Controls Engineer - MES

About the role

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.