Freelance MES/SAP Interface Lead

Project overview

As part of an ongoing automation project at an established pharmaceutical company, support with senior expertise is needed on short notice. The focus is on reprogramming the control system and the structured further development of the interface architecture between shopfloor automation and SAP. Your task is to contribute additional technical seniority, accelerate implementation, and create a sustainable foundation for long-term MES implementation. The prospective SAP S/4HANA transition must also be considered.

Requirements

• Proven experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), system integration, and IT/OT architectures in manufacturing environments.
• Sound technical understanding of shopfloor automation, production processes, and their connection to ERP systems like SAP.
• Confident knowledge of SQL databases, SAP interfaces (RFC, BAPIs, Middleware), and relevant integration patterns.
• Experience in the AVEVA/Wonderware and Batch system environment (e.g., MES platforms, data acquisition, recipe management).
• University degree or vocational training in computer science, automation technology, or a comparable background with proven practical experience.
• Strong combination of conceptual thinking and practical technical understanding – dynamic, structured, and hands-on working style; ability to bring calm and transparency to the team.
• Languages: German and English required.
• Pharmaceutical industry experience desirable

Project details

Your Responsibilities

• Project Start: as soon as possible (ASAP)
• Project Duration: 18 months
• Location: Greater Frankfurt area
• On-site Requirement: 3-4 days per week on-site, remaining time can be remote
• Workload: Full-time
• Take overall technical and conceptual responsibility for the interface layer between the control system and SAP, coordinating IT, OT, engineering, and production perspectives.
• Analyze existing interface structures, systematically organize them, and document them transparently.
• Develop technical concepts and design a suitable target architecture that considers SAP integration and future scalability.
• Define MES requirements and relevant data flows, and conduct coordination with production, IT, and engineering.
• Develop a structured approach for introduction and continuous further development – initially for a pilot plant.
• Work closely with the already involved system provider and lead the project team through example and technical guidance.
• Start: ab sofort
• Duration: 18 Monate
• Remote: hybrid
• Location: Großraum Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland, DE
• Languages: German, English