Software Engineer - MES Solutions

As a 100% Employee-Owned company, Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. believes our Associates are the foundation of both our customers’ and our success.  Our strong company culture, and belief in continued investment in our Associates, has helped us realize long Associate tenures, as well as long lasting relationships with our customers.  Under the Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. umbrella there are two divisions: R.E. Mason and Apperture Solutions.

R.E. Mason is an Emerson Impact Partner covering North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.  Emerson is the global leader of process systems and solutions.  R.E. Mason provides industry-leading process equipment and service for process control, automation, safety, and reliability.  The industries served include Chemical, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, Power & Utilities, Food & Beverage, and Pulp & Paper. 

Apperture Solutions is a technology independent, professional consulting, and implementation services firm.  Apperture Solutions offers Data Enablement, Production Optimization, Operations Management, and Other Value-Added Services.  Apperture Solutions partners with other providers to offer our customers the technologies and solutions that fit their needs.

What Apperture Offers Associates:

Apperture is a 100% employee-owned company that offers a comprehensive, industry leading benefits package to all eligible Associates:

• Participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Retirement plan, including a Safe Harbor contribution
• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Employer paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Generous paid leave options that include vacation time, sick leave, personal leave time, R.E. Mason Way Half Day, paid Jury Duty, and paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid company holidays
• Career Development Program
• Retirement and Financial Wellness program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Alternative/Hybrid Work Schedules

General Description

The successful candidate will work with our team and many of the leading pharma and biopharma manufacturers to drive efficiency and regulatory compliance in their facilities. The Software Engineer will also work in the development, delivery, and commissioning of state-of-the-art manufacturing execution systems and solutions for R.E. Mason’s industrial customers. The primary platforms that R.E. Mason will implement include Emerson’s Syncade MES, Bio-G scheduling platforms, and Plantweb Optics/Analytics digital transformation solutions.

The Software Engineer will also provide aftermarket (“Lifecycle”) and staff augmentation support to customers. Typically, this includes maintaining and updating existing site MES systems, implementing small scale expansion projects, and assisting with process optimization projects. The Software Engineer will report to the Project Execution Services Manager located in the R.E. Mason RTP office.

Specific Responsibilities

• Work with customers to analyze/develop functional requirements for MES solutions through client interviews and documentation analysis
• Work in a team to develop detailed designs, implement, troubleshoot and test Syncade MES solutions that meet client/project requirements. Including but not limited to:
  • Recipes / Work flows
  • Equipment Management
  • Materials management
  • Document Management
  • Reports Configuration
• Interface with the Solutions Consultant team to identify and create new business opportunities
• Develop documentation including creating test scripts as required for validated facilities
• Work independently on-site at a customer location
• Support start-up and commissioning activities at customer sites
• Travel in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia – approximately 25%

Required Competencies

• US Citizenship required
• Demonstrated interest in software development
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in team environment; a team player
• Self-directed, self-motivated, and detail oriented
• Customer focused
• Organized and reliable; Demonstrates integrity
• Valid driver’s license required

Required Education and Experience

• B.S. in CHE, EE, ME, Comp. Eng, Comp. Sci., or other related disciplines
• 0-5 years of relevant experience
• MS Office Experience

Preferred Experience/Competencies

• Experience with Emerson’s Manufacturing Execution Systems (Syncade) or similar products such as Werum Pas-X
• Experience with object oriented programming using XML, SQL, VBScript, Web Parts, Web Services, etc.
• Understanding of regulated and validated systems
• Experience with .NET technologies
• ISA-95 Enterprise-Control System Integration Model
• Batch process control/ISA S88 experience
• Basic Networking

Physical Requirements

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Kneeling
• Reaching Overhead
• Climbing
• Pushing and Pulling
• Lifting - 30 pounds
• Using a Computer
• Using a Telephone
• Driving

Apperture is a federal contractor and, as such, is required to solicit the disability status and protected veteran status of candidates. Thus, you are required to answer self-identification questions as part of your application process. These questions are part of Apperture’s Affirmative Action Plan and the completion of these questions will not have any effect on any consideration of your application materials.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and need to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Apperture, please call our office at (704) 375-4465.

This is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of any required pre-employment and, if applicable, ongoing drug testing, including testing mandated by customer site access requirements.