AI Applications & Data Analytics Lead at 00001 Granite Construction Inc. — Watsonville, CA

General Summary

The AI Applications & Data Analytics Lead is responsible for building and scaling practical AI and data solutions that drive measurable improvements in safety, production, cost, and performance across construction materials operations.

This role serves as the bridge between field operations and technology—turning operational data into actionable intelligence and deploying AI-enabled applications that improve decision-making, automate workflows, and enhance productivity.

The position combines hands-on development capability with business leadership—owning the identification, prioritization, and execution of AI and analytics use cases across plants, sales, and support functions.

Essential Job Accountabilities

Design, develop, and maintain AI‐enabled applications supporting aggregate and asphalt plant operations and sales. Develop and implement machine learning and advanced analytics models to optimize production, pricing, plant uptime, and cost performance. Optimize product pricing with sales data including pricing and GIS data. Integrate AI solutions with existing operational software, plant systems, sensors, and databases. Enhance sales efficiency through the use of AI and bots to review specifications, Enhance and modernize legacy software systems through automation, predictive analytics, and decision‐support tools. Build and maintain data pipelines, APIs, and services enabling real‐time and near‐real‐time operational insights. Analyze large datasets from production systems, quality labs, and equipment to generate actionable intelligence. Collaborate with operations, sales, quality, maintenance, and IT teams to translate business needs into technical solutions. Ensure AI solutions align with cybersecurity standards, company policies, and responsible AI practices. Document systems, models, and processes to support long‐term sustainability and user adoption. Continuously evaluate emerging AI and software technologies relevant to construction materials

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, mathematics, or related quantitative fields. Equivalent practical experience may be considered for candidates with a strong portfolio.

Work Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in software development, data analytics, AI or machine learning implementation.
• Experience delivering production‐ready apps, and software solutions in operational or industrial environments.
• Strong data analytics skills.
• Experience working with databases, analytics platforms, and modern application architecture.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Experience in aggregate, asphalt, construction materials, mining, sales or manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with plant control systems, sales and production data.
• Experience with predictive maintenance, quality analytics, or process optimization.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with non‐technical stakeholders.
• Applied artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Industrial software development and systems integration
• Data‐driven problem solving
• Operational and sales mindset focused on safety, quality, and efficiency
• Collaborative and partnership mindset.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to operate a computer keyboard. The employee is required to walk uneven and steep ground to access property for the purpose of interacting with operations and sales employees. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Additional Requirements/Skills

• Abide by Granite’s Code of Conduct on a daily basis
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive for extended periods of time
• Overnight travel required

Our Benefits at a Glance:

Base Salary Range:

$95,753.00 - $175,018.00Pay may vary based upon relevant experience, skills, location, and education among other factors.

About Granite Construction Incorporated

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