Midwest - Controls Engineer

MES Controls Engineer

North Point Technology is seeking an experienced MES Controls Engineer to support manufacturing operations in a high-volume discrete manufacturing environment. This role focuses on Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), PLC integration, real-time production execution, and automation system reliability. The ideal candidate will work closely with engineering, operations, and production teams to support and optimize MES-driven manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities:

Support MES-to-PLC integrations during system launches, production ramp-ups, and ongoing manufacturing operations.

Configure, establish, and maintain communications between MES and PLC systems.

Integrate MES template routines and user-defined data types (UDTs) into PLC programs.

Create, modify, and maintain PLC tags and logic required to support MES transactions and production reporting.

Collaborate with Process Engineers and MES teams to ensure successful integration of manufacturing processes.

Document MES-related PLC modifications, troubleshooting activities, and production support efforts.

Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and industrial network issues impacting MES functionality and production execution.

Support the accuracy and integrity of real-time production reporting and manufacturing data.

Assist in resolving production issues affecting throughput, efficiency, quality, and system performance.

Partner with production supervisors, operators, and engineering teams to support effective manufacturing workflows.

Support MES-based quality validation and enforcement processes.

Maintain and manage part numbers, product structures, and production data within the MES environment.

Assist with audits, investigations, root cause analysis, and manufacturing data requests.

Identify opportunities to improve MES functionality, automation performance, and manufacturing processes.

Support MES enhancements, software updates, system upgrades, and new production rollouts.

Requirements/Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Experience working with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell and Siemens PLC and HMI platforms.

Strong PLC programming, troubleshooting, and diagnostic skills.

Experience supporting manufacturing automation and industrial control systems.

Knowledge of industrial networking and plant-floor communication protocols.

Ability to analyze and resolve complex production and system integration issues.

Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with engineering, operations, and production teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) in a production environment.

Experience integrating ERP, MES, and PLC systems.

Knowledge of discrete manufacturing processes.

Experience supporting system implementations, upgrades, and production launches.

Familiarity with production reporting, manufacturing data collection, and quality management systems.

Experience with continuous improvement initiatives and manufacturing process optimization.