Entry-Level MES Support Engineer
Role Summary
The MES (Manufacturing Execution System) Support Engineer is responsible for providing technical support for MES applications used in manufacturing operations. The role ensures reliable system performance, rapid incident resolution, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing execution processes. The engineer works closely with Production, Quality, Automation, IT, and Business teams to support day-to-day operations and site deployments.
This role requires in-person collaboration and flexibility to work in a 24/7 rotating shift environment.
Key Responsibilities
Production Support & Incident Management
Provide Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 support for MES applications and manufacturing operations.
Respond to and resolve incidents, service requests, and problem tickets through ServiceNow or designated support channels.
Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions to minimize recurring issues.
Support on-call activities and critical production incidents to ensure minimal manufacturing disruption.
MES Configuration & Maintenance
Maintain MES master data, workflows, recipes, electronic batch records (eBRs), equipment mappings, and system configurations.
Support deployment of system enhancements, patches, and releases.
Assist in change management activities, impact assessments, regression testing, and controlled deployments.
Manufacturing Operations Support
Monitor MES performance and ensure successful batch execution and production processing.
Troubleshoot issues related to equipment integration, material handling, process execution, and interfaces.
Collaborate with shop-floor users to ensure smooth operation of manufacturing processes.
Validation & Compliance
Ensure compliance with GMP, GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, and company quality procedures.
Maintain audit readiness by supporting documentation, traceability, and electronic records management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Manufacturing, QA, Automation, CSV, IT, and Digital teams.
Participate in requirement gathering, solution design reviews, and process improvement initiatives.
Support global rollouts, site onboarding, and knowledge transfer activities.
Continuous Improvement
Analyze process gaps and propose value improvement ideas.
Support global standardization of MES processes and documentation.
Qualifications & Specialization
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Academic projects, internships, coursework, or hands-on exposure to PharmaSuite, Syncade, DeltaV MES, Opcenter, Camstar, Tulip, or similar MES applications are preferred.
Understanding of manufacturing systems, industrial processes, and digital manufacturing concepts is advantageous.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively in cross-functional environments and support manufacturing operations.
Unique Experience from This Role
The MES Support Engineer role provides a blend of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and cross-functional collaboration. Some key unique experiences include:
Real-Time Production Support Experience
Support manufacturing sites across multiple geographies and time zones.
Master high-pressure MES production support, troubleshooting real-time manufacturing issues and managing critical incidents in a 24×7 global environment.
Develop rapid problem-solving skills, strong root cause analysis capabilities, and the ability to maintain uninterrupted pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
Deep MES Functional Knowledge
Develop expertise in MES workflows, recipe execution, electronic batch records (eBRs), exception handling, and batch release processes.
Gain hands-on experience supporting complex manufacturing execution environments.
Regulated Pharma Manufacturing Experience
Work within highly regulated GMP/GxP environments. This experience is rare and highly specialized, as only regulated industries require this level of MES expertise.
Build knowledge of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, audit trails, electronic signatures, and validation requirements.
Automation and System Integration Expertise
Gain experience troubleshooting integrations between MES, PLCs, SCADA, DeltaV, SAP, LIMS, and Historian systems.
Understand end-to-end manufacturing data flows from shop floor to enterprise systems.
Validation and Quality Systems Experience
Participate in IQ/OQ/PQ, UAT, regression testing, and release validation activities.
Strengthen knowledge of Computer System Validation (CSV) and quality processes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Automation, IT, Engineering, and Digital teams.
Build stakeholder management and communication skills in a complex enterprise environment.
Multi-Site Deployment & Digital Transformation
Support MES rollouts, site onboarding, hyper-care, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Contribute to global digital manufacturing transformation programs.
Professional Development & Career Growth
This role offers comprehensive, in-person, on-the-job learning and development opportunities designed to build expertise in MES support, pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, system integrations, validation, compliance, and digital manufacturing technologies.
Engineers will gain the knowledge and experience required to operate independently within a global MES support organization and may have opportunities to support or be assigned to manufacturing sites located in Indiana, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and other global locations based on business needs.
Why This Role is Ideal for Entry-Level Talent
Exposure to globally recognized MES platforms and pharmaceutical manufacturing systems.
Opportunity to build expertise in GMP/GxP regulated environments.
Hands-on experience with MES, Automation, SAP, LIMS, SCADA, and enterprise integrations.
Strong foundation in production support, troubleshooting, validation, and compliance.
Opportunity to collaborate with global manufacturing, quality, engineering, and digital teams.
Participation in large-scale digital transformation and smart manufacturing initiatives.
