We are looking for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer to join a machinery manufacturing organization in Irvine, California on a contract basis with the potential for a permanent role. In this role, you will work closely with business stakeholders to turn practical needs into scalable AI-driven solutions, with a strong focus on Microsoft Copilot, Power Platform, and workflow automation. This opportunity is ideal for someone who combines hands-on development skills with solution architecture experience and can move ideas quickly from proof of concept into production-ready delivery.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Collaborate with departments such as HR, Finance, and Marketing to uncover high-value AI opportunities and define solution goals.<br>• Convert business needs into technical designs for agent-based applications and intelligent workflow solutions.<br>• Build and enhance AI agents using Copilot Studio along with Microsoft Power Platform technologies.<br>• Develop automated, multi-step processes through Power Automate and connected enterprise integrations.<br>• Produce architecture documentation and implementation plans that support secure, scalable deployment.<br>• Provide technical direction and day-to-day guidance to distributed engineering resources, including offshore team members.<br>• Deliver working solutions within short engagement cycles while maintaining quality and business alignment.<br>• Lead initiatives from early prototype stages through enterprise deployment and operational readiness.<br>• Present proposed designs and completed solutions to architecture, security, and cloud governance stakeholders.