MES Project Engineer (Limited Duration)

The Limited Duration MES Project Engineer is a 30-month fixed-term, on-site position based in Corvallis, Oregon. Reporting to the IT Site Manager, this role will lead the design, configuration, integration, testing, validation, and handover of a Manufacturing Execution System (Ignition and Sepasoft) integrated with Business Central (ERP) and LabWare (LIMS). The position will drive delivery from foundation and pilot through full value-stream rollout, coordinate Manufacturing, Quality, IT, Controls, and external partners, and ensure the MES supports batch genealogy, critical-to-quality data capture, statistical process control, overall equipment effectiveness, and closed-loop ERP/LIMS processes. This is a hands-on role that requires regular shop-floor presence for equipment integration, commissioning, pilot runs, troubleshooting, and validation.

• Project leadership and delivery: Own the MES implementation plan, schedule, milestones, risk register, and status reporting; manage scope, change control, deliverables, and acceptance criteria.
• Solution design: Translate value-stream maps and batch-process requirements into Ignition and Sepasoft models, workflows, and operator screens. Define master-data conventions and governance for items, equipment, locations, and lot numbering.
• Systems integration: Design and implement interfaces among Ignition/Sepasoft, Business Central, and LabWare; define data mappings, message patterns, reconciliation rules, and closed-loop ERP/LIMS processes.
• Shop-floor integration: Lead equipment connectivity using PLCs and industrial protocols, including OPC UA and EtherNet/IP; coordinate vendor-tool ingestion through file drops and APIs; and implement edge and store-and-forward strategies for intermittent connectivity.
• Quality and process controls: Partner with Quality to define critical-to-quality attributes (CTQs), sampling plans, statistical process control (SPC) rules, and release/hold logic. Ensure the MES enforces workflows and captures required electronic records.
• Pilot execution and scaling: Deliver the foundation, pilot, and full value-stream rollout phases; validate pilot results, resolve gaps, and support ongoing optimization before scaling.
• Testing and validation: Author and execute integration, functional, and user-acceptance test plans; document acceptance criteria; and manage defect triage and resolution.
• Training and documentation: Develop operator procedures, training materials, system runbooks, and handover documentation. Deliver training and knowledge transfer to internal Ignition engineers, IT, and platform owners.
• Vendor and systems-integrator coordination: Coordinate third-party integrators, Sepasoft and Inductive Automation contacts, and other vendors to align deliverables, responsibilities, and timelines.
• Operational readiness and handover: Define the steady-state support model, runbooks, governance, and resource requirements. Complete formal handover to platform owners and manufacturing governance at project close.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Automation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience implementing MES/SCADA projects in batch-manufacturing environments, with a demonstrated record of delivering pilot-to-scale MES projects.
• Hands-on experience configuring Inductive Automation Ignition HMIs, tags, and scripting, and Sepasoft MES modules for batch context, OEE/downtime, SPC, and production events.
• Practical experience integrating MES with ERP systems (Business Central or similar) and LIMS platforms (LabWare or similar), including master-data mapping and sample/disposition flows.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs and industrial protocols, including OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus, with experience mapping signals to MES tags and events.
• Deep understanding of batch workflows, genealogy, hold points, CTQs, and regulatory or quality record requirements.
• Experience with SQL Server, historians, relational-data design, data normalization, and event or historian interfaces.
• Experience creating test plans, executing user acceptance testing, documenting acceptance criteria, and supporting validation activities.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects, manage stakeholders, coordinate vendors, and report project status to senior leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create operator-level procedures and deliver effective training.
• Experience collaborating with IT on identity and access, backups, system support, and secure network architectures for OT/IT integration.
• Preferred, not required: Experience with Python, Java, JavaScript, Ignition scripting, REST/JSON APIs, MQTT, version control, CI/CD, dashboard visualization, or related integration and automation tools.
• Preferred, not required: Experience in chemical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, or specialty-materials batch manufacturing and familiarity with change control, electronic records, and audit readiness.
• Preferred, not required: Inductive Automation Ignition certification, Sepasoft training, PMP certification, or relevant PLC or vendor certifications.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without the need for employer sponsorship.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug test.

Physical Requirements:

• Regular on-site work is required in office, laboratory, pilot, cleanroom, and manufacturing environments in Corvallis, Oregon. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods and move regularly among office, laboratory, cleanroom, pilot, and manufacturing work areas.
• Ability to use computers, keyboards, diagnostic equipment, and other technical tools for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, and reach, and to work in restricted-access equipment areas around control panels, network cabinets, HMIs, sensors, PLCs, and other industrial equipment during installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to safely use ladders and step stools as needed to access controls, networking, instrumentation, and related equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, position, or move equipment and materials weighing up to 40 pounds, including laptops, diagnostic equipment, industrial computers, network equipment, scanners, tools, and installation hardware.
• Ability to wear required site PPE and cleanroom attire and comply with applicable laboratory, manufacturing, chemical-hygiene, cleanroom, and site-safety procedures.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support commissioning, pilot batches, system cutovers, go-live events, and other time-sensitive project milestones.
• Limited travel to other Inpria facilities, vendor sites, systems-integrator locations, or partner locations may be required.

Inpria offers competitive compensation, including bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (including family coverage).
• Life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability (company-paid).
• 401(k) with employer matching contributions.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

About Inpria 
Inpria Corporation is the world leader in metal oxide photoresist design, development, and manufacturing. Our EUV photoresists enable semiconductor manufacturers to realize the full potential of extreme ultraviolet lithography.
Located in Corvallis, Oregon—consistently ranked among the most livable and family-friendly cities in the U.S.—the area offers access to exceptional outdoor recreation, including the Cascade Mountains and Oregon coast.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Inpria is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity of thought and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered.