Manufacturing Controls Specialist

About the role

As an integral member of the Operations and IT Team, this role is dedicated to supporting, maintaining and facilitating secure Operational Technology (OT) systems across MANN+HUMMEL’s manufacturing sites. The Specialist will support, maintain and improve automation processes as well as act as a bridge between traditional IT and Operation environments. Must be willing to learn to be the primary IT/OT knowledge holder.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the integration of production equipment into the broader IT/OT infrastructure, ensuring alignment with MANN+HUMMEL Operations and IT standards
• Design, develop, integrate, maintain and troubleshoot PLC platforms with SCADA (Ignition/WW) and MES (SAPME) integrations
• Support PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens and maintain backups and program documentation
• Diagnose and resolve automation, control, and machine performance issues
• Support communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and OPC.
• Ensure network segmentation and security between IT and OT environments (e.g., using Cisco/Palo Alto solutions)
• Collaborate with local engineering and production teams to resolve technical issues
• Deliver support for OT-related incidents, including root cause analysis and long-term resolution planning
• Support OT-related projects such as system upgrades, migrations, and security initiation
• Troubleshoot and identify key opportunities to improve system stability, performance, and maintainability
• Evaluate new features or functions that would improve manufacturing KPIs
• Pilot improvements regionally before wider adoption
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education: Degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, IT, or a related field

Experience: Strong experience supporting and developing manufacturing automation systems; Hands-on knowledge of SCADA systems (e.g., Siemens WinCC, Rockwell, Schneider) and industrial PLC experience with Allen Bradley and/or Siemens; Experience in IT support roles with a focus on OT environments, preferably within Manufacturing; 2 years MS SQL Server experience (administration and scripting); Experience supporting or implementing MES systems, preferably SAP ME (Manufacturing Execution); Prior networking experience (will not be programming PLCs); Experience with enterprise network security and segmentation tools (e.g., Cisco, Palo Alto)

Skills

• Process Improvement
• Lean Methodologies
• Innovation Management
• Machine Connectivity & Data Security
• Product Testing & Validation
• Production Planning
• Process Development
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills within a structured, independent work style
• Excellent communication skills in English; ability to work effectively in cross-functional and multicultural teams