Manufacturing AI Engineer

Valdese Weavers is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company and has been in business for over 100 years. As one of the largest woven textile mills in the world, Valdese Weavers designs and manufactures residential and contract-grade fabrics for furniture manufacturers, fabric distributors, and large retailers.

We do not provide H-1B or any other visa sponsorship for this position.

Overview:
The Manufacturing AI Engineer ensures the effective development, deployment, and ongoing management of AI systems that support the company’s weaving operations. This role provides analysis and support for AI‑driven tools used in loom scheduling, machine efficiency monitoring, downtime analysis, and the management of component and style complexity. The role evaluates operational challenges across all weaving areas and develops AI solutions that improve decision-making, reduce bottlenecks, and help the organization meet production and shipping commitments.

Responsibilities:

• Develops, maintains, and improves AI tools that support loom scheduling, machine performance tracking, downtime analysis, and production forecasting.
• Reviews operational challenges on the manufacturing floor and uses AI models to identify causes, suggest improvements, and support increased machine uptime and fabric quality.
• Analyzes data from looms, sensors, downtime logs, and production reports to refine AI models and improve the accuracy of predictions and recommendations.
• Identifies when new AI tools, operator tools, or data connections are needed and looks for ways to simplify work and reduce manual tasks.
• Works with weaving supervisors, technicians, planners, and the Information Systems team to ensure AI tools support production goals.
• Assists leadership in documenting technology needs, planning future improvements, and identifying equipment or software purchases related to AI.
• Monitors AI systems to ensure they remain accurate, reliable, and effective, and recommends updates when needed.
• Works closely with the IT department to ensure all AI systems, hardware, and software follow company security standards and align with the organization’s long‑term technology plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety:

• Safely perform all duties following guidelines established by Valdese Weavers

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience working with AI, machine learning, data analysis, or automation tools in a manufacturing or industrial environment is preferred.
• Good communication skills with the ability to work well with others