Systems Analyst/Developer

Department: Information Technology Reports To: Director of Manufacturing Engineering, Quality & IT Position Summary The Systems Analyst / Developer designs, builds, and maintains the internal software, integrations, and business systems that run our manufacturing operations — and helps embed practical AI capabilities into those systems and workflows. This is a hands-on build role at a small, multi-site manufacturer: the right person writes real code, understands the business well enough to translate operational problems into working solutions, and is also comfortable being the day-to-day IT resource for the plant. AI initiatives are developed collaboratively with the Director and existing technical staff, not owned in isolation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Software Development & Business Systems •     Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain internal software applications, databases, and system integrations. •     Analyze business processes and user requirements to identify opportunities for automation and system improvements; translate those into technical solutions. •     Build and maintain reports, dashboards, and data queries (SQL) to support operational and management decision-making. •     Manage data imports, exports, and integrations between business applications; ensure data integrity and security. •     Support and enhance ERP/MRP and related business systems (quality, scheduling, etc.); assist with implementations and upgrades. •     Troubleshoot and resolve application, database, and integration issues. AI Solutions (developed with the Director / technical lead) •     Identify and prioritize opportunities to embed AI into internal applications and business workflows. •     Build and integrate AI-driven features into internal systems — e.g., LLM API integration, retrieval over company documents/data, and automation of manual, repetitive tasks. •     Evaluate AI tools, platforms, and APIs (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Azure OpenAI, Anthropic Claude) for fit, cost, and security. •     Prototype, test, and iterate on AI-assisted features before they reach production. •     Ensure responsible, secure use: control what data leaves the network, manage access, and validate AI outputs so unverified results don’t end up in production or quality-relevant processes. IT Support & Infrastructure •     Provide first-line troubleshooting for desktop hardware, printers, operating systems, and Microsoft 365 / office applications. •     Set up, configure, and deploy computers and peripherals for on-site and remote staff; maintain hardware inventory and upgrade plans. •     Identify complex network/system issues and escalate appropriately to the Managed Service Provider (MSP). Documentation, Collaboration & Projects •     Create and maintain system documentation, user guides, technical specifications, process flows, and internal knowledge-base articles. •     Collaborate with department managers and end users to gather requirements and recommend solutions; provide user training. •     Participate in project planning, budgeting, and execution for technology initiatives. Qualifications Education •     Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience considered. Experience •     3–5 years in software development, systems analysis, or a comparable IT role. •     Demonstrated experience actually building and shipping software (not just configuring or supporting it) — required, not a “nice to have.” •     Experience supporting business systems in a manufacturing environment preferred; ERP/MRP exposure highly desirable. Technical Skills •     Proficiency in one or more languages such as SQL, C#/.NET, Python, JavaScript. •     Strong database and SQL query-development skills. •     Experience with system integrations, APIs, and data migration. •     Working knowledge of network connectivity (TCP/IP, Wi-Fi), Windows, Microsoft 365, and hardware peripherals. •     Familiarity with reporting/BI tools and the software development lifecycle (SDLC). •     Exposure to AI/LLM APIs or AI-assisted development strongly preferred; CompTIA A+ is a plus. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities •     Ability to translate business problems into working technical solutions. •     Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to data accuracy. •     Clear written and verbal communication; able to work independently and across departments. •     Ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines. Physical Requirements •     Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods. •     Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. •     Ability to travel between company locations as needed. Working Conditions •     Office and manufacturing environment. •     Occasional after-hours support during implementations, upgrades, or emergencies. Success Measures •     Timely delivery of software development and enhancement projects. •     Measurable reduction in manual work through automation and AI-assisted tooling. •     System uptime, reliability, and data security/compliance. •     User satisfaction and issue-resolution performance.