innovation and policy. Candidate willunderstand the importance of data security and responsible use.

Nice To Haves

• Continuing education or certifications in AI, data analytics, or digital transformation are a plus (e.g., Microsoft Copilot certification, Coursera/Google AI courses, or OpenAI training modules).
• Bonus: experience applying AI to business operations, marketing, proposal development, or engineering workflows.

Responsibilities

• Build organization-wide comfort and capability with generative AI tools (e.g., MJ Virtual Assistant, Copilot, ChatGPT, internal AI utilities).
• Ensure AI becomes a daily productivity and creativity tool - not a novelty.
• Connect AI opportunities to MJ's business priorities: efficiency, communication, and innovation.
• Keep staff trained, informed, and confident as AI evolves.
• Coordinate closely with Director of Technology and Executive AI Council.
• Trains the Executive AI team and keeps them aware in as close to real time as possible of advances in AI tools relevant to our business.
• Lead short, hands-on sessions ('brown bags,' demos, workshops) for all departments throughout the year.
• Rotate focus e.g., 'AI for Project Managers,' 'AI for Proposal Writing,' 'AI for Designers.'
• Maintain a quick-reference guide and short videos staff can use after training.
• Track participation and adoption progress by division.
• Serve as the go-to resource for staff questions, examples, and safe-use guidance.
• Curate real MJ examples of successful AI use for internal sharing.
• Help to identify 2-3 small, high-impact pilot efforts per year (e.g., automating a repetitive internal task, improving a report workflow).
• Partner with IT and leadership to evaluate and scale what works.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with performance-based incentive payment plan/bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off, including Parental Leave.
• Company funded ESOP + 401(k) employer match.
• Ongoing technical training and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees