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.