Plant IT Lead

ABOUT SLATE
At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

| WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Plant IT Lead, MES will play a pivotal role in the selection, integration, and deployment of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) as part of a greenfield implementation.  The role involves building the MES from the ground up, ensuring a cohesive and synergistic approach to optimizing manufacturing and business processes.  Responsibilities include collaborating with key stakeholders, aligning MES requirements with the overall strategy, overseeing the selection process, coordinating implementation, and facilitating seamless integration with other systems.  Additionally, this role will manage the integration with the integrator, orchestrating the creation of data maps to ensure consistent layout, ease of integration, accurate data flow, and interoperability.

The goal is to establish operational efficiency, data accuracy, and enhanced decision-making capabilities by leveraging the full potential of the MES system.  Furthermore, the role will encompass continuous monitoring, management, and improvement of the MES to ensure it remains aligned with organizational goals and adapts to evolving business needs.

* Must be willing to relocate to Warsaw, Indiana.  Relocation assistance will be provided. *

| WHAT YOU GET TO DO

Selection and Pre-Launch Work:

• System Selection and/or Configuration:Confirm configuration to meet the identified requirements, minimizing customization of the system.  Drive the selection process as outlined in the existing RFI, ensuring that all functional requirements are met.
• Business Needs Assessment and Requirement Gathering:Analyze current processes, goals, and requirements to determine how the MES can enhance them, and work with stakeholders to document detailed system requirements tailored to the startup's needs.  Areas of function include:
  • Production Management / Scheduling
  • Synchronous Material Flow
  • In-Line Quality Management
  • Traceability and Compliance
  • Predictive Tool Maintenance
  • Human Resource Requirements
• Integrator Data Maps:Orchestrate the creation of data maps at the integrator to ensure seamless integration between the PLC and the MES, facilitating consistent layout, ease of integration, accurate data flow, and interoperability.

Implementation:

• Project Planning: Develop and execute a detailed project plan with timelines, milestones, and resource allocation for smooth implementation, encompassing stakeholder communication and change management.
• User Training: Design and deliver training programs for user proficiency.
• Testing and Quality Assurance: Oversee comprehensive testing to resolve issues before launch.
• System Integration: Ensure MES integration with other enterprise systems (ERP, PLM).
• Data Management: Establish governance and quality standards for accurate data.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure MES compliance with standards and develop reporting capabilities.
• Customization and Development: Oversee customization to meet organizational needs.

Support:

• Continuous Improvement: Monitor system performance, gather feedback, and optimize.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Post-Implementation Support: Provide ongoing support and address system issues or enhancements.
• Performance Metrics: Track key metrics to measure system impact on operational efficiency.
• Documentation: Develop and maintain system configuration documentation.
• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with vendors, including contracts and performance.
• User Support and Training: Provide ongoing support and training for MES users.

| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Credentials: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Master's degree is preferred.  In lieu of a degree, equivalent significant industry experience will be considered.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience working at an Automotive Manufacturing OEM as an MES Lead, with experience in deployment, upgrades, and business support.
• Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of an Automotive Manufacturing organization’s business processes, goals, and industry-specific challenges is essential. This includes knowledge of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and relevant industry standards.
• MES Expertise: Proficiency in ERP and MES systems, including a comprehensive understanding of their functionalities, capabilities, and integration points.
• ERP and PLM Expertise: Knowledge of specific ERP and PLM platforms and their integration to the MES is strongly desired. Specific experience with NetSuite Oracle and PTC’s Windchill, is valuable.
• System Integration Expertise: Expertise in system integration strategies and techniques, ensuring seamless data flow between the MES systems and other IT applications within the organization. Understanding data governance, data quality, and data migration best practices to ensure the accurate transfer of data between systems.
• Requirement Analysis: The ability to gather and analyze business requirements, translating them into technical specifications for system selection and design. This involves working closely with stakeholders to identify their needs.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills are necessary to plan, execute, and oversee the selection, design, and deployment of the MES systems. This includes managing timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.  Proficiency in quality assurance processes, including system testing, user acceptance testing (UAT).
• Vendor Evaluation and Selection: Knowledge of vendor evaluation criteria and the ability to assess and select the most suitable MES vendors based on the organization's requirements and budget.
• Problem-solving, strategic thinking, and risk management skills are essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Highly adaptable and proactive, excelling in fast-paced start-up and new model launch environments.

| PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE? 

We’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. Slate’s start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness moves our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles. 

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE:

• Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.
• Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].