Senior Implementation Engineer – Tulip MES

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Implementation Engineer – Tulip MES to design, configure, integrate, validate, and deploy digital manufacturing solutions across pharmaceutical production facilities. This role will play a critical part in modernizing manufacturing operations through the implementation of Tulip Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solutions.

The successful candidate will collaborate with manufacturing operations, quality, validation, and IT/OT teams to deliver compliant, scalable, and production-ready MES applications supporting Electronic Batch Records (eBR), digital work instructions, real-time production monitoring, and quality workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Tulip MES Development & Configuration

• Design, build, and configure Tulip applications supporting:
  • Electronic Batch Records (eBR)
  • Weigh & Dispense processes
  • Equipment setup, cleaning, and line clearance
  • In-process quality checks and sampling workflows
• Develop operator-centric digital workflows to improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Create dashboards, reports, and visualizations for production monitoring.

System Integration

• Configure and implement integrations with:
  • SAP ERP
  • LIMS/Laboratory Systems
  • PLCs, SCADA, Historians, and IoT devices
• Develop and maintain integrations using:
  • REST APIs
  • SQL
  • Python
• Ensure secure, reliable, and scalable data exchange across enterprise and shop-floor systems.

Validation & Compliance

• Support and execute validation activities including:
  • URS and FRS documentation
  • IQ/OQ/PQ protocols
  • Test scripts and traceability matrices
• Ensure compliance with:
  • GMP/GxP requirements
  • 21 CFR Part 11
  • GAMP 5 and CSV standards
• Maintain audit-ready systems and documentation.

Deployment & Production Support

• Deploy MES applications across Development, Test, and Production environments.
• Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT), go-live activities, and hypercare support.
• Troubleshoot workflow, integration, and data integrity issues.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor application performance, user adoption, and data quality.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce manual processes.
• Drive enhancements based on plant feedback and operational requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, and IT teams.
• Translate business requirements into effective MES solutions.
• Support change management initiatives and user adoption efforts.

Documentation & Training

• Create and maintain:
  • Technical Design Documents
  • SOPs
  • Validation Documentation
  • User Guides
• Conduct training sessions for operators, supervisors, and QA personnel.

Required Skills & Experience

Experience

• 8–10+ years of experience in MES, Manufacturing IT, or Digital Manufacturing.
• 3–5 years of hands-on Tulip MES implementation experience.
• Proven experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotech, animal health, or regulated manufacturing environments.

Technical Skills

• Tulip Platform development and configuration.
• Low-code/no-code application development.
• Workflow design and dashboard creation.
• REST API integration.
• SQL and Python development.
• PLC, SCADA, and equipment connectivity.
• SAP ERP integration experience.
• Experience integrating with LIMS and manufacturing systems.

Domain Expertise

• Pharmaceutical, Biotech, or Animal Health Manufacturing.
• Batch manufacturing processes.
• Quality and compliance workflows.
• Traceability and manufacturing execution systems.

Compliance Knowledge

• GMP/GxP regulations.
• 21 CFR Part 11.
• Computer System Validation (CSV).
• GAMP 5 lifecycle.
• Data Integrity and ALCOA principles.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in manufacturing/shop-floor environments.
• Experience working in Agile and iterative delivery models.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi-site MES deployments.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing initiatives.
• Experience with IoT-enabled manufacturing environments.
• Real-time analytics and manufacturing dashboards.
• Cloud platform exposure (Azure/AWS).
• MES or Manufacturing IT certifications.

Travel Requirements

• Indianapolis position: Primarily onsite at Indianapolis facility.
• Global Consultant position: Ability to travel periodically to Kansas City, Winslow (Maine), and Iowa facilities as required.