We are currently seeking a Manufacturing Execution Systems Engineer focused on the design, development, and validation of new automation and IIoT systems before deployment to production environments. This is a contract-to-direct opportunity in the Livonia, MI area. Sponsorship or relocation packages are not available for this position. 

As a Manufacturing Execution Systems Engineer, you’ll bridge the worlds of controls engineering and industrial networking to help define and test cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. You will collaborate with both the client’s R&D engineers and internal technical teams to prototype, document, and validate architectures that connect automation hardware, PLCs, edge devices, and network infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the client’s R&D and engineering teams to design and prototype Manufacturing Private Networks (MPNs) and Controls Private Networks (CPNs) for new automation concepts.
• Develop and test controls and communication architectures using your background with Rockwell, Siemens, and Codesys technologies.
• Configure and evaluate Siemens and Cisco networking hardware to support plant-floor communication and edge connectivity.
• Contribute to the design and validation of edge computing and device management solutions for IIoT applications.
• Prototype and document network topologies and data flow between PLCs, edge devices, and enterprise systems.
• Support definition of industrial networking standards, best practices, and cybersecurity considerations for future deployments.
• Perform light programming or scripting for automation tasks, testing, and proof-of-concept development.
• Provide clear documentation, testing feedback, and technical recommendations to both internal and client stakeholders.

• 3–5 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, ideally in an R&D, pilot plant, or advanced manufacturing development environment.
• Background in controls engineering or industrial networking (IIoT).
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and/or Codesys PLC and control systems.
• Working knowledge of Cisco and Siemens networking hardware, configuration, and industrial communication principles.
• Fundamental understanding of network topology design, segmentation, VLANs, and device-level networking in industrial environments.
• Familiarity with edge computing, data gateways, and OT-to-IT integration concepts.
• Light programming or scripting skills (ladder logic, structured text, or Python).
• Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills for cross-functional and client-facing collaboration.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, MQTT, or OPC UA protocols.
• Understanding of industrial cybersecurity frameworks (ISA/IEC 62443).
• Exposure to virtualization, digital twin, or simulation environments.