Senior Industrial IT Engineer

Summary/Purpose

This position supports the development and implementation of Smart Factory capabilities in all JTEKT NA manufacturing facilities.  Activities include collaborating with manufacturing staff to identify relevant production information to be automatically measured, collected, analyzed, visualized, and reported to lead to improvements in product or process capability and efficiency.  Scope of activities include design/support of plant floor IT infrastructure, application management, implementation of cloud technology, implementation of plant floor data acquisition. Areas of investigation include Internet of Everything implementation, plant floor computer systems, cloud computing and other Industry 4.0 technologies. Regional scope of this position is all business units in NA with strong tie-in with JTEKT Japan and JEU. 

Essential Duties and Accountabilities:  

• Develop and implement robust data architecture solutions for both on-premises and cloud environments.
• Design and manage ETL processes to ensure efficient data extraction, transformation, and loading.
• Design and implement networking solutions to connect machine control systems with computer servers, ensuring seamless data flow.
• Apply cybersecurity best practices to protect data integrity and prevent unauthorized access.
• Implement digitization strategies for both manufacturing equipment data and operator-entered information, such as check sheets, shift logs, and change-point logs.
• Utilize experience with programmable logic controller (PLC) hardware and software to integrate and manage data from manufacturing equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand data requirements and provide technical support.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of data architecture, ETL processes, networking infrastructure, and digitization strategies.
• Develop the hardware/software for custom IoE devices and systems.
• Customize and implement manufacturing traceability and associated software used in eGL boards, manufacturing process visualization, data storage and production analytics.
• Manage company-wide production databases used in production analytics and visualization.
• Provide plant support as needed to resolve critical malfunctions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position will have no direct reports. 

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven knowledge in the development, creation and management of databases and data storage environments.
• Experience in data integration and analytics.
• Knowledge of automation technologies and PLC hardware/software.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Experience with custom software development using modern languages, developer tools, and practices. 
• Experience with MS/Linux operating system management and scripting.
• Experience and knowledge of computer/machine networking concepts, implementation, troubleshooting.

Other Desirable Skills and Experience 

• Knowledge of manufacturing management systems (MES, manufacturing process data acquisition) 
• Knowledge and experience with manufacturing traceability and process control software implementation. 
• Understanding and experience with automated machine controls and PLC programming. 
• Knowledge of the JTEKT Production System and the “JTEKT WAY”.
• Deep understanding of statistical methods, data analysis and manufacturing process validation.

Education and Experience:

• BS/MS in computer science/engineering, engineering, informational systems or comparable education.
• 5+ years’ supporting networked computer systems and software.
• 7+ years’ experience developing custom applications used in manufacturing operations.

Work Environment/Physical Demands: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Work is mostly performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment. 
• The performance of this position will require exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection. 
• Travel by automobile and plane is required, both nationally and internationally.  Expected 25-50% of time. 

Employee may perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.