MES Engineer - Lead IT Role in Manufacturing Excellence

Robert Half is proud to partner with a leading manufacturing firm in Schaumburg, Illinois to find a dynamic Senior MES Engineer. This onsite, full-time position offers a competitive salary of approximately $110,000 per year and is perfect for seasoned IT professionals with deep expertise in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). If you thrive in high-stakes manufacturing environments, excel at team leadership, and have a passion for optimizing production through technology, this MES Engineer job in Schaumburg, IL is your next career milestone.

About the Role

As the IT Lead MES Engineer, you will serve as the cornerstone of manufacturing IT operations, ensuring seamless MES functionality in a fast-paced production setting. This role demands onsite presence 5 days a week in Schaumburg, IL, where you'll bridge the gap between operations, IT infrastructure, and project execution. Reporting to the IT Director, you'll oversee MES system health, lead a team of engineers, and drive sub-projects from inception to rollout. Ideal for those searching for MES Engineer jobs near me or manufacturing IT careers in Illinois, this position combines technical depth with leadership responsibilities in a supportive Robert Half-backed opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

MES System Mastery

Your core duties revolve around MES excellence: monitor systems 24/7, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement resolutions swiftly. You'll customize MES logic, create new steps, and manage device configurations—including printers, PPC scanners, and barcode hardware. Inventory management for all operational hardware falls under your purview, ensuring zero downtime in production lines.

Change Management and Implementation

Collaborate with operations teams to capture new MES requirements. Translate these into detailed technical specifications, draft work instructions, and maintain SQL jobs for reliability. Lead testing phases with production and third-party vendors, then orchestrate smooth rollouts to minimize disruptions.

Infrastructure and Integration Support

Handle basic network troubleshooting and diagnose integrations with systems like JIS sequencing, Paintshop, AIB, and HMIs. Your versatility ensures holistic IT support in manufacturing ecosystems.

Project and Team Leadership

Function as a dedicated Sub-Project Manager, coordinating with the PM team on timelines and deliverables. Manage the MES engineering team by assigning projects, tracking progress, and handling shift schedules. Conduct regular status reviews with the IT Director to align on goals and performance.

Required Qualifications

To succeed, candidates need a proven track record in MES for manufacturing. Key qualifications include:

• Detailed MES knowledge with hands-on monitoring, troubleshooting, and customization experience.
• Strong project management skills for coordinating manufacturing IT initiatives.
• Team leadership expertise, including assignment delegation, availability tracking, and shift management.
• Solid grasp of IT infrastructure, networks, and integrated systems (JIS, HMI, etc.).
• Proficiency in SQL maintenance, hardware config (scanners/printers), and inventory control.
• Ability to convert business needs into technical specs and lead change rollouts.
• Excellent communication for stakeholder meetings and cross-team collaboration.
• Bachelor's in IT, Engineering, or related field; 5+ years in manufacturing MES roles preferred.

Robert Half seeks candidates who embody proactive problem-solving and a commitment to operational excellence—perfect for senior MES Engineer careers.

Why Join Us?

Partnering with Robert Half means accessing top-tier opportunities in Schaumburg's thriving manufacturing sector. Enjoy a $110K salary, full benefits package including health coverage, 401(k) matching, PTO, and growth paths into higher IT leadership. Work onsite in a collaborative environment fostering innovation in manufacturing technology. This role offers stability, impact, and professional fulfillment. Apply now through Robert Half for MES jobs in Illinois and elevate your career!

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