Smart Manufacturing Consultant

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver industrial AI consulting engagements including strategy assessments, use case identification, feasibility studies, roadmap development, and business case creation
• Conduct current state analyses of manufacturing operations, identifying opportunities for AI-driven improvements in areas such as predictive maintenance, quality optimization, process control, and autonomous operations
• Facilitate workshops and working sessions with client stakeholders to define AI use cases, assess technical feasibility, and build organizational consensus
• Develop comprehensive recommendations and implementation roadmaps that balance technical capabilities with business value and organizational readiness
• Create compelling, executive-level deliverables including presentations, reports, and business cases that clearly articulate value propositions and implementation approaches

• Assess industrial AI technology requirements and solution architectures for use cases including computer vision applications, predictive maintenance systems, digital twins, advanced process control, and autonomous operations
• Evaluate data readiness and develop data strategies for AI initiatives, including data collection, integration, quality assessment, and governance requirements
• Design solution architectures that integrate industrial AI capabilities with existing manufacturing systems (SCADA, MES, historians, IoT platforms)
• Analyze technology vendor solutions and make informed recommendations regarding build-vs-buy decisions and technology partnerships
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments for AI use cases, considering data availability, model development complexity, deployment requirements, and ROI potential

• Support implementation of industrial AI solutions from design through deployment, ensuring alignment with strategy and business objectives
• Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and OT/IT professionals to translate business requirements into technical specifications
• Develop implementation plans, project charters, and work breakdown structures for AI deployment projects
• Provide technical guidance on AI model development, validation, and operationalization in production environments
• Design change management approaches and training programs to ensure successful adoption of AI solutions by operations teams

• Build strong working relationships with client stakeholders including operations leaders, engineering teams, and OT/IT organizations
• Identify follow-on opportunities and contribute to proposal development for expanded engagements
• Support business development activities including capability presentations, client meetings, and proposal preparation
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on industrial AI trends, technologies, and best practices

• Contribute to development of Flexware's industrial AI intellectual capital including methodologies, frameworks, and case studies
• Stay current on industrial AI technologies, manufacturing trends, and industry best practices
• Participate in internal knowledge sharing and capability development initiatives
• Support development of thought leadership content including whitepapers, articles, and conference presentations

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE DONE BEFORE

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Computer Science, or related discipline); advanced degree (MS, MBA) preferred
• 5-8 years of professional experience with a combination of management consulting and engineering/technical work in industrial or manufacturing sectors
• Minimum 3 years of consulting experience, ideally at a management consulting firm, industrial consulting practice, or within an engineering consulting organization
• Demonstrated experience working with industrial AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, or digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing environments

• Proficiency in industrial AI use cases including predictive maintenance, quality prediction, process optimization, digital twins, computer vision, and autonomous operations
• Knowledge of AI/ML technologies, platforms, and deployment architectures (edge computing, cloud, hybrid)
• Familiarity with industrial systems including SCADA, MES, historians, IoT platforms, and OT/IT integration
• Understanding of machine learning fundamentals including supervised and unsupervised learning, model development, validation, and deployment considerations

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations across process, discrete, or hybrid environments
• Familiarity with industrial automation systems including PLC, SCADA, DCS, MES, AMRs, and historians
• Knowledge of operational technology (OT) and IT/OT integration challenges and solutions
• Understanding of manufacturing KPIs, operational metrics, and value drivers (OEE, yield, quality, downtime, throughput)

• Strong problem-structuring and analytical capabilities with ability to break down complex challenges into actionable components
• Excellent communication skills with demonstrated ability to create executive-level presentations and written deliverables
• Experience conducting stakeholder interviews, facilitation workshops, and gathering requirements from diverse audiences
• Ability to synthesize technical and business considerations into clear recommendations
• Proficiency in financial analysis including ROI modeling, business case development, and cost-benefit analysis

• Project management skills with experience managing workstreams and delivering against timelines
• Client-facing experience with ability to build relationships and credibility with technical and business stakeholders
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning in rapidly evolving technology domains

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in multiple manufacturing industries (pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, automotive, battery, metals & mining, food & beverage, chemicals, utilities, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with data science tools and programming languages (Python, R, SQL)
• Background in industrial or process engineering with direct manufacturing operations experience
• Certifications in relevant areas (Lean Six Sigma, PMP, data science, AI/ML, industrial automation)
• Experience with Hitachi technologies or familiarity with manufacturing automation platforms
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 frameworks, smart manufacturing concepts, and digital transformation methodologies
• Published work or speaking experience on industrial AI or manufacturing topics
• Demonstrated proficiency leveraging generative AI tools to enhance productivity, including experience establishing best practices for responsible AI tool usage within professional services terms

Work Environment & Travel

• This is a remote position with flexibility to work from anywhere within the continental United States
• Periodic travel to Flexware headquarters in Fishers, IN may be required
• Travel to client sites is expected at approximately 30-40% depending on project assignments