At
McFarland Johnson (MJ),
you’ll own your future. We're a
100% employee-owned firm with 80 years of experience delivering innovative engineering, planning, environmental, technology and construction solutions that make a lasting impact on the clients and communities we serve.
Certified as a
Great Place to Work, our employee-owners describe MJ's culture as
collaborative,
people-focused, and
supportive.
Join us, and help shape the future of infrastructure, together.
We are seeking an
AI Technician (Special Projects) to support the implementation and operationalization of approved artificial intelligence solutions across the firm. This role is execution-focused and responsible for translating prioritized AI use cases into repeatable, documented, and production-ready workflows under established MJ governance and quality standards.
The AI Technician works closely with the AI Implementation Lead and internal stakeholders to implement solutions that reduce low-value manual effort, improve consistency, and support professional staff—while preserving human judgment, accountability, and compliance with firm policies. This role is not a research, strategy, or policy-setting position.
Key Responsibilities
AI Implementation & Execution
- Implement AI use cases prioritized through MJ’s centralized AI intake and governance process.
- Build and maintain approved AI-enabled solutions including Copilot agents, prompt frameworks, M365 / Power Automate workflows, and structured intake templates.
- Convert successful pilots into repeatable, production-ready workflows suitable for broader use.
Prompt Engineering & Workflow Quality
- Design and refine prompts and instruction sets (“prompt engineering”) to produce reliable, consistent outputs aligned with MJ guardrails and professional standards.
- Develop reusable prompt packs, templates, and structured instructions that enable safe use by non-technical staff while maintaining quality and auditability.
- Test and iterate prompt performance using real MJ workflow scenarios and defined success criteria.
Python-Enabled Automation & Prototyping
- Use Python to support AI implementation efforts, including automation, data transformation, prototype utilities, and repeatable processing scripts that complement low-code or platform workflows.
- Build small, maintainable scripts to reduce repetitive effort (e.g., converting formats, cleaning structured inputs/outputs, generating standardized artifacts), while documenting and handing off solutions responsibly.
- Apply disciplined engineering practices (readable code, version control habits, basic testing/validation) appropriate to internal tooling.
Workflow Hardening & Documentation
- Ensure reliability, permissions, auditability, and consistency of AI-enabled workflows.
- Maintain clear documentation and user guidance so solutions are transferable and scalable.
Collaboration & Delivery
- Execute assigned implementation work under direction of the AI Implementation Lead.
- Collaborate with software development teams when deeper platform integration is required.
- Participate in design and working sessions to understand operational needs.
Out of Scope (This Role Does Not)
- Set AI strategy, policy, or governance standards.
- Independently decide which AI use cases are built or prioritized.
- Conduct experiments outside the approved intake and prioritization process.
- Override established guardrails, quality controls, or review requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Strong technical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving ability.
- Experience with Microsoft 365, Power Automate, APIs, or similar automation and low-code tools.
- Ability to translate business needs into structured, working solutions.
- Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
- Python proficiency (ability to write clean, maintainable scripts to automate or support internal workflows).
- Prompt engineering proficiency (ability to design, test, and refine prompts/instructions for consistent, high-quality outputs).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience implementing AI-assisted workflows.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Copilot, Azure, AWS, or similar enterprise platforms.
- Experience in professional services or regulated environments.
- Familiarity with version control (e.g., Git) and basic software quality practices.
Working Style & Expectations
This role is execution-driven and success is measured by delivery of reliable, reusable solutions that reduce manual effort and support MJ’s augmentation-first approach to AI. Human verification and professional accountability remain central to all deliverables.
Why This Role Exists
As AI adoption increases across McFarland Johnson, dedicated implementation capacity is required to ensure solutions are delivered consistently and responsibly. This role enables scale without sacrificing governance or quality and prevents the AI Implementation Lead from becoming a delivery bottleneck.
Why Join Us?
- Career Growth: Accelerate your professional career with opportunities to lead, learn, and expand your expertise.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside multidisciplinary teams that thrive on creativity, support, and teamwork. Collaborative is the most frequent word used to describe MJ’s culture in annual employee survey.
- Employee Ownership: As a 100% ESOP, your contributions directly shape our shared success - you own your future.
- Innovation & Impact: Work on projects that push boundaries, drive sustainability, and create real-world solutions.
- Professional Development: From mentorship, ongoing technical training, and conferences we invest in your growth every step of the way.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible schedules, generous PTO, and a culture that values balance so you can thrive both professionally and personally.
- Shape the next generation: For experienced professionals, MJ offers the chance to mentor emerging talent, share your expertise, and leave a lasting legacy in the industry.
Benefits & Perks
- Competitive base salary with performance-based incentive payment plan/bonus structure.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage.
- Generous Paid Time Off, including Parental Leave.
- Company funded ESOP + 401(k) employer match.
- Ongoing technical training and professional development opportunities.
Join Us and Make a Difference
Join a team where
your work has purpose, your ideas are valued, and your growth is personal. Apply today and become a part of a company where you can
#ownyourfuture.
