MES Developer

About the role

MES Developer

Location: Warren, Michigan Industry: Automotive Manufacturing Role Type: Controls / Automation / MES Engineering

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Controls / MES Engineer to support a ground-up manufacturing automation implementation for a major automotive manufacturer in Warren, Michigan.

This is primarily a new-build development and implementation role, not a sustaining or maintenance position. The engineer will be responsible for designing, programming, integrating, and commissioning controls and manufacturing systems, with a strong focus on Rockwell Studio 5000, Ignition, and PLC-to-MES integration.

The ideal candidate has personally taken automation systems from initial design through commissioning and production launch and can demonstrate hands-on experience developing PLC, HMI/SCADA, and MES functionality rather than only modifying or troubleshooting existing systems.

Key Responsibilities

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Design and develop Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/GuardLogix PLC programs from the ground up using RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000.

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Develop PLC architecture including ladder logic, tag structures, UDTs, AOIs, sequencing, diagnostics, alarms, and equipment interfaces.

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Design and build Ignition HMI/SCADA applications, including screens, tags, scripting, alarms, communications, and system configuration.

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Develop and implement communication between PLCs and MES systems.

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Create PLC/MES transaction and handshake logic for manufacturing operations.

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Support work-order verification, part and serial-number traceability, recipe/model management, production reporting, and pass/fail transactions.

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Integrate barcode scanners, RFID systems, and other production tracking equipment.

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Configure and integrate Zebra industrial label printers, including generation and implementation of ZPL code.

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Develop automated label-printing processes tied to production events, work orders, and cycle completion.

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Perform controls system startup, debugging, commissioning, FAT/SAT, and production launch activities.

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Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, MES, networking, and equipment communication issues as needed.

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Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, IT/MES teams, equipment integrators, and plant personnel throughout implementation.

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Develop and maintain controls documentation, system architecture, backups, and commissioning records.

Required Qualifications

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Strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/GuardLogix and Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000.

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Demonstrated experience writing new PLC programs for equipment, stations, or production lines from scratch.