Digital Operations Process Engineer

Excelitas•Pittsburgh, PA

13d

About The Position

Excelitas is a global technology leader with over 7,500 employees, specializing in illumination, optical, detection, and imaging solutions for various industries. We are looking for a practical, operations-focused AI specialist to lead and execute AI initiatives across manufacturing and business operations. This role will bridge the gap between operations and technology, translating operational challenges into AI solutions and driving adoption. The ideal candidate will understand operational processes, identify high-value use cases, and apply modern AI tools like Grok Build and Codex to improve processes, digitize manual work, and extract data insights.

Requirements

BS in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Information Systems or equivalent
5+ years' experience in an Operation Systems focused environment
Strong understanding of manufacturing or operations processes (experience in semiconductor, electronics, or complex discrete manufacturing preferred).
Demonstrated ability to apply AI tools to real business problems (process digitization, data analysis, automation of repetitive tasks, or decision support).
Hands-on experience with modern AI platforms and coding assistants (Grok Build, Codex/GitHub Copilot, or similar tools).
Solid analytical skills and comfort working with operational data (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent).
Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences and influence without formal authority.
Practical, results-oriented mindset — focused on delivering usable solutions rather than theoretical models.

Nice To Haves

Experience with MES, ERP (SAP, Dynamics), or related manufacturing systems.
Background in continuous improvement, lean, or process excellence.
Familiarity with low-code/no-code tools and rapid prototyping approaches.
Prior involvement in digital transformation or automation initiatives in an operations setting.

Responsibilities

Partner with operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to identify and prioritize AI opportunities that improve process efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enhance decision-making.
Lead or support AI-enabled process improvement projects from idea through pilot and scaling.
Use AI tools (Grok Build, Codex, and other available platforms) to digitize manual processes, build practical automation, generate reports/dashboards, and create working prototypes.
Analyze operational data to surface insights, trends, and improvement opportunities; translate findings into clear recommendations for leadership and process owners.
Guide cross-functional AI projects by defining scope, success metrics, and realistic implementation plans while managing stakeholder expectations.
Document solutions, create simple user guides/training materials, and support change management so new tools and processes stick.
Stay current on practical AI capabilities relevant to manufacturing and operations and evaluate which tools/approaches fit our environment.
Collaborate with IT and compliance stakeholders to ensure solutions meet security, data handling, and regulatory requirements.