What are the responsibilities and job description for the SCADA & MES Engineer position at HSM?
Overview
The SCADA and MES Engineer is a hands-on digital enabler responsible for deploying and optimizing SCADA/MES platforms that drive real-time visibility, traceability, and system integration across TSM operations. Focused primarily on the Ignition platform, this role helps operational teams streamline data flow, standardize protocols, and build tools that maximize production success while reducing cost and risk. Candidates with experience in Siemens, Rockwell, or Aveva systems are welcome, provided they are ready to transition into an Ignition-first environment.
These tools are designed not only to enhance visibility and performance but also to reduce operational risk and cost, accelerate R&D cycles, and ensure successful, scalable rollouts by enabling faster validation and smarter decision-making across our teams.
By accelerating development cycles and enabling smarter decisions on the floor, this role contributes directly to TSM's GRIT by innovating digital tools, growing cross-functional capability, and delivering with tenacity to support scalable improvement.
Travel: 25% travel to other TSM (transportation) locations.
Reporting Location: This position can be based out of the following locations where we have TSM locations:
- North Carolina: Hickory, High Point, or Huntersville
- Outside of North Carolina: Fort Valley, GA / Monticello, IA / Ft Smith, AR / New Washington, OH / Tulsa, OK
Company Summary
HSM Transportation is an ISO Certified exclusive complete line manufacturer of C.E. White School Bus Seats, portable child restraints, seat covers, and foam aftermarket parts. We are also a premier commercial seat manufacturer specializing in luxury full-size, luxury shuttle, commuter transit, commuter van, salon, foldaway and sofa seating.
HSM Transportation Solutions is a business unit of HSM, headquartered in Hickory, NC since 1944. Our commitment to excellence goes far beyond our products and processes; it is centered on the people who make it all possible. If you're interested in learning more about our company culture, as well as the benefits we offer our employees, please visit our website or social media pages.
Responsibilities
MES & SCADA System Design
- Design and implement Ignition-based SCADA/MES systems for manufacturing visibility and control
- Standardize unified namespace and data connection protocols
- Develop SOPs that ensure connectivity, traceability, and efficient handoffs between teams
- Integrate production data into actionable dashboards and alerts
Application & Tool Development
- Build Ignition tools supporting OEE, inventory, quality tracking, and S&OP
- Enable faster iteration and more successful rollouts of process improvements and products
- Support virtual commissioning efforts via Robodk and Emulate3D platforms
Operational Engagement
- Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and maintenance teams to identify system gaps and develop effective MES solutions
- Translate frontline needs into scalable tools that increase transparency and consistency
- Provide training and guidance to operational staff to support adoption and success
Continuous Improvement & System Support
- Serve as internal SME on SCADA/MES platform performance and troubleshooting
- Monitor performance and uptime, recommend continuous improvement actions
Digital Foundation Alignment
- Work with Digital Factory Architects to align MES tools with larger system models
- Maximize platform flexibility and ensure successful scaling across plants
Qualifications
Technical Skills & Experience
- Proficiency with Ignition preferred; experience with Siemens, Rockwell, or Aveva acceptable
- Industrial protocols: OPC UA, MQTT, REST APIs
- Programming: Python, structured text
- Vision systems: Cognex, Keyence
- Automation: PLCs, Fanuc/KUKA/Yaskawa robotics
- 5 years in SCADA/MES engineering within manufacturing
- Experience creating MES tools that support plant KPIs
- Familiarity with discrete manufacturing preferred
Education
- Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or similar
- Ignition/MES certification preferred
Soft Skills
- Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication
- Problem-solver with high initiative and learning agility
- Demonstrates TSM GRIT: Grow skills, Respect users, Innovate boldly, and execute with Tenacity
Top Benefits
As a SCADA & MES Engineer at HSM, you’ll enjoy:
- 401k Contribution Match up to 4% (100% Vested from Day 1), 9 paid holidays, 3 weeks of vacation (Eligible after 60 days), Affordable Total Package Benefits offerings for you and your family, On-Site No-Cost Medical Clinics for you and Covered Dependents, Teladoc 24/7 ($0 copay), Global Healthcare and Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Assistance.
EEOC
HSM prohibits discrimination based on any protected status, workplace harassment/bullying, and retaliation for filing a complaint or providing information related to a complaint. HSM provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual's protected status: race/ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, pregnancy/childbirth or related conditions, religion, creed, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status.