Senior Software Developer II

About the Opportunity

The Senior MES Developer II provides advanced technical leadership in the design, development, and lifecycle management of MES applications, integrations, and architectures. This role combines senior-level development with elements of solution architecture and technical consulting, ensuring that MES solutions meet current business needs and support future growth. The role requires broad technical expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to engage directly with clients at a strategic level.

Role Reporting

The role reports to the Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Solution Architecture & Design

• Lead the architectural design of MES solutions, ensuring scalability, performance and security.
• Define and enforce technical standards, coding frameworks and best practices across development teams.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies, frameworks and platforms to support MES roadmaps.
• Ensure alignment of MES solutions with business strategies, operational needs and IT/OT policies.

Advanced Development & Integration

• Design, develop and optimise complex MES applications, custom modules and interfaces.
• Lead high-impact development initiatives, including large-scale integrations with OT/IT systems.
• Build advanced automation and data-processing solutions to streamline manufacturing operations.
• Ensure robust error handling, fault tolerance and disaster recovery capabilities in all solutions.

Application & System Governance

• Oversee release management and promote best practices in version control, CI/CD pipelines and DevOps adoption.
• Perform complex root cause analysis and implement sustainable solutions for recurring issues.
• Support the lifecycle management of MES applications, including upgrades, migrations and decommissioning.
• Maintain CMDB accuracy and provide guidance on technical recovery and disaster recovery strategies.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Act as a technical authority and subject matter expert in MES development and integration.
• Mentor and coach Senior, Intermediate and Junior Developers to strengthen team capability.
• Lead technical workshops with business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical designs.
• Provide technical guidance to project teams, ensuring quality delivery within scope and timelines.

Consulting & Client Engagement

• Partner with business stakeholders and clients to define technical approaches for proposals, proofs of concept (PoCs) and solution designs.
• Contribute to pre-sales activities by providing technical input for RFPs and quotations.
• Drive discussions around solution roadmaps, technical risks and strategic direction.
• Provide authoritative recommendations on MES development standards and best practices.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Research and apply advanced technologies, including cloud MES, IIoT platforms, advanced analytics and AI/ML integrations, to modernise MES environments.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and lead initiatives to improve operational efficiency.
• Promote knowledge sharing and cross-site standardisation of MES applications and solutions.

Qualifications

• Grade 12.
• Development certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant IT Degree or Diploma.

Experience

• 15+ years of experience in development.
• Understanding of and/or work experience in MES.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Mastery of at least one programming language relevant to MES, such as C#, Java or Python, with solid multi-language exposure.
• C# and .NET Framework, including ASP.NET, MVC or Web API.
• AngularJS, HTML, JavaScript, jQuery and Bootstrap.
• Internet Information Services (IIS).
• Advanced SQL and relational database expertise, including optimisation and data modelling; SQL and PL/SQL.
• Relational database experience with Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
• ORM tools, including Entity Framework and NHibernate.
• Strong knowledge of MES platforms, OT/IT integration and manufacturing processes.
• Advanced BI and reporting design using Power BI, SSRS, Qlik and Tableau.
• Experience with APIs, middleware and modern integration approaches.
• Proficiency with DevOps tools, CI/CD pipelines and modern software engineering practices.
• Solid understanding of ITIL service management processes.

Leadership & Professional Competencies

• Proven ability to act as a technical authority and solution architect.
• Strong mentoring and coaching abilities for team development.
• Excellent communication skills to bridge business and technical discussions.
• Strategic problem-solving skills and the ability to provide direction under pressure.
• Client-facing confidence, with the ability to influence and guide senior stakeholders.