Manufacturing Execution Specialist

Company Description:   For over 80 years, Puffer-Sweiven has set the standard in equipment and services for process control, automation, safety, and reliability. We help process-intensive facilities run more efficiently and safely by delivering quality products, technical support, and knowledgeable staff to implement the needed process solutions — with the goal of exceeding customer expectations. Our dedication brings the most advanced products and services to our customers throughout the Central and Gulf Coast regions of Texas.   Specialties:   As an Emerson Impact Partner, we offer a broad base of superior solutions including the top product lines for a given application. Our specialties at Puffer-Sweiven include:   Process Control & Safety Systems   Control Valves & Regulators   Isolation Valves & Actuation   Oil & Gas Automation   Reliability Solutions & Services   Pressure Management   Specialty Pumps & Rotating Equipment   Instrumentation   Maintenance & Repair Services Duties and Responsibilities MES Solution Design and Configuration Design, configure, and implement Emerson Syncade MES applications in accordance with approved customer requirements, site standards, and project execution practices. Develop electronic workflows, electronic batch records, forms, procedures, recipes, equipment models, material definitions, and business rules within the MES platform. Participate in manufacturing process mapping, requirements workshops, solution design reviews, and technical discussions with customers and project stakeholders. Translate manufacturing and business processes into functional MES solutions that support safe, consistent, and efficient operations. Develop and maintain configuration documentation, design specifications, test records, and system turnover documentation. Apply ISA-88 and ISA-95 principles, as applicable, to support batch execution, equipment modeling, recipe management, and integration between enterprise and control systems. Project Execution and Documentation Participate in project planning, estimating, scheduling, resource coordination, progress reporting, and risk identification for assigned MES scope. Develop, review, and execute project deliverables, including User Requirements Specifications (URS), Functional Requirements Specifications (FRS), Design Specifications (DS), Configuration Specifications, traceability documentation, and test scripts. Coordinate assigned work with Project Managers, Technical Leads, Automation Engineers, validation resources, customer representatives, and third-party suppliers. Communicate project status, technical issues, risks, and resource needs in a timely manner. Perform work in accordance with Puffer-Sweiven project execution, quality, cybersecurity, and documentation practices. Support management of change and configuration control throughout the system lifecycle. System Integration Configure and support interfaces between Syncade and manufacturing systems such as Emerson DeltaV, PLC-based control systems, historians, ERP systems, LIMS, quality systems, and other plant applications. Collaborate with automation and OT/IT resources to define interface requirements, data exchange, equipment status, production events, alarms, and system handshakes. Support industrial communication technologies, databases, web services, OPC connectivity, and other integration methods used within the customer architecture. Assist with troubleshooting of application, interface, infrastructure, and data issues across integrated systems. Testing, Validation, and Startup Develop and execute unit testing, integration testing, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commissioning, and startup activities. Support Computer System Validation (CSV) activities and preparation or execution of IQ/OQ/PQ documentation, as required by the customer and project. Ensure MES deliverables support applicable GxP requirements, GAMP 5 guidance, 21 CFR Part 11, applicable Annex 11 expectations, and customer data integrity requirements. Document, investigate, and resolve software defects, test exceptions, deviations, and punch-list items. Provide onsite and remote support during installation, cutover, startup, and production stabilization. Support system backup, recovery, patching, upgrade, and lifecycle planning activities as assigned. Customer Support and Continuous Improvement Interface professionally with customer operations, engineering, quality, validation, maintenance, IT, and leadership personnel. Provide operator, engineering, and system administrator training for delivered MES solutions. Provide post-startup support, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action recommendations. Identify opportunities to improve system reliability, usability, standardization, maintainability, and customer value. Maintain current technical knowledge through Emerson training, industry participation, self-study, and project experience. Support proposal development, scope definition, estimates, customer demonstrations, and technical presentations as requested. QUALIFICATIONS Education/Knowledge Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, information systems, or a related technology discipline. Equivalent relevant experience may be considered. Working knowledge of Manufacturing Execution Systems and manufacturing operations in batch or regulated process environments. Knowledge of ISA-88 and ISA-95 principles. Knowledge of software development lifecycle, configuration management, testing, and technical documentation practices. Knowledge of GxP, Computer System Validation, GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, and data integrity principles is preferred. Skills/Experience Three or more years of experience implementing, supporting, or integrating MES or industrial software applications is preferred. Hands-on experience with Emerson Syncade MES is strongly preferred. Experience with electronic batch records, workflow configuration, recipe management, material management, equipment tracking, or production execution is preferred. Experience integrating MES with Emerson DeltaV, PLC systems, historians, ERP, LIMS, or quality systems is preferred. Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, food and beverage, or another regulated manufacturing industry is preferred. Experience with SQL Server, Windows Server, virtualization, networking, OPC, web services, and industrial cybersecurity concepts is beneficial. Experience executing FAT, SAT, commissioning, validation, and startup activities at customer facilities is beneficial. COMPETENCIES Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in the use of common computer software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Effective in developing positive working relationships with a wide variety of people. Proven ability to communicate with customers at all levels and manage expectations professionally. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Strong ability to thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment. Demonstrated ability to organize and plan individual and group work tasks. Self-motivated with the ability to meet deadlines independently and as part of a team. Commitment to quality, documentation rigor, customer service, and continuous improvement. WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must be able to wear the minimum level of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) without restriction, which may include hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed shoes. Must have the ability to perform work with occasional walking and standing. Must be able to work in an office desk or cubicle environment with extensive computer use. Must be able to travel to industrial manufacturing facilities and interface with operations, engineering, equipment supplier, construction, quality, and validation personnel. Must be able to comply with customer-specific safety, security, gowning, cleanroom, and PPE requirements. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods during onsite commissioning and startup activities. Occasional climbing, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping. Hazards may include proximity to moving mechanical and mobile equipment and active industrial manufacturing operations.