Lead, AI & Automation

Berlin Packaging • Chicago, IL

16h • $110,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Berlin Packaging is seeking an experienced Lead, AI & Automation to spearhead their investments in technology. This hands-on technical lead role is responsible for identifying, designing, and building AI and automation solutions across the enterprise, including intelligent workflows, process automation, and AI-powered applications. The ideal candidate will act as the primary architect and practitioner, working with a team to deliver end-to-end applications, setting technical direction, and ensuring solutions are scalable, maintainable, and production-grade. This role requires a proven ability to navigate complex enterprise environments, earn trust, and deliver business value with minimal oversight.

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on software development experience, with significant depth in AI/ML, intelligent automation, or related disciplines.
• A proven practitioner — you have a track record of delivering production AI and automation solutions in complex enterprise environments, not just proofs of concept.
• Strong proficiency in Python and/or JavaScript/TypeScript; fluency with REST APIs, microservices, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Deep hands-on experience with LLM integration (OpenAI, Anthropic, Azure OpenAI, or similar), including prompt engineering and agentic workflow design.
• Working knowledge of RPA platforms (UiPath, Power Automate, or similar) and workflow orchestration tools.
• Strong grasp of enterprise system integration patterns, data pipelines, and API-driven connectivity.
• Experience leading or technically directing a small team of engineers, including offshore or distributed team members.
• Credible with business stakeholders; able to earn trust quickly and communicate the value of technical work in plain language.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, supply chain, or packaging industries.
• Hands-on experience with Power Automate, Azure OpenAI, Salesforce AgentForce, or other enterprise platforms in an automation/AI context.
• Familiarity with Agile or lightweight delivery frameworks suited to small, fast-moving teams.
• Exposure to MLOps practices: model deployment, versioning, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop AI and automation solutions across the enterprise — from intelligent workflows and LLM-powered applications to system integrations and data pipelines.
• Evaluate and implement the right tools and platforms for each use case, drawing on a broad command of the AI and automation landscape.
• Prototype rapidly, validate with stakeholders, and ship — iterating quickly based on real-world feedback.
• Own the full delivery lifecycle: requirements, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing improvement.
• Set the architectural standards and engineering practices that ensure solutions are scalable, maintainable, and production-grade.
• Partner with product leaders to identify and prioritize automation opportunities with clear ROI.
• Translate business problems into well-scoped technical solutions — and deliver them without heavy oversight.
• Maintain a forward-looking roadmap that balances near-term wins with longer-term capability building.
• Communicate outcomes in business terms, keeping stakeholders informed and confident in the work.
• Provide technical direction and hands-on guidance to a small team of onshore and offshore engineers.
• Set clear expectations, review work, and maintain quality and velocity across the team.
• Foster a collaborative, high-accountability environment where engineers grow and delivery stays on track.
• Build the documentation, standards, and practices that keep the team aligned and the codebase healthy.

Benefits

• Competitive PTO including vacation, personal days, holidays, and sick time
• 1Berlin Shared Ownership Plan
• Profit sharing
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical insurance including dental insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for transportation, medical, and dependent care expenses
• Vision insurance options
• Paid parental leave for up to 12-weeks
• Health club reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• 529 college savings plan
• Employee Assistance Program for mental health and well-being
• Calm app to improve mental wellbeing
• Employee referral program
• Company sponsored life insurance with optional voluntary life insurance
• Company sponsored short- and long-term disability

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree