Department: Information Technology
Reports To: Director of Manufacturing Engineering, Quality & IT
Position Summary
The Systems Analyst / Developer designs, builds, and maintains the internal software, integrations, and business systems that run our manufacturing operations — and helps embed practical AI capabilities into those systems and workflows. This is a hands-on build role at a small, multi-site manufacturer: the right person writes real code, understands the business well enough to translate operational problems into working solutions, and is also comfortable being the day-to-day IT resource for the plant. AI initiatives are developed collaboratively with the Director and existing technical staff, not owned in isolation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Software Development & Business Systems
- Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain internal software applications, databases, and system integrations.
- Analyze business processes and user requirements to identify opportunities for automation and system improvements; translate those into technical solutions.
- Build and maintain reports, dashboards, and data queries (SQL) to support operational and management decision-making.
- Manage data imports, exports, and integrations between business applications; ensure data integrity and security.
- Support and enhance ERP/MRP and related business systems (quality, scheduling, etc.); assist with implementations and upgrades.
- Troubleshoot and resolve application, database, and integration issues.
AI Solutions (developed with the Director / technical lead)
- Identify and prioritize opportunities to embed AI into internal applications and business workflows.
- Build and integrate AI-driven features into internal systems — e.g., LLM API integration, retrieval over company documents/data, and automation of manual, repetitive tasks.
- Evaluate AI tools, platforms, and APIs (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Azure OpenAI, Anthropic Claude) for fit, cost, and security.
- Prototype, test, and iterate on AI-assisted features before they reach production.
- Ensure responsible, secure use: control what data leaves the network, manage access, and validate AI outputs so unverified results don’t end up in production or quality-relevant processes.
IT Support & Infrastructure
- Provide first-line troubleshooting for desktop hardware, printers, operating systems, and Microsoft 365 / office applications.
- Set up, configure, and deploy computers and peripherals for on-site and remote staff; maintain hardware inventory and upgrade plans.
- Identify complex network/system issues and escalate appropriately to the Managed Service Provider (MSP).
Documentation, Collaboration & Projects
- Create and maintain system documentation, user guides, technical specifications, process flows, and internal knowledge-base articles.
- Collaborate with department managers and end users to gather requirements and recommend solutions; provide user training.
- Participate in project planning, budgeting, and execution for technology initiatives.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience considered.
Experience
- 3–5 years in software development, systems analysis, or a comparable IT role.
- Demonstrated experience actually building and shipping software (not just configuring or supporting it) — required, not a “nice to have.”
- Experience supporting business systems in a manufacturing environment preferred; ERP/MRP exposure highly desirable.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in one or more languages such as SQL, C#/.NET, Python, JavaScript.
- Strong database and SQL query-development skills.
- Experience with system integrations, APIs, and data migration.
- Working knowledge of network connectivity (TCP/IP, Wi-Fi), Windows, Microsoft 365, and hardware peripherals.
- Familiarity with reporting/BI tools and the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
- Exposure to AI/LLM APIs or AI-assisted development strongly preferred; CompTIA A+ is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to translate business problems into working technical solutions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to data accuracy.
- Clear written and verbal communication; able to work independently and across departments.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to travel between company locations as needed.
Working Conditions
- Office and manufacturing environment.
- Occasional after-hours support during implementations, upgrades, or emergencies.
Success Measures
- Timely delivery of software development and enhancement projects.
- Measurable reduction in manual work through automation and AI-assisted tooling.
- System uptime, reliability, and data security/compliance.
- User satisfaction and issue-resolution performance.
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
