Remote- Digital Manufacturing Software Engineer

Role: Digital Manufacturing Software Engineer

Work location: Remote *

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 Ignition’s 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 We’re 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)

Who Thrives in This Role
This role is ideal for someone who:
Enjoys building custom software solutions, not just configuring vendor templates
Is 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
Bachelor's 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.