MES System Implementation Engineer Location: Slough and customer sites (UK) Experience: Minimum 5 years Reporting to: Project Manager About the Opportunity Exalto Consulting is supporting the search for an experienced MES System Implementation Engineer to join a growing delivery team in the food manufacturing sector. This role is centred on practical impact. It focuses on helping manufacturers use technology in ways that genuinely improve production performance, strengthen compliance, and support continuous improvement on the shop floor. You will work directly with customers to translate real manufacturing processes into effective MES configurations. The aim is simple: ensure the system works reliably, supports day-to-day operations, and delivers measurable improvements. The Purpose of the Role The Implementation Engineer is responsible for deploying and configuring MES solutions in live manufacturing environments. This includes: Turning operational requirements into clear system configurations Integrating MES with machines and third-party systems Testing, validating, and troubleshooting end-to-end processes Supporting user adoption and practical day-to-day use Success in this role is not defined by technical delivery alone, but by outcomes: improved data accuracy, clearer visibility of production performance, reduced inefficiencies, and confident system use by production teams. What You Will Be Doing System Implementation and Configuration Capture and document factory processes Map processes accurately within the MES platform Configure system parameters to reflect real production workflows Identify operational challenges and propose practical, system-based solutions Integration and Technical Delivery Set up interfaces with third-party systems (e.g. ERP, WMS, QMS) Integrate with production equipment using industrial protocols (e.g. OPC UA, TCP/IP, RS-232) Support network connectivity across servers, terminals, machines, and cloud environments Conduct end-to-end testing, including performance and stress testing Analyse logs and resolve data inconsistencies or service issues Escalate and collaborate with senior technical teams on complex problems Operational Impact Work closely with production teams to understand inefficiencies Support improvements in key manufacturing KPIs such as OEE, downtime, scrap, and throughput Promote best-practice use of the MES system Contribute ideas for system enhancements based on shop floor feedback Training and Adoption Develop clear training materials Train key users and end users Support long-term adoption and confident use of the system Experience and Background We are looking for professionals who bring: At least 5 years’ experience implementing MES solutions within manufacturing Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs (OEE, downtime, scrap, performance rates) Experience working with ERP, WCS/WMS, or QMS systems Familiarity with machine connectivity and industrial communication protocols Practical knowledge of production machine configuration concepts Experience troubleshooting technical system issues across databases, servers, or network infrastructure Exposure to food manufacturing environments, Lean or Continuous Improvement initiatives, and collaboration with software development teams will be an advantage. How You Work Technical capability is important, but so is how you approach people and problems. You are likely to: Communicate clearly with both technical teams and shop floor operators Listen carefully to understand real operational challenges Approach problems with curiosity and practical thinking Identify inefficiencies and suggest realistic improvements Support stakeholders in understanding the value of new ways of working This role involves regular interaction with customers and time spent on manufacturing sites. Professionalism, clarity, and respect for operational realities are essential. Why This Role Matters Manufacturers rely on accurate data and reliable systems to run efficiently and meet regulatory standards. A well-implemented MES can make the difference between reactive operations and controlled, measurable performance. In this position, your work directly influences production visibility, operational efficiency, and long-term improvement. The impact is tangible — on the factory floor and across the wider business. If you would like to discuss this opportunity in confidence, Exalto Consulting would be pleased to speak with you.