Lead Applied AI Engineer

We Make Life More Rewarding and Dignified

Location: Libertyville
Department: Information Technology

Summary:

Join our Global IT Organization as we shape the future through digital, data, and AI. We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Lead Applied AI Engineer to guide the development and delivery of innovative AI solutions that align with enterprise goals. This high-impact role will lead the design and operationalization of AI models and intelligent agents using Microsoft Azure AI services (and other hyperscalers), large and small language models (LLMs and SLMs), multi-modal LLMs, RAG, and modern development frameworks. The engineer will drive scalable AI and Agentic AI implementations that generate enterprise insights, enhance productivity, and accelerate innovation across Hollister's global operations.

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Data, AI and Digital Platforms, this leader will collaborate with business and IT stakeholders to shape strategic AI initiatives, mentor team members, and ensure the delivery of secure, compliant, and transformative solutions.

Successful candidates will be required to work 3 days a week from our Hollister office in Libertyville, IL (USA), ensuring consistent collaboration and team engagement. For the remaining days, you have the flexibility to work remotely. As such, it's essential for candidates to be based near the Hollister office to facilitate easy commuting. We believe this approach fosters a dynamic work environment while respecting the need for work-life balance.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable AI/ML and Agentic AI solutions that align with enterprise strategy and deliver measurable business impact.
• Guide cross-functional teams through complex AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technical feasibility.
• Architect and operationalize advanced AI models-including LLMs, SLMs, multi-modal models, and traditional ML-using Python and cloud-native platforms such as Azure AI.
• Build and integrate intelligent agents using frameworks like LangChain and Semantic Kernel into enterprise platforms, driving automation and insight generation.
• Apply MLOps best practices to ensure robust, secure, and compliant deployment pipelines using Azure Machine Learning and Azure DevOps.
• Serve as a technical advisor to business stakeholders, translating strategic goals into actionable AI solutions and roadmaps.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of AI governance, standards, and best practices across the organization.
• Evaluate and implement emerging GenAI tools and frameworks, fostering innovation and continuous improvement in Hollister's AI capabilities.
• Ensure AI systems adhere to privacy, security, and regulatory standards including PHI, PII, GDPR, and HIPAA.
• Collaborate with global teams and enterprise systems (e.g., Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, SAP Datasphere) to integrate AI solutions that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

Essential Functions of the Role:

• Lead collaboration across global, cross-functional teams using modern communication and development tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Azure DevOps, GitHub, SharePoint), ensuring alignment and execution of strategic AI initiatives.
• Act as a thought leader in AI innovation, proactively integrating insights from cutting-edge research, industry trends, and emerging technologies to shape Hollister's AI strategy.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and peers, fostering technical growth and promoting best practices in AI development and deployment.
• Navigate ambiguity with confidence, making informed decisions and driving innovative solutions that address complex business challenges.
• Champion the use of cloud-native platforms and collaborative development environments to prototype, iterate, and deliver enterprise-grade AI solutions.
• Represent Hollister in internal and external forums as a subject matter expert in AI, contributing to the company's reputation for innovation and excellence.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed to support strategic workshops, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery.

Requirements:

• 8-12 minimum overall experience is required
• Experience in MedTech, medical devices, or regulated healthcare technology is strongly preferred, especially in roles requiring compliance with data privacy and security standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• Experience leading complex AI/ML initiatives across multiple functions, with a proven ability to guide teams, influence strategy, and deliver enterprise-scale solutions
• Experience driving innovation,and contributing to the development of functional or cross-functional strategies.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
  
  
  
  • Master's degree preferred.
  
  
  
  
• One or more of the following is recommended but not required: Azure AI Engineer Associate, Azure Data Scientist Associate, AWS Certified Machine Learning, GCP Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer

Specialized Skills/Technical Knowledge:

• 8 years of experience delivering production-ready AI/ML applications, with demonstrated leadership in cross-functional project environments.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and ML libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow), with expertise in building and optimizing AI models.
• Deep experience with Azure AI/ML tools, including Azure ML, Azure OpenAI, and Azure DevOps; familiarity with other hyperscaler platforms is a plus.
• Proven ability to design and implement intelligent agents using frameworks such as LangChain, Semantic Kernel, or similar.
• Expertise in building ML pipelines, integrating APIs, and working with vector databases and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
• Strong understanding of MLOps, containerization (Docker), and CI/CD practices in cloud environments.
• Knowledge of data governance, privacy, and regulatory compliance in AI implementations, including GDPR and HIPAA.
• Ability to translate ambiguous business problems into scalable technical solutions through experimentation and strategic planning.
• Preferred Skills/Knowledge:
• Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric, OneLake, and Power BI integrations.
• Experience with SAP data platforms like BW, S/4HANA, or Datasphere.
• Must be fluent in English, both written and verbally

#LI-Hybrid

Our Total Rewards package in aggregate is above market and includes competitive pay, paid time off programs, peer-to-peer recognition, health and life insurance, wellness programs and incentives, and generous retirement savings.

• The anticipated base pay range for this position is $140,000 - $200,000 yearly. The actual salary varies based on applicant's location, education, experience, skills, abilities, and other legitimate business factors.
• This position is also eligible to participate in the Hollister Corporate Bonus Plan.
• The Company's health and welfare benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, spending/savings accounts, disability, company paid (parental and caregiver) leaves, statutory leaves/disability programs, accident, life, wellbeing, education assistance, adoption assistance, and voluntary benefit programs.
• The Company's 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan includes: auto-enrollment, ROTH, vesting and eligible participants "safe harbor" matching contributions.
• The Company's paid time off benefits include: 11 paid holidays, paid vacation based on length of service and exempt/non-exempt status, and sick days based on statutory requirements and/or exempt/non-exempt status.
• The Company's additional benefits include: education assistance and adoption assistance benefit programs.

About Hollister Incorporated
Hollister Incorporated is an independent, employee-owned company that develops, manufactures and markets healthcare products worldwide. The company spearheads the advancement of innovative products for ostomy care, continence care and critical care, and also creates educational support materials for patients and healthcare professionals. Headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, Hollister has manufacturing and distribution centers on three continents and sells in nearly 80 countries. Hollister is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Firm of John Dickinson Schneider, Inc., and is guided both by its Mission to make life more rewarding and dignified for people who use our products and services, as well as its Vision to grow and prosper as an independent, employee-owned company, and in the process, to become better human beings.

EOE Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job Req ID: 34973