Information Technology Operations Specialist

Job Summary

IT Operations Specialist serves as the frontline of APEL’s IT operations, providing hands-on technical support to end users, managing hardware and software issues, and ensuring the smooth running of IT systems across the organization. This role requires a well-rounded blend of troubleshooting expertise, technical competence, and customer service skills to quickly resolve issues and minimize disruption to daily operations. This position reports directly to the Corporate IT Manager and requires occasional travel to APEL’s facility in Coburg, Oregon to provide on-site IT services.

Duties and responsibilities

·       Provide hands-on IT support to production floor operators, maintenance teams, supervisors, and office staff.

·       Troubleshoot and resolve hardware/software issues for desktops, laptops, label printers, and all production-

related IT equipment.

·       Install, maintain and support industry-specific applications such as EPICS and Macola ERP systems.

·       Maintain reliable connectivity across the plant, including wired, Wi-Fi, and VLAN-segmented production

networks.

·       Ensure uptime of network switches, PLC-connected devices, and industrial PCs.

·       Deploy, configure, and maintain PCs, thin clients, tablets, barcode scanners, and mobile devices used across

the production and logistics areas.

·       Conduct preventive maintenance and perform updates on IT hardware across all APEL locations

·       Track and maintain accurate records of IT assets, including device assignments, printers, serial numbers, and

lifecycle data.

·       Onboard new employees with appropriate credentials, access levels, and device configurations

·       Administer Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and ERP system access based on job function.

·       Support IT related PLC/PC interfaces, production dashboards and extrusion control systems.

·       Participate in root cause analysis for recurring IT-related production issues.

·       Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to IT support processes, device reliability, and response

times.

·       Perform other duties as assigned to support the broader IT and operations teams.

Required Competencies & Knowledge & Skills

·       Solid understanding of LAN/WAN, TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, and Wi-Fi troubleshooting — especially in large

industrial spaces.

·       Good knowledge of Microsoft Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft 365 administration

·       Strong Networking knowledge base (more than 2 years desired)

·       Able to explain technical issues in plain language to production floor operators and management.

·       Comfortable multitasking and changing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where downtime

equals lost revenue.

·       Understands the criticality of production uptime and takes full ownership of issues until resolution.

·       Approachable, patient, and quick to respond, with a proactive attitude toward resolving end-user issues.

·       Good communication skills

Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.

·       Relevant certifications preferred (e.g., CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft M365, Cisco CCNA, or ITIL Foundation).

·       Minimum 2–4 years of IT support experience in a manufacturing or industrial plant environment.

·       Proven hands-on experience supporting ERP systems (preferably EPICS and/or Macola).

·       Demonstrated ability to manage support for desktops, laptops, printers, handheld scanners, and production IT systems.

·       Experience creating and troubleshooting reports using Crystal Reports in a business or production setting.

·       Familiarity with firewall, networking fundamentals, remote support tools, and cybersecurity best practices.

·       Occasional after-hours or weekend support may be required during production incidents or system upgrades.

·       Ability to lift and move IT equipment (monitors, PCs, printers, etc.) as needed.

·       Willingness and ability to travel to Coburg for IT related tasks and projects.

·       Ability to provide exceptional customer service

·       Must be able to travel within the United States to work.

·       Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Contact

·       Please apply online through this website or send application to itjobs@apelextrusions.com

·       No telephone inquiries please.

·       APEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APEL thanks all applicants for their interest, but only selected candidates will be contacted.