MES Engineer

PURPOSE The MES Engineer ensures the reliable implementation, operation and continuous improvement of the Manufacturing Execution Systems across the manufacturing sites globally. The aim is to guarantee that production processes are supported by stable, compliant, and well-integrated MES solutions that meet the needs of plant operations, quality, and supply chain.

Working under the leadership of the MES Application Owner, the MES Engineer provides day-to-day user support, manages change requests through to implementation, and leads MES deployments and upgrades at local plants. The role works closely with Operations, Global and Regional Process Owner, SCADA Engineering, OT vendors, ERP Application Management and IT infrastructure to ensure that MES solutions deliver value to production teams across multiple sites and regions. Support and further development of our global OT Application strategy

PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION Reports to:

• MES Application Owner

Collaborates with:

• Local Plant and Production Managers
• End User (shopfloor workers)
• Process and Quality Engineers
• OT System Engineers and OT SCADA Engineers
• IT Infrastructure and IT Application teams (SAP)
• Regional Operational Excellence team
• External MES vendors and system integrators
• Global and regional project teams

Back up: Other MES Engineer(s) within the OT MES team

DIMENSIONS OF THE JOB The MES Engineer operates in a multinational chemical manufacturing environment with multiple production sites across different countries and regions. The role combines day-to-day operational support with project-based implementation work.

The position requires regular interaction with plant-floor users (operators, shift leaders, production managers) as well as corporate IT and engineering functions. Travel to local plants for deployments, upgrades, and on-site support is expected (estimated 20–40% of working time, depending on the project portfolio).

The role is both operational and project-oriented, with a strong focus on user support, change management, system reliability, local plant implementations, and compliance with chemical industry regulations and customer requirements. It also requires professional coordinating of external vendors and system integrators, reviewing deliverables, and managing escalations

DECISION-MAKING POWERS The MES Engineer may propose technical solutions and configuration changes within the MES domain. Changes to production-critical systems require approval from the MES Application Owner. The MES Engineer has authority to prioritise and resolve day-to-day support tickets within agreed service levels.

KEY RESULT AREAS RESULT AREA 1: User Support and Incident Resolution Aim: Ensure that MES end users across all plants receive timely, effective support to maintain uninterrupted production operations.

Sub-activities:

• Provide second-line and third-line support for MES-related incidents and user queries. First line of support will be provided by the OT-Support Team
• Diagnose and resolve MES system issues, including configuration errors, interface failures, and data inconsistencies
• Coordinate with IT/OT infrastructure, automation teams, and vendors for escalated issues
• Maintain and update the MES knowledge base, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides for plant users
• Monitor MES system health and proactively address recurring issues

RESULT AREA 2: Change Management and Follow-Up Aim: Manage MES change requests from intake through implementation, ensuring changes are properly assessed, tested, and deployed.

Sub-activities:

• Receive, log, and assess change requests from plant users, production management, and quality teams
• Perform impact analysis on proposed changes (technical, operational, regulatory)
• Implement approved changes through configuration, scripting, or mo