Digital Manufacturing Software Engineer

Job Title: Digital Manufacturing Software Engineer Looking for US Citizen Only

Job Location: Remote Newport News VA

Job Duration: 3 Months to Contract

Job Description:

• We are building modern highly customized digital applications on top of the Ignition platform to support complex discrete manufacturing operations at a heavy industrial US defense contractor.
• This role is not a traditional HMI or panel-screen configuration position. We are looking for engineers who bring strong web development fundamentals software engineering discipline and an interest in applying those skills to real-time industrial systems.
• You will use Ignition as the application platform - extending it with Python scripting JavaScript CSS SQL and API integrations to create scalable production-grade digital manufacturing solutions.
• Prior Ignition (or similar) experience is very helpful but not essential.
• Candidates with strong software and web foundations who can learn industrial platforms quickly are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

Application Development:

• Design and develop responsive industrial web applications using Ignition Perspective and supporting web technologies.
• Extend Ignitions out-of-the-box components using JavaScript CSS and Python scripting to meet complex business and operational requirements.
• Build modular maintainable application architectures that support long-term scalability and reuse.

Data & Systems Integration:

• Integrate applications with industrial and enterprise systems including:
• SQL databases
• SAP SharePoint Active Directory
• OPC and historian data sources (Kepware Canary etc.)
• REST APIs
• Design efficient data models and queries optimized for real-time operational use
• Manufacturing Collaboration
• Work directly with operations engineers IT business stakeholders and business analysts to translate manufacturing workflows into digital solutions
• Design interfaces and workflows optimized for industrial users operating in high-tempo production environments
• Help develop and extend dev team standards and tools to improve team performance

Quality & Reliability:

• Implement robust error handling logging and diagnostics
• Ensure solutions meet performance security reliability and compliance requirements
• Produce clear technical documentation and solution architecture diagrams

What Were Looking For:

• Core Technical Strengths
• Strong experience with web UI development concepts:
• HTML5
• CSS
• JavaScript
• Responsive design and modern UI patterns
• Proficiency in Python scripting for application logic and automation
• Solid experience working with SQL databases and relational data models
• Experience integrating external systems using REST APIs or web services
• Ability to design maintainable modular software - not just single-purpose screens
• Manufacturing & Industrial Aptitude
• Experience with manufacturing industrial automation or operational systems
• Ability to understand production workflows machine data and real-time operational constraints
• Familiarity with concepts such as MES SCADA HMI OPC historians or IIoT is a plus (not mandatory)

Bonus Experience (Nice to Have):

• Prior work with Ignition Wonderware Mendix or other similar industrial/low-code platforms
• Experience with Kepware Canary or industrial data pipelines
• Strong working knowledge of discrete manufacturing environments (aerospace automotive shipbuilding heavy industry)
• Working familiarity with SAP integrations
• Knowledge of cloud or hybrid architecture (AWS Industrial Solutions Framework)

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Enjoys building custom software solutions not just configuring vendor templates
• Are comfortable bridging IT/web development practices with industrial operations
• Can quickly learn new platforms and frameworks
• Thinks beyond out-of-the-box limitations
• Enjoys solving real production problems with software

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science Engineering or related field
• Equivalent practical experience will be considered

Travel:

• Potential for up to 2 visits to client site in Newport News VA per month 2-3 days per visit
• Recent travel pattern has been up to 1 visit per month

Skills Assessment (Required):

• As part of the interview process candidates will be asked to demonstrate their technical ability by completing a short development task.
• A conceptual design and functional requirements will be provided during the initial interview.
• Candidates will complete the assignment between interviews and demonstrate their solution during a follow-up interview including a walkthrough of their architecture technical decisions and implementation approach.
• Using Ignition is preferred but candidates may demonstrate the solution using another platform if necessary.
• An effort of 2-4 hours is expected but candidates may spend as much time on the assignment as desired.

Benefits & Opportunities:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Professional development opportunities and access to advanced training in digital manufacturing technologies.
• Chance to work on transformative projects within a forward-thinking organization.

Application Instructions:

• Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience with manufacturing software development and integration.
• Please include examples of past projects and describe your role in digital manufacturing initiatives.