IT Application Manager

Illuminate USA; Pataskala (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Illuminate USA in Pataskala, Ohio, invites an experienced leader to drive our application engineering efforts across ERP, MES, and WMS. You will guide a growing team, shape architecture decisions, and ensure reliable, scalable software that supports our expanding solar manufacturing operations.

This role requires 8+ years in business applications, strong leadership, and hands-on development with enterprise systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent background.
• 8+ years of experience with business applications.
• Experience leading projects and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Application Engineers.
• Set technical direction for ERP, MES, WMS systems.
• Oversee project planning, data migration, and deployment.
• Report status to senior management with insights.
• Ensure system integration and performance monitoring.

Skills

Leadership

ERP/MES/WMS

AI-assisted development

System integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT or related

Tools

Oracle ERP

Rockwell FTPC

SQL

Job description

Illuminate USA, located in the heart of Central Ohio, is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting‑edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we have rapidly grown to over 1,600 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1‑million‑square‑foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere. This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Application Engineers, fostering technical growth and a high‑performing culture.
• Set technical direction and make key architecture and solution decisions across ERP, MES, WMS, and related systems.
• Allocate resources, prioritize workloads, and coordinate team activities to meet business and project commitments.
• Report on the status of application initiatives to senior management, providing insights and strategic recommendations.
• Oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting of business applications to ensure reliable support and uninterrupted business activities.
• Direct the identification of recurring problems and coordinate the implementation of improvement measures and standards.
• Establish standards for system data analysis, problem resolution, user permissions, and system parameter management to meet evolving business and regulatory needs.
• Ensure regular training is delivered to key system users and end‑users across the organization.
• Direct the collection, analysis, and implementation of system optimizations and upgrades to enhance functionality and user experience.
• Drive complex application projects from conception to execution, including planning, requirements gathering, process review, system configuration, testing, data migration, and deployment.
• Foster innovation to develop cutting‑edge solutions that provide competitive advantages.
• Ensure seamless integration and consistent information flow across ERP, MES, WMS, and other enterprise systems.
• Guide custom application development and system integration efforts, leveraging AI‑assisted development tools to accelerate delivery while upholding code quality, security, and maintainability standards.
• Collaborate with vendors, IT partners, and stakeholders to maintain system integrity and foster partnerships that support the application infrastructure.
• Create and maintain system and application documentation, including requirements, processes, procedures, operation manuals, and guidelines.
• Provide on‑call support coverage to business teams and complete other duties as assigned, reflecting the dynamic nature of system operations within a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 8 years of experience working with and supporting business applications, including significant experience leading projects, teams, or technical staff.
• Broad knowledge of enterprise application systems such as ERP, MES, and WMS, including systems analysis, design, and integration between platforms.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, with experience mentoring engineers and making technical decisions in a cross‑functional environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and communicate effectively with both technical teams and business stakeholders.
• Strong programming and technical skills, with a preference for candidates who exhibit a depth of technical proficiency.
• Hands‑on experience in application development, including designing, building, and deploying custom applications, integrations, and automation to extend and connect enterprise systems.
• Experience with AI‑assisted code development and AI development tools (such as GitHub Copilot, Microsoft Copilot, or similar), with the ability to apply these tools to accelerate delivery while maintaining code quality and security standards.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent team working skills balanced with the ability to work independently, and a positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Oracle ERP/EBS technology and ERP integration between Oracle and other systems.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems and Rockwell FTPC platforms, Java, XML, and Oracle SQL.
• Familiarity with warehouse management operations and PL/SQL.
• Prior experience in solar or other high‑volume manufacturing environments.

EEO and Diversity Statement

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Illuminate USA is an equal opportunity employer and celebrates diversity. All unique backgrounds and experiences are valued here as they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward.