Emerging Technology & AI Strategy Lead

Lamp Rynearson • Omaha, NE

20h

About The Position

Lamp Rynearson, Inc., a full-service civil engineering firm of 185 people serving public and private clients, is creating a company-wide role to guide the adoption and incorporation of AI and emerging technology into daily processes. The role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and is not embedded in a single department or project team. Its primary focus is building the firm's technology function and practical approach to technology adoption.

Success in the first 12 months includes creating a practical AI and technology roadmap trusted by leadership, delivering tools or automations that staff use in their daily work, raising baseline technology literacy, and becoming a trusted resource who helps engineering staff improve how their tools work. The role involves setting strategy, researching relevant technologies, building internal tools, supporting and training staff, and establishing practical governance for security and responsible AI use.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, data science, information systems, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 2–10 years in a technology, software development, data, or IT strategy role, including direct experience evaluating and implementing new technology.
• Working proficiency in at least one programming language, such as Python or JavaScript/TypeScript, sufficient to build internal tools and automate workflows.
• Practical, hands-on experience applying AI/ML tools—including LLM-based tools, automation platforms, or low-code/no-code AI—to real business problems.
• Strong communication skills, including translating technical ideas for non-technical staff and translating business problems into technical solutions.
• Ability to work self-directed as a team of one, set priorities, and report directly to executive leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in AEC, civil engineering, or another technical or regulated industry, with familiarity with tools such as Civil 3D, ArcGIS or other GIS platforms, Bentley, or Revit.
• Experience automating engineering workflows or integrating engineering software, using tools such as Dynamo, Grasshopper, Civil 3D API, or ArcPy.
• Prior experience in an innovation, digital practice, VDC, or IT strategy role.
• Familiarity with data governance, cybersecurity fundamentals, and responsible AI frameworks.
• Experience designing training or upskilling programs for non-technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Set the firm's AI and emerging technology strategy, distinguishing useful applications from hype and building a sequenced adoption roadmap across engineering, project delivery, and operations.
• Research software and technology relevant to civil engineering practice, including AI-assisted design and drafting tools, project management, GIS, and data platforms; recommend whether to build, buy, or adopt solutions.
• Coordinate activities with the IT Group and CAD Manager.
• Design, build, and maintain internal tools, scripts, and automations to address workflow problems for engineering and operations staff.
• Provide hands-on technology and programming troubleshooting, support, and informal training to staff across offices and disciplines.
• Partner with the COO and firm leadership on budgets, priorities, and reporting progress and return on investment for technology initiatives.
• Establish practical guardrails for data security, responsible AI use, and vendor evaluation.
• Lead change management and improve technology literacy across the workforce.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level