Ai Automation Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

KORE1, a nationwide provider of staffing and recruiting solutions, has an immediate opening for an AI Automation Engineer in Brea, Ca. (Hybrid)

Position Overview
We operate a complex, high-volume business environment supported by enterprise productivity tools, AI workspaces, and modern collaboration platforms. The opportunity is not simply deploying AI tools?it is making them useful by connecting them to the right data sources, workflows, and business processes.
The Lead AI Automation Engineer serves as a key contributor to the organization's AI enablement strategy. This role combines hands-on technical execution with user adoption and organizational enablement. You will design and implement data pipelines, workflow automations, and system integrations that make business data accessible to AI-powered solutions. You will also train end users, document solutions, and establish sustainable practices that allow the organization to scale AI adoption effectively.
This position is highly independent and focused on execution. Success is measured not only by what you build, but by how effectively business teams adopt and maintain the solutions you deliver.
What This Role Looks Like
Business leaders often identify manual processes that consume valuable time and resources. Before proposing a solution, you will assess the underlying workflow, data sources, dependencies, and desired outcomes. Your responsibility is to understand the business problem first, determine what is technically feasible, and then deliver the simplest effective solution.
Solutions may include workflow automations, data integrations, AI-enabled access to business information, or self-service reporting capabilities. You will evaluate each use case and select the most practical approach rather than defaulting to the most complex or technically interesting option.
Key Responsibilities
Data Access & Pipeline Development
* Design and build data pipelines that make source system data accessible to business users and AI-enabled tools.
* Develop Python-based connectors, integrations, and APIs that connect internal systems with automation and AI platforms.
* Analyze source system data structures to determine technical feasibility and implementation requirements.
* Utilize integration tools and platforms where appropriate while recognizing when custom development is the better solution.
* Ensure data is reliable, accessible, and maintainable for long-term use.
Workflow Automation
* Build and deploy workflow automations using Microsoft Power Platform tools and other automation technologies.
* Manage projects through discovery, design, implementation, deployment, adoption, and ongoing support.
* Maintain and prioritize a backlog of automation and AI enablement opportunities.
* Communicate project status, risks, and progress to stakeholders and leadership.
Business Analysis & Solution Design
* Conduct discovery sessions with business stakeholders to understand workflows, pain points, and data requirements.
* Translate business needs into practical technical solutions.
* Define minimum viable solutions that deliver measurable value without unnecessary complexity.
* Identify opportunities to leverage existing tools before building new solutions.
Training & User Enablement
* Deliver training and support to business teams adopting new automations and AI-enabled processes.
* Create clear documentation covering system architecture, data sources, maintenance procedures, and future enhancements.
* Establish scalable intake and prioritization processes for automation requests.
* Promote best practices and self-sufficiency across business teams.
Collaboration & Governance
* Partner with technology, product, and business teams to ensure solutions align with organizational standards.
* Identify initiatives that require deeper platform or application development and coordinate with the appropriate engineering teams.
* Maintain appropriate boundaries between automation, integration, and core application development responsibilities.
Required Qualifications
* Proven experience delivering end-to-end workflow automation and data integration solutions within an enterprise environment.
* Strong ability to work directly with non-technical stakeholders to understand business processes and identify automation opportunities.
* Advanced SQL skills with experience analyzing source system data and creating data transformations.
* Experience integrating source databases with downstream systems, reporting platforms, APIs, or AI-enabled solutions.
* Hands-on experience with Microsoft 365 technologies, including Power Automate, Copilot Studio, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook.
* Proficiency in Python and/or JavaScript for automation, integration, and API development.
* Demonstrated success delivering solutions that achieve business adoption and long-term maintainability.
Preferred
* Experience in business process improvement, operational excellence, or process engineering.
* Experience training non-technical users and driving adoption of automation technologies.
* Experience working independently without dedicated data engineering resources.
* API connector development and system integration experience.
* Familiarity with modern AI platforms, large language model APIs, and AI-powered business workflows.
* Experience within retail, e-commerce, distribution, manufacturing, or other high-volume operational environments.
Desired Skills
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to balance business needs with technical constraints.
* Self-directed and comfortable working independently.
* Strong documentation and knowledge-sharing practices.
* Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation depends on experience but is typically $120-150k/year. 

ABOUT KORE1
Specializing in professional and technical recruiting, KORE1 is committed to supporting top IT, Engineering, Creative, Scientific, Accounting and Finance professionals in their career paths. We build deep relationships with leading companies, connecting them to exceptional talent every day. With extensive industry expertise and unmatched opportunities, our goal is to provide a unique experience for our contractors and consultants as they prepare for their next role. We are passionate about matching the right people with the right companies.