Plant IT Support Specialist/MES-2nd shift

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Seeking an IT professional with strong interpersonal and communication skills to help support plant operations.  Strong candidates will be proactive problem-solvers who will work independently within a self-managed team environment. 

Summary:  This role is responsible for managing, maintaining, and supporting the IT and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) within the plant environment. The specialist will ensure the smooth operation of critical plant systems, including hardware, software, and integrations, to enhance production processes, improve efficiency, and minimize downtime. The ideal candidate will have experience in both IT and MES systems, strong troubleshooting skills, and a deep understanding of manufacturing environments.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:  other duties as assigned

• MES System Support & Maintenance: 
• Provide day-to-day support for MES systems used in the plant, ensuring seamless operation of production processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve MES-related issues, including software errors, integration problems, and system downtime.
• Collaborate with production teams to address system-related challenges and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Shared on-call responsibility in a 24 x 7 environment.
• IT Infrastructure & Hardware Support: 
• Support and maintain plant IT infrastructure, including servers, workstations, networking equipment, and production hardware (e.g., PLCs, SCADA, barcode scanners).
• Ensure the availability and reliability of plant IT systems by monitoring system health, performance, and security.
• Manage hardware installation, configuration, and troubleshooting for plant devices and network equipment.
• System Integration & Troubleshooting: 
• Assist with the integration of MES with other enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, SCADA) to ensure real-time data exchange and accurate reporting.
• Support the integration of production machinery with MES and resolve any system communication or data flow issues.
• Manage data flows between MES and other systems, ensuring accurate, timely information across all platforms. 
• User Training & Support: 
• Provide on-site support and training to plant personnel on the proper use of MES and other IT-related systems.
• Create user manuals and guides for MES processes and IT tools to empower plant operators and employees.
• Offer troubleshooting and technical support for plant floor operators, production managers, and other stakeholders.
• System Monitoring & Reporting: 
• Monitor MES and IT systems to identify potential issues, proactively addressing system performance, security, and hardware problems.
• Track system downtimes, issue resolution timelines, and system performance metrics to ensure efficient plant operations.
• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement: 
• Collaborate with the IT team, plant engineers, and production teams to enhance system performance and streamline plant operations.
• Support the rollout of MES updates, new features, and system upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to plant operations.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to optimize MES workflows, production efficiency, and system reliability. 

Qualifications and Core Competencies - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and possesses the competencies and skills listed.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• 3-5 years’ experience supporting a 24 x7 manufacturing environment.
• IT Support or MES support in manufacturing / industrial environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical teams.
• Strong understanding of MES applications, production processes, and their integration with enterprise systems (ERP, SCADA, etc.). 
• Hands-on experience with specific MES platforms (e.g., Ignition, Rockwell FactoryTalk, Wonderware).
• Experience with database management and SQL for troubleshooting and data extraction.
• Familiarity with industrial automation, PLCs, and data collection systems used on the plant floor. 
• Knowledge of IT systems, including servers, networking, and hardware used in manufacturing plants. 
• Knowledge of networking protocols and industrial communication standards (e.g., OPC or Open Protocol Control)
• Proficiency in troubleshooting IT hardware and software issues in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with cloud-based manufacturing solutions and Industry 4.0 technologies is preferred.

Promotions and transfers will be made without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, veteran’s status, national origin and any other federal, state, or locally protected classifications.