Specialist A

I. General Summary
Develop, implement, integrate, and support smart factory, manufacturing execution, industrial automation, and manufacturing data systems using the Ignition platform. Partner with production, maintenance, engineering, quality, Digital Transformation, and IT teams to improve operational efficiency, system reliability, data visibility, and manufacturing performance. Support new plant and equipment implementations, PLC interfaces, reporting solutions, user training, and ongoing production system support.
II. Essential Job Functions
• Design, develop, implement, and maintain Ignition SCADA, Perspective, and Vision applications, including operator dashboards, Andon displays, production monitoring screens, and management reporting tools.
• Work with cross-functional users to gather requirements, define data collection and visualization needs, prioritize improvements, and communicate project and support status.
• Integrate PLCs, HMIs, databases, historians, manufacturing equipment, TBA MES, and other plant systems using appropriate industrial communication protocols and interfaces.
• Develop and maintain SQL queries, stored procedures, data collection services, custom extensions, and data processing solutions that support OEE, downtime, quality, production, and operational reporting.
• Provide front-line troubleshooting and L1/L2 technical support for manufacturing systems; coordinate with IT, engineering teams, and third-party vendors to track and resolve issues requiring application changes.
• Assist with data collection hardware, network infrastructure, protocol design, system storage, processing capacity, and performance monitoring.
• Support machine launches, new plant implementations, system upgrades, testing, and continuous improvement projects, including System Testing and User Acceptance Training.
• Develop specifications for application improvements and customizations, and ensure solutions remain consistent with established DX, IT, engineering, cybersecurity, and programming standards.
• Conduct user training, answer follow-up functionality questions, and support train-the-trainer activities with local plant IT and operational teams.
• Maintain accurate architecture, design, programming standard, testing, support, and training documentation.
• Continuously identify and implement opportunities to improve equipment performance, process performance, system reliability, and user experience.
• Respond to management and customer requests for new features or modifications while managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
III. Minimum Qualifications / Requirements
Education
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field; or equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience.
Experience
• Three or more years of relevant industrial automation, manufacturing systems, software development, or manufacturing data systems experience.
• Experience developing or supporting systems in a manufacturing environment, including knowledge of manufacturing information flow and production support requirements.
• Hands-on experience with Inductive Automation Ignition and SQL database development or administration.
• Knowledge of PLC/HMI programming, client/server networking, report generation, and industrial data visualization.
IV. Technical Knowledge and Skills
• Ignition SCADA, Perspective, Vision, historians, analytics platforms, and manufacturing execution systems.
• SQL Server / Transact-SQL, SQL queries, stored procedures, database integration, and manufacturing data collection.
• Python and Jython scripting; Visual Basic .NET, Visual Studio, or web development experience is beneficial.
• Industrial communication protocols such as OPC-UA, Ethernet/IP, MQTT, or Modbus.
• Power BI, SSRS, Andon visualization, OEE reporting, downtime analysis, quality reporting, and manufacturing analytics.
• Network fundamentals, switch configurations, system storage, processing requirements, and industrial cybersecurity principles.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, specifications, and component manuals.
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office and related business applications.
V. Preferred Qualifications
• Ignition Certification.
• Experience with Oracle ERP, MES architecture, data warehouses, ISA-95 concepts, industrial cybersecurity.
VI. Core Competencies
• Strong analytical thinking, problem solving, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
• Self-motivated, hands-on work style with the ability to perform independently with minimal supervision and contribute effectively in a team environment.
• Strong organization, planning, time management, and ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities with tight deadlines.
• Clear verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts and produce concise visual reports.
• Customer-focused support mindset and ability to build positive working relationships across departments, locations, organizational levels, and external partners.
• Flexibility and effectiveness in a fast-paced, changing, multicultural manufacturing environment.
VII. Work Environment and Physical Demands
• Work is performed in office and manufacturing environments with periodic exposure to normal plant conditions and noise.
• Frequent computer work and the ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods are required.
• The team member must be able to talk, see, and hear while performing assigned duties and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 10% of the time.
VIII. Disclaimer
This job description identifies the general nature and level of work performed within this classification and selected essential job functions. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. A team member must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. This description does not alter the at-will nature of the employment relationship between