Position OverviewUltralife Corporation is seeking a hands-on
ERP/MES Applications Specialist to support and optimize business applications at our Newark, NY manufacturing facility.
This role will serve as a key plant resource for
ERP, MRP, and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), working closely with Supply Chain, Production, Purchasing, Inventory, Engineering, and other operational teams to ensure business systems effectively support manufacturing and material-planning requirements.
The ERP/MES Applications Specialist will play a key role in
system implementation, configuration, testing, optimization, user support, and training, with an emphasis on improving manufacturing processes, system adoption, and operational efficiency.
Key ResponsibilitiesERP/MES Systems & MRP- Serve as the primary plant-level resource for ERP/MES applications and related business processes.
- Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and plant leadership to drive the configuration, testing, and deployment of SYSPRO MRP.
- Align ERP/MRP functionality with production schedules, BOMs, inventory requirements, purchasing processes, and procurement workflows.
- Analyze MRP outputs and exception messages to improve material availability and planning accuracy.
- Optimize planning parameters, including lead times, safety stock, reorder points, lot sizes, and other MRP settings.
- Support MES and other manufacturing applications to improve production visibility, data capture, and process control.
- Participate in system upgrades, enhancements, integrations, testing, and implementation projects.
Application Support & Process Improvement- Troubleshoot ERP/MES application issues and work with users to resolve system and process problems.
- Work with Production, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Inventory, Engineering, and other functional teams to identify business requirements and improve system utilization.
- Evaluate existing processes and recommend system, workflow, and process improvements.
- Partner with Corporate IT and external vendors on application issues, integrations, upgrades, and enhancements.
- Document business processes, system procedures, configuration standards, and best practices.
- Identify and resolve discrepancies between system information and actual plant conditions.
Training & User Adoption- Develop SOPs, work instructions, and training materials for ERP/MES processes.
- Deliver hands-on, role-based training for planners, buyers, shop-floor supervisors, inventory personnel, engineering and other users.
- Develop onboarding programs for new employees using ERP/MES applications.
- Conduct refresher and advanced training to reinforce system knowledge and adoption.
- Provide ongoing coaching and support to ensure consistent and effective system utilization.
Plant Operations & Continuous Improvement- Work closely with the Plant Manager and Supply Chain Manager to identify operational bottlenecks, capacity constraints, and material-planning issues.
- Use ERP/MES information and operational knowledge to support data-driven process improvement.
- Support initiatives that improve inventory accuracy, production planning, schedule adherence, material availability, and overall operational efficiency.
- Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications & Experience- Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, Business, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 3-5+ years of hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience supporting, configuring, implementing, or optimizing SYSPRO MRP or a comparable ERP/MRP platform.
- Understanding of MES and manufacturing execution processes.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing planning, inventory management, BOMs, purchasing, production scheduling, and MRP processes.
- Experience translating manufacturing business requirements into ERP/MES system solutions.
- Experience developing SOPs, work instructions, and user training programs.
- Demonstrated ability to train and support non-technical manufacturing personnel.
- Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with SYSPRO ERP/MRP. (HIGHLY DESIRED)
- Experience with MES implementation or support.
- Experience with ERP/MES integrations and system upgrades.
- Understanding of SQL and ERP/MES database structures.
- Experience in a discrete manufacturing environment.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
- Familiarity with Power BI or other business intelligence tools.
Key Competencies- ERP/MES Expertise: Strong practical understanding of manufacturing business systems and processes.
- Manufacturing Knowledge: Ability to connect system functionality with real-world plant operations.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to identify root causes when system outputs differ from physical inventory, production requirements, or schedules.
- Training & Communication: Ability to explain technical systems and processes clearly to users at all levels.
- Continuous Improvement: Ability to identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and system utilization.
- Ownership & Initiative: Self-starter who takes ownership of applications, projects, and operational improvements.
- Collaboration: Effective partner across Operations, Supply Chain, IT, Engineering, Finance, and other functional groups.
The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.