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Digital Manufacturing Operations Engineer Sr

Plexus · IL · $85,100–$140,900 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about the manufacturing systems you've supported, like MES, shop floor control or traceability tools. What was your role?

What they are checking: Whether they have real senior-level depth on the systems that run production.

Tell me about a time you automated a process or report that saved real time.

What they are checking: Whether they look for improvement opportunities and can show measurable results.

How have you mentored less experienced engineers or helped train system users?

What they are checking: Whether they build up others' skills, expected of a senior engineer.

What would you do

A production line can't move product because a system transaction is failing. How do you troubleshoot under pressure?

What they are checking: Whether they diagnose quickly with logs and data, communicate status and keep production moving safely.

Operators keep finding workarounds to the system. What does that tell you, and what would you do?

What they are checking: Whether they see workarounds as feedback about usability and fix the root problem instead of just enforcing rules.

How do you prioritize requests from production, quality and engineering when they all need help at once?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh production impact and urgency and communicate clearly about what will be done when.

About the work

How do you set up routing and traceability for a new product so every serial number is tracked correctly?

What they are checking: Whether they understand configuring production flow and data capture for regulated customers.

Walk me through how you'd write a SQL query to find units that skipped a required test step.

What they are checking: Whether they can use data to catch process escapes, an important check for medical and aerospace products.

How do you manage changes to manufacturing systems without disrupting production?

What they are checking: Whether they use testing, change control and planned cutovers rather than making changes on the fly.

How do you connect machine data from equipment like SMT lines or test stations into your systems?

What they are checking: Whether they understand equipment integration, data formats and the practical problems of connecting factory machines.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Plexus.

About us: At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences and Industrial companies to design, manufacture and service some of the world’s most transformative products, including advanced surgical systems, diagnostic instruments, healthcare imaging equipment, mission critical aerospace systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Visit Plexus.com to learn more about our unwavering commitment to our vision. When we invest in our people, we invest in building a better world. With a vision rooted in the wellbeing and inclusive engagement of our team members, our customers, their end users and our communities, people are the heart of what we do and who we are. It is our values that unite us and guide us in everything that we do, including how we operate, behave and interact to foster a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Our values include: Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence and Creating Customer Success. As a team member, you will engage in impactful work through global collaboration and the use of emerging technologies, join an inclusive culture where every team member is valued and working toward a greater purpose, and be empowered to reach your full potential through various development programs designed to accelerate your growth. Plexus offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support team members' wellbeing, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and opportunities for professional development. We also prioritize work-life balance and offer a variety of perks to enhance the team member experience. For more information, visit our US benefits website at usbenefits.plexus.com . Our commitment to pay range transparency fosters an equitable workplace, where everyone can feel valued. The annual compensation range for this position is stated below. The salary offered within this range will be based upon the geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level. Salary Range: $85,100.00 - $140,900.00 Purpose Statement: The Digital Manufacturing Operations Engineer Sr. optimizes and manages global manufacturing processes and systems using digital technologies. This role serves as a global subject matter expert, bridging system knowledge gaps and aligning regional operations with the overarching global strategy. You will utilize tools such as automation, data analytics, and machine learning to drive continuous improvement, implementing scalable digital solutions that streamline production, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance across the enterprise. Key Job Accountabilities • Global SRV Strategy & Operational Alignment: Serve as the primary global point of contact for SRV (Service) Digital Manufacturing Operations strategy. Align regional SRV operations with global strategy, ensuring that production workflows are optimized, standardized, and consistent with DMO organizational goals. • Strategic Digital Transformation: Key stakeholder in global projects, specifically focusing on the enterprise transition from the legacy GSF system to Critical Manufacturing. Identify technical gaps between current global systems and emerging customer requirements. • Innovation & Technical Mentorship: Develop innovative, highly scalable manufacturing solutions that satisfy global stakeholder needs. Provide technical expertise and mentorship to regional engineers and cross-functional teams across multiple sites. • Communication & Reporting: Translate regional SRV operational trends and systemic issues into meaningful, high-level directional plans. Deliver technical presentations and strategic updates to global and regional leadership. • Global Project Documentation: Ensure accurate technical and global project documentation. Standardize procedures across regions in adherence to quality standards, industrial requirements, and global change management guidelines. • Independence & Process Ownership: Demonstrate expertise in the full manufacturing process on mid-to-large scale global projects. Work independently across multiple phases of the manufacturing process without constant direction from functional management. Education & Experience Qualifications • Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Engineering or related field preferred). • Experience: 4 or more years of related experience. (An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered). • Contextual Preference: • Strong preference for internal candidates to minimize onboarding time and provide immediate value. • Foundational knowledge of Plexus Manufacturing Execution Systems (MAX, GSF, JDE, Agile, WMS, etc.) and familiarity with SRV processes are highly desirable. Other Qualifications • Technical Proficiency: Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in CAD/CAM software for process design. Thorough understanding of PLM systems for product lifecycle management. Proficiency in simulation and data analysis software (e.g., Statistical Process Control) for optimizing workflows. • Leadership & Soft Skills: • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. • Proactive team player with the ability to work in a cross-disciplinary environment. • Leadership traits capable of guiding teams toward global strategic alignment. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface comfortably with all levels of leadership. • Additional Skills: Familiarity with automation technologies and basic programming knowledge. Experience with lab tools, test, or measurement equipment is preferred. Travel Requirements • Less than 40% This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or special requirements. If you need an application accommodation, please contact us by email at GHQ.TA@plexus.com . Please include your contact information and clearly describe how we can help you. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Some offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug screen and/or background check.

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