Automation & AI Systems Engineer

Description
JOB TITLE
: Automation & AI Systems Engineer

DEPARTMENT:
IT / Digital Transformation

REPORTS TO:
Chief Information Technology Officer

FLSA STATUS
: Exempt

Bay Cities, an Employee-Owned Company, is the leading creative packaging and display partner to brand marketers, retailers and e-commerce. Our passion, experience, technology and consumer insights move product and drive sales.

Our Mission
Our Passion Powers Your Product

Our Values
Creativity
: Our ideas create Client success.

Passion:
We have heart with a Customer Service attitude.

Integrity:
We honor our business & planet with sustainable practices.

Responsible
: We own it

Safe:
Our safe work habits protect us all.

Fun:
We take our work seriously- not ourselves

Summary
The
Automation & AI Systems Engineer
is a hands-on developer and architect responsible for building and maintaining the automation and AI systems that power Bay Cities' digital ecosystem.

This role designs enterprise-grade workflows, Copilot-style AI agents, and Power Platform applications that connect business units, eliminate manual work, and enable data-driven decisions.

Working directly with the CITO and cross-functional stakeholders, the Engineer will scope automation opportunities, plan implementation, calculate ROI, and deliver measurable outcomes through technology.

This is a
strategic technical role
for a builder who understands how to integrate systems, scale solutions, and operationalize AI and automation across business units.

JOB FUNCTION/PURPOSE
Automation & Workflow Engineering

• Design, build, and maintain enterprise-grade automations using Microsoft Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI, Dataverse) and n8n.
• Create scalable, modular workflows in n8n to orchestrate integrations between ERP, M365, SharePoint, and third-party systems.
• Develop integrations between ERP systems (Amtech, Llumin, Helios, Encore) and Microsoft 365 through APIs, Logic Apps, and Fabric connectors.
• Manage n8n workflows across environments, ensuring version control, documentation, and operational reliability.
• Document system architecture, process logic, and dependencies for support and scalability.

AI Systems Development

• Build, train, and maintain AI agents and copilots using Copilot Studio, Azure OpenAI, and n8n-triggered workflows.
• Design prompt engineering strategies and custom GPT-based tools to support departments (HR, Finance, Operations, Sales).
• Integrate AI systems with structured business data (Fabric, Power BI, SharePoint) to drive insight and automation.
• Research, test, and implement AI models for predictive analytics, document processing, and process optimization.
• Ensure proper governance and compliance for AI and automation usage.

Project & Initiative Management

• Partner with the CITO to scope automation and AI opportunities aligned with company strategy.
• Translate business challenges into automation roadmaps with defined deliverables, milestones, and ROI.
• Prepare project proposals outlining resource requirements, technical approach, and business impact.
• Lead technical execution from design through testing, rollout, and documentation.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Integration

• Collaborate with IT, Data, and Workflow Teams to connect automation efforts across systems (Switch, WebCenter, Tilia, Ignition).
• Support development of a company-wide Automation & AI Library that centralizes reusable n8n flows, Power Automate templates, and agent designs.
• Provide documentation, runbooks, and training materials to improve adoption and sustainability.
• Mentor and guide other technical staff on Power Platform, n8n, automation best practices, and AI integration.

Data & Reporting

• Align automations with Power BI dashboards and Fabric datasets for real-time business visibility.
• Track automation performance and adoption, providing data-backed ROI reporting.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for automation uptime, performance, and reduction in manual workflows.

Education, Experience & Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience developing automations, Power Platform solutions, or AI-integrated workflows.
• Proven experience designing and deploying enterprise systems using:
• Microsoft Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI, Dataverse)
• n8n workflow orchestration
• Azure (Logic Apps, AI Services, OpenAI integrations)
• Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Studio
• REST APIs, JSON, and data orchestration
• Demonstrated ability to analyze business processes and implement automation solutions with measurable impact.
• Strong documentation, testing, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to present ROI, efficiency, and performance outcomes to technical and non-technical stakeholder

Preferred

• Experience integrating ERP systems (Amtech, Llumin, Helios, Encore) or manufacturing automation platforms.
• Hands-on experience with AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Copilot for Microsoft 365.
• Familiarity with data pipelines, Power BI reporting, and Microsoft Fabric.
• Background in manufacturing, packaging, or workflow automation industries.
• Strong understanding of business process design and digital transformation methodologies.

Core Competencies

• High ethical standards. Models and supports organization's goals and values; adapts to changing conditions; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles. Consistently conducts themselves in an honest and trustworthy manner. Does not pursue their own individual objectives to the detriment of company goals. Sets an example for others to follow. Does the right thing.
• Demonstrates energy and passion about what they do and knows how to balance work and fun. Is generally optimistic and upbeat; fun to be around. Has a strong belief and zeal for the industry, the job, and the company. Conveys energy and intensity at work with a capacity for keeping others enthusiastic and involved.
• Operates with a customer service orientation internally and externally. Works to positively build the Bay Cities brand in everything he/she does. Builds strong, positive relationships with all stakeholders.
• Acts as an owner of the business and instills that same attitude and level of action in others. Is proactive in taking responsibility for all outcomes/results and avoids 'pointing fingers'. Helps to create and maintain a strong feeling of belonging in the immediate and overall team.
• Regularly involves others in decisions that affect their job or work environment. Demonstrates co-operation and trust with colleagues and teams across organizational boundaries. Participates as a team player and establishes strong working relationships to deliver positive results.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize, balance, and manage multiple efforts with strong results/goal orientation. Use time effectively, prioritizes and organizes workflow; can orchestrate multiple activities at once. Agility and personal adaptability with the ability to successfully manage multiple priorities with a high sense of urgency in a rapidly changing environment.
• Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work. Learns quickly when facing new problems; a relentless and versatile learner; open to change; strives for continuous improvement of self and processes.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to convey information and ideas in a variety of media, tactful, confident, at all levels, internal and external. Must have strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a rapidly changing environment.

Other

• US Persons Only (US citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugee or asylee – all require proper identification and documentation).
• Frequent travel (up to 35%) to Bay Cities headquarters in Pico Rivera, CA and other company sites as required
• Physical and Environmental Requirements: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.
• Work environment includes front-office and manufacturing. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Pre-Employment Verifications: Must pass background and reference checks, drug screen, and physical examination prior to employment.