About the Role
Link Nation is seeking an entry-level Research Engineer to develop and deliver service-based AI tools for mechanical systems and lean-manufacturing applications.
The engineer will work with manufacturing clients to understand equipment and process challenges, translate them into practical AI-assisted engineering services, and validate solutions using mechanical-engineering analysis, manufacturing data, and subject-matter-expert review.
These tools may support equipment troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, process monitoring, engineering knowledge retrieval, work instructions, continuous improvement, and manufacturing decision-making.
Primary Responsibilities
- Mechanical Systems Assessment: Analyze manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, material flow, tolerances, thermal and fluid behavior, mechanical performance, and process failure modes to identify client improvement opportunities.
- AI Service Development: Design and prototype AI agents that provide engineering decision support, technical knowledge retrieval, troubleshooting assistance, maintenance guidance, and workflow automation for mechanical and manufacturing systems.
- Lean-Manufacturing Integration: Develop AI-assisted services supporting Gemba observations, value-stream mapping, the eight wastes, 5S, standard work, Kaizen, visual management, OEE, quality improvement, and production-flow optimization.
- Engineering Validation: Validate AI-generated recommendations using mechanical calculations, drawings, sensor and production data, design of experiments, FMEA, 5-Why, fishbone analysis, Pareto analysis, testing, and expert engineering review.
- Client Implementation and Support: Conduct pilot projects, document results, prepare technical reports and SOPs, train client teams, collect user feedback, and continuously improve deployed AI services while maintaining appropriate human oversight.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering field.
- Working knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, materials, machine design, manufacturing processes, and engineering experimentation.
- Familiarity with manufacturing operations and lean methods such as root-cause analysis, FMEA, value-stream mapping, standard work, continuous improvement, or process validation.
- Experience or demonstrated interest in data analysis, Python, engineering simulation, APIs, large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, AI agents, or manufacturing analytics.
- Ability to communicate with clients, manufacturing personnel, and engineering teams; translate operational problems into technical requirements; and clearly document methods, results, limitations, and recommendations.
Position Characteristics
This is a customer-focused applied development position combining mechanical engineering, manufacturing process improvement, and AI-service development. AI outputs will serve as engineering decision-support tools and will remain subject to appropriate human review and validation.
Work Authorization
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Link Nation participates in E-Verify.
How to Apply
Please submit your résumé and a brief description of a mechanical, manufacturing, data-analysis, or AI-related project to [email protected]
Link Nation is an equal-opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.
Pay: $53,271.07 - $64,154.41 per year
Work Location: Remote
