Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Engineer

Location: Livonia, MI Area
Job Type: Contract-to-Direct
Experience Level: 3–5+ Years

Position Overview

We are seeking a Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and validation of advanced automation and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems before deployment into production manufacturing environments. This is a R&D position working on futuristic manufacturing concepts.  It is a contract-to-direct opportunity working for our customer in the Livonia, MI area.  

This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer with a background in controls engineering, industrial networking, or manufacturing automation who enjoys working with emerging technologies and developing solutions for next-generation manufacturing operations.

In this role, you will serve as the technical bridge between controls engineering and industrial networking, collaborating with client R&D engineers and internal technical teams to prototype, test, and validate architectures that connect automation hardware, PLCs, edge devices, and network infrastructure.

You will play an important role in defining how future manufacturing systems communicate, integrate, and operate in increasingly connected industrial environments.

This is a contract-to-direct opportunity in the Livonia, MI area. Sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available. No C2C or 3rd Party Placements.  

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with client R&D and engineering teams to design and prototype Manufacturing Private Networks (MPNs) and Controls Private Networks (CPNs) for emerging automation concepts.

• Develop, configure, and test controls and communication architectures utilizing Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and/or Codesys technologies.

• Configure and evaluate Siemens and Cisco networking hardware to support plant-floor communications and edge connectivity.

• Assist in the design, development, and validation of edge computing and device management solutions for IIoT applications.

• Develop, prototype, and document network topologies and data flows connecting PLCs, edge devices, and enterprise systems.

• Support the development of industrial networking standards, engineering best practices, and cybersecurity considerations for future manufacturing deployments.

• Perform light programming and scripting to support automation tasks, system testing, and proof-of-concept development.

• Conduct system testing, troubleshoot communication issues, and provide technical feedback and recommendations.

• Prepare technical documentation and communicate findings to internal engineering teams and client stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably within an R&D, pilot plant, advanced manufacturing, or engineering development environment.

• Educational background in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Professional experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, 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.

• Understanding of industrial network topology, network segmentation, VLANs, and device-level networking.

• Familiarity with edge computing, data gateways, and operational technology (OT) to information technology (IT) integration.

• Basic programming or scripting experience using ladder logic, structured text, Python, or similar technologies.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and technical documentation skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and client technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as:

  • EtherNet/IP

  • PROFINET

  • Modbus TCP

  • MQTT

  • OPC UA

• Understanding of industrial cybersecurity frameworks, particularly ISA/IEC 62443.

• Exposure to virtualization, digital twin technologies, or manufacturing simulation environments.

• Experience developing and validating new automation architectures or proof-of-concept systems.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Work with advanced manufacturing and next-generation automation technologies.

• Participate in R&D initiatives before technologies are deployed into production environments.

• Collaborate with experienced engineering teams on innovative IIoT and industrial networking solutions.

• Gain exposure to the integration of controls systems, industrial networks, edge computing, and enterprise technologies.

• Opportunity to transition from contract to direct employment.

Apply Today

If you have a background in controls engineering, industrial automation, or industrial networking and are interested in helping develop the next generation of connected manufacturing systems, we want to hear from you!