Software Engineering Lead Operations MES
Location: New Iberia, LA (Onsite)
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: Permanent / Direct Hire
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Opportunity
A leading manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Software Engineering Lead Operations MES to drive the strategy, development, support, and continuous improvement of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) across a high-volume production environment. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who enjoys combining software engineering expertise with manufacturing technology, operational excellence, and team leadership. You'll work closely with engineering, automation, and business stakeholders to build scalable solutions that enhance production efficiency, system reliability, and data-driven decision-making.
What You'll Be Doing
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and mentor MES software developers and support personnel.
- Manage development priorities, project execution, and operational support activities.
- Establish best practices for software development, deployment, and support.
- Coordinate on-call rotations, escalation procedures, and issue resolution efforts.
Software Development & Architecture
- Design, develop, and maintain enterprise-grade manufacturing software solutions.
- Build user interfaces, dashboards, reporting tools, and data visualization systems.
- Develop and optimize database structures, stored procedures, and integrations.
- Ensure scalable and maintainable software architecture aligned with business goals.
Manufacturing Systems & Operations
- Support and enhance Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
- Integrate manufacturing equipment, automation systems, and production processes.
- Collaborate with controls engineers and technical teams to improve plant operations.
- Drive initiatives that reduce downtime and improve system performance.
Project & Stakeholder Management
- Lead manufacturing technology projects from planning through deployment.
- Partner with business leaders, engineering teams, and external vendors.
- Manage software releases, testing activities, and production rollouts.
- Support manufacturing expansion and continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 6+ years of software development and/or manufacturing systems experience.
- Proven leadership experience managing technical teams and software projects.
- Strong expertise in C# and Microsoft .NET technologies.
- Advanced Microsoft SQL Server development and database design experience.
- Experience supporting enterprise applications in production environments.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing software architecture and MES platforms.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
- Experience with PLCs, OPC integrations, industrial automation, or shop-floor systems.
- Knowledge of enterprise data architecture and reporting systems.
- Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and containerized applications.
- Exposure to AI/ML-based solutions and intelligent automation technologies.
- Experience working within large-scale manufacturing operations.
Technical Environment
Technologies & Tools Include:
- C#
- .NET Framework / .NET Core
- Microsoft SQL Server
- MES Platforms
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- Industrial Automation Systems
- PLC Integrations
- OPC Communications
- Reporting & Analytics Tools
- AI-Driven Applications