SUMMARY
The Manufacturing Data Specialist is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and optimizing production software and data systems that support manufacturing to improve efficiency, product quality, data accuracy, and production reporting. This role serves as a key link between production operations and information technology by configuring system functionality, troubleshooting issues, training users, and ensuring effective integration between production software and other enterprise systems.
The Manufacturing Data Specialist analyzes production data and system performance to identify trends, improve reporting accuracy, and support continuous improvement initiatives. This role works collaboratively with production, engineering, quality, and IT teams on system-related projects that improve safety and quality, throughput cost initiatives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Implement, configure, and maintain production software applications, including manufacturing, reporting, or related systems, to support production processes.
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Serve as the primary point of contact between manufacturing operations and IT for production software-related functionality, troubleshooting, user support, and system improvements.
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Monitor system performance, investigate software issues, and coordinate resolutions to minimize production downtime and maintain data integrity.
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Maintain and validate production data, system inputs, and reporting fields to support accurate production records, performance metrics, and decision-making.
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Support manufacturing costing activities by maintaining accurate production data, reviewing cost-related system inputs, and collaborating with accounting, operations and engineering as needed.
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Analyze production and process data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
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Support continuous improvement initiatives by providing data analysis, system configuration support, and reporting that contribute to safety, quality, and production throughput.
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Collaborate with engineering, quality, operations, and IT teams on system enhancements, upgrades, integrations, and manufacturing technology projects.
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Develop and maintain system documentation, work instructions, user guides, and training materials for production software users.
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Train production personnel and supervisors on production software functionality, best practices, troubleshooting basics, and proper data entry procedures.
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Support production reporting and performance metrics by ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable system data collection.
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Participate in system testing, validation, deployment, and post-implementation support for new production software features or upgrades.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
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Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing or Industrial Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Analytics, or a related field preferred; Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience:
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3–5 years of experience in manufacturing operations, production systems support, ERP/MOS systems, manufacturing reporting, data analysis, or related manufacturing technology support preferred.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
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Ability to explain system functionality, data requirements, troubleshooting steps, and reporting information to production employees, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.
- Strong communication, training, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively train system users, present information clearly, practice active listening, ask thoughtful questions, and understand business and system needs.
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Ability to communicate effectively with external vendors or system support resources as needed.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
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Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, averages, rates, ratios, and unit conversions.
- Ability to observe, gather, validate, analyze, and interpret production and system data—including performance metrics, variances, scrap, downtime, throughput, and other manufacturing-related measures—to support accurate reporting, troubleshoot system and data issues, identify root causes, coordinate resolution with appropriate resources, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
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Ability to understand and apply basic cost-related calculations used in manufacturing reporting and costing support.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
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Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking skills.
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Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production workflows, with the ability to read, interpret, and apply manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, routings, bills of material, and related production records.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and support production needs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle business, production, and system information appropriately.
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Familiarity with production software platforms and system configuration.
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Ability to work effectively with production, engineering, quality, IT, and other cross-functional teams to communicate system functionality, data requirements, troubleshooting processes, and reporting information while supporting collaboration and operational objectives.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing reporting tools.
