Shop Floor Application Engineer

About the role

This position connects Information Technology and Operational Technology environments within industrial settings.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

Design, implement, and maintain connectivity between IT and OT systems for manufacturing environments.

Data collection, visualization, and reporting initiatives are supported to enable informed decision-making in production settings.

Industrial network devices including switches, firewalls, and wireless systems are managed and maintained for reliable plant operations.

OT infrastructure components such as servers, virtual environments, and industrial PCs are maintained to sustain plant functions.

High availability and reliability of manufacturing systems are ensured through proactive monitoring and response.

Planned shutdowns, upgrades, and commissioning activities are supported to maintain system integrity during changes.

Vulnerability assessments are conducted, and remediation activities are supported to reduce operational risk.

System documentation, asset inventories, and network diagrams are maintained for clarity and compliance.

Site digitalization and modernization projects are supported to advance manufacturing capabilities.

Technical requirements, test plans, and implementation strategies are developed to guide system deployments.

Coordination with vendors, system integrators, and internal stakeholders ensures alignment on project goals.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Industrial Technology, or a related field is required.

At least 3 years of experience supporting manufacturing IT, OT, automation, or industrial systems is required.

Full on-site availability in Kinston, NC is required for this role.

Experience in manufacturing, industrial, pharmaceutical, chemical, food and beverage, or similar operational environments is preferred.

Industrial networking and infrastructure is used to maintain resilient connectivity.

Windows Server environments and virtualization technologies support core system functions.

SCADA, MES, Historian, and manufacturing systems are operated and supported.

PLC and automation technologies are applied in daily activities.

Cybersecurity principles for industrial control systems are followed to protect operations.

Knowledge of ISA/IEC 62443, NIST, or similar frameworks is preferred for compliance tasks.

Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills resolve complex operational issues.

Effective communication serves both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Strong organizational and documentation skills keep project records current.

The ability to manage multiple priorities is applied in fast-paced manufacturing settings.

Practical notes

On-site work in Kinston, NC is required.

Travel may be needed in support of production facilities.

Team collaboration includes working with production, maintenance, and engineering groups.

Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.