Job Summary
The Manufacturing Systems Engineer I is an entry-level professional responsible for supporting the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of digital manufacturing systems that connect production operations, industrial equipment, and enterprise platforms. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers and leadership, this role applies foundational engineering knowledge to support manufacturing system performance, equipment connectivity, data collection, and operational reporting. The incumbent performs routine to moderately complex assignments using established processes, practices, and technical standards while developing proficiency in manufacturing systems, industrial automation, and digital technologies. Responsibilities include assisting with system troubleshooting, testing, documentation, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational visibility, reliability, and efficiency. This position collaborates with manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, and IT stakeholders to support day-to-day system operations and project execution. The Manufacturing Systems Engineer I exercises judgment within defined procedures, receives guidance on complex issues, and contributes to team objectives through effective problem-solving, learning agility, and continuous skill development. Success in this role is demonstrated through the ability to build technical expertise, execute assigned work with increasing independence, and contribute to the advancement of digital manufacturing capabilities across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the configuration, maintenance, and support of digital manufacturing systems connecting production equipment and enterprise platforms.
- Support the implementation and sustainment of IIoT, MES, SCADA, and plant-level data collection systems under the direction of senior engineers.
- Monitor manufacturing system performance and report identified issues, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with troubleshooting manufacturing systems, data connectivity issues, and production-related system concerns.
- Support data collection, validation, and reporting activities to improve operational visibility and performance measurement.
- Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualizations using approved reporting tools.
- Help maintain system documentation, including configurations, standard operating procedures, data structures, and work instructions.
- Participate in testing, validation, and deployment activities for manufacturing system enhancements and process improvements.
- Support cross-functional teams in manufacturing, engineering, quality, IT, and supply chain initiatives involving manufacturing systems.
- Assist with root cause investigations and corrective action activities related to system and process performance issues.
- Contribute to continuous improvement projects focused on system reliability, process efficiency, and data quality.
- Learn and apply industry standards, best practices, and company procedures related to digital manufacturing technologies.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to support manufacturing system operation and improvement efforts.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.
- 0-2 years of related experience in manufacturing, engineering, automation, information systems, or a technical environment preferred.
- Internship, co-op, project, or academic experience supporting manufacturing operations, automation, or digital technologies preferred.
- Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, production operations, and continuous improvement principles.
- Exposure to manufacturing systems, industrial automation, MES, SCADA, IIoT, or related technologies preferred.
- Familiarity with data analysis, reporting tools, and basic database concepts.
- Basic knowledge of SQL, data analysis tools, or programming/scripting languages such as Python preferred.
- Exposure to industrial communication technologies and manufacturing data environments is beneficial.
- Ability to troubleshoot routine issues and seek guidance when appropriate.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
Essential Job Functions
- Must be able to look at a computer screen for extended periods of time (up to 4 hours)
- Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time (2-4 hours at a time)
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds
- Must be able to travel in vehicles (automobiles, trains & planes) for up to 10 hours
- Must comply with company dress code guidelines
- Must be able to travel to foreign countries
- Regular and on-time attendance
Perks & Benefits
Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 10 weeks fully paid paternity leave, life insurance, short & long-term disability, on-site gym access, health & wellbeing center, on-site café, walking trails, tuition assistance, and more!
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Phoenix Contact is committed to the diversity of our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.
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Notice to Staffing Agencies, Placement Services, and Professional Recruiters:
Phoenix Contact has an internal Staffing Department. Recruiters are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact Phoenix Contact employees directly in an attempt to present candidates. Phoenix Contact will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Phoenix Contact, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Phoenix Contact mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Phoenix Contact employees, or to Phoenix Contact’s resume database will be considered Phoenix Contact property. Phoenix Contact will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Phoenix Contact will consider any candidate for whom a Recruiter has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Recruiter free of any charges or fees. Phoenix Contact will not pay a fee to any Recruiter that does not have a signed Phoenix Contact contract in place specific to the position for which the resume was submitted. Recruiting vendor agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Phoenix Contact's Head of People & Organization or his or her designee. No other Phoenix Contact employee is authorized to bind Phoenix Contact to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Recruiters. By submitting a candidate to Phoenix Contact, recruiters agree to be bound and comply with this policy.