Applications Engineer jobs in Duluth, MN

Job Summary:

Responsible for the maintenance, enhancement, and augmentation of the ERP system.  Provides recommendations for the most efficient and effective use of the ERP software. To provide day to day support for ERP issue resolution and issue management. Serves as subject matter expert pertaining to ERP functionality and ERP technical capabilities.  Writes, tests, and implements software to augment the functionality of the current ERP system. Stays current with changes in ERP technology.

Essential Duties:

• Responsible for the technical health of the ERP system: Implements, maintains, and upgrades entire breath of ERP modules. This includes procurement, manufacturing and financial modules. Configures ERP software for most efficient operation.  Configures ERP software to achieve desired functionality.  Loads and tests version upgrades.  Runs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks as necessary.  Insures adequate and appropriate data backup and data retention.  Insures adequate system performance through performance tuning and hardware recommendations.

• Provides recommendations for the most efficient and effective use of ERP software. Analyses current business process and suggests changes to make more efficient.  Conducts analysis of what is automated vs. what is not automated and suggests changes.  Looks for opportunities to gain efficiencies throughout the organization by different uses of the ERP software. Plans, facilitates, tests, and implements any approved process changes. Advocates for economically justifiable software and process changes.

• Provides day to day support for ERP users. Fields calls from users and resolves their issues.  Works with software vendor on ERP problem determination and resolution. Uses knowledge of ERP software to resolve user’s problems.  Properly sets expectations of users with respect to timeliness of issue resolution. 

• Stays current with changes in ERP technology. Reads periodicals to stay current with state-of-the-art ERP technology and methodology.  Studies industry software usage to know ERP software best case and worse case usage.

• Writes software to augment ERP functionality. Consults with user to identify current operating procedures and clarify project objectives. Formulates plan outlining steps required to develop software using steps in Rational Unified Process or similar methodology. Prepares models to illustrate functionality, objects, relationships, and sequence of proposed software. Converts project specifications into software applying knowledge of programming techniques and languages. Tests to detect syntax or logic errors during program runtime or uses diagnostic software to detect errors. Replaces, deletes, or modifies codes to correct errors. Analyzes, reviews, and alters program to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements. Writes documentation to describe program development, logic, coding, and corrections. Writes manual for users to describe installation and operating procedures. Assists users to solve operating problems. Recreates steps taken by user to locate source of problem and rewrites program to correct errors. May train users to use program. May oversee installation of hardware and software. May provide technical assistance to program users. May install and test program at user site. May monitor performance of program after implementation.

Education and/or Experience:                                                

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 year's experience implementing or supporting Avante ERP and other ERP applications.
• Two years of general scripting and programming experience
• Good knowledge and experience working with Databases including design and normalization.
• MS/SQL server technology and Asp.net required.
• Business knowledge of Financial, Supply Chain, Planning and Purchasing processes

Additional Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:

• Excellent presentation, oral communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of MRP, planning, manufacturing, shipping, and receiving functions.
• Experience with one of more business process reengineering project.
• IBM U2/Universe or Pick experience desired.
• Knowledge of ‘Basic’ programming language desired.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Expert level skills with the SQL Query Language.
• Familiar with UML modelling.
• Experience with general reporting requirements.
• Expert level knowledge of MS/Access, Ms/Excel.
• Expert level skills with Visual Studio.net, Visual Basic 6.0, VBA.
• Knowledge of web services and portal technologies are preferable.
• Some knowledge of object-oriented software design development.
• Fit with other team members and department culture.
• Some domestic travel may be required.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

Technical skills: Possesses necessary skills and knowledge; provides accurate, neat, and thorough work; pursues training and professional development; and strives to continuously build knowledge & skills and share expertise with others.

Interpersonal Skills:  Communicates clearly; focuses on solving conflict; maintains confidentiality; treats others with respect & consideration; and works effectively in groups and with other departments across the organization.

Continuous Improvement: Generates and uses creative ideas to improve processes and services; adapts to change, works in an organized manner, uses time efficiently; and displays a positive outlook.

Dependability/Initiative: Assumes ownership of actions; follows instructions, offers ideas, and follows through on commitments; volunteers readily and offers to help and assist when work is complete; and commits to additional hours when necessary.

Attendance: Punctual; observes appropriate break and meal periods; acceptable attendance record; properly utilizes time clocks & time off request forms.

Organizational Support: Supports organizational goals, objectives, & values; adheres to all company policies & procedures; observes safety & security procedures; 6S (sort, straighten, shine, standardize, sustain, safety).

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required. 

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.