IBM i / RPG Developer (Manufacturing Systems) - Hybrid

About MJ Celco

MJ Celco is a family-owned precision metal stamping and sheet metal fabrication company headquartered in Schiller Park, Illinois, with an additional manufacturing facility in Apodaca, Nuevo León, Mexico. We're IATF 16949-certified and serve customers who depend on us for precision, reliability, and continuous improvement - and we're investing in modernizing the systems that keep our shop floor running.

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled and motivated IBM i / RPG Developer to join our IT manufacturing systems team in a hybrid capacity. In this role, you will design, develop, maintain, and modernize core applications that power our manufacturing operations-including production scheduling, inventory control, shipping/receiving, and shop floor management.

The ideal candidate bridges traditional RPG development with modern DevOps practices, ideally with experience in Git-based version control and modern development environments like Microsoft Visual Studio Code (using the Code for IBM i extension). Familiarity with modern IBM i build tools such as IBM Bob (TOBi) is a strong plus - we're happy to train the right candidate on our specific toolchain.

Work Schedule & Location (Hybrid)

• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Schedule: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote per week).
• On-Site Location: Schiller Park, Illinois
• Systems Scope: The manufacturing systems this role supports are shared across our Schiller Park, IL and Apodaca, Mexico facilities; all development work is performed from Schiller Park - no relocation or international travel required.
• On-Site Purpose: Collaborative team meetings, direct partnership with executive team and plant/floor management, physical hardware integrations (scanners, scale systems, printers), and critical production deployment support.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Application Development: Design, code, test, and support applications using RPG IV (RPGLE), Free-Form RPG, and Control Language (CL/CLLE).
• Modern Development Environments: Write and debug code using Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code) leveraging the Code for IBM i ecosystem to drive modern development practices.
• DevOps & Build Automation: Set up, configure, and maintain automated build processes using IBM Bob (TOBi) to manage object compilation and dependency tracking across environments.
• ERP Maintenance & Integration: Support, configure, and customize our core manufacturing ERP system.
• Shop Floor & Supply Chain Integration: Develop and maintain integrations for shop floor data collection, barcode scanning, warehouse management systems (WMS), and shipping/logistics platforms.
• Database Management: Write and optimize complex DB2 database queries, triggers, and stored procedures to ensure accurate, real-time tracking of inventory and production metrics.
• System Modernization: Actively migrate legacy codebase - including programs originally written in System/36-era RPG and CL - to Free-Form RPG, and adopt VS Code integrated with Git-based source control.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely (both virtually and in-person during on-site days in Schiller Park) with executive management, plant managers, supply chain teams, and business analysts to translate floor-level requirements into technical solutions.

Qualifications & Skills

Required Technical & DevOps Skills:

• Programming Languages: Proficiency in RPG IV and Free-Form RPG (ILE RPG), and CL/CLLE. Experience modernizing legacy System/36-era RPG and CL programs to current IBM i standards is highly valued - this is a real, ongoing part of our environment, not just a nice-to-have.
• IDE Experience: Proficient in using Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code) with the Code for IBM i suite (or Rational Developer for i) for day-to-day development.
• Build & Version Control: Strong experience with Git for version control. Familiarity with modern IBM i build tools (e.g., IBM Bob / TOBi) is a plus - we're happy to train the right candidate on our specific build pipeline.
• Database: Strong experience with DB2 for i and advanced SQL (Embedded SQL, DDL, DML).
• Concepts: Solid understanding of modular programming (service programs, binding directories, modules).

Manufacturing-Specific Qualifications:

• ERP Experience: 4+ years of experience working with manufacturing ERP systems on the IBM i platform.
• Supply Chain Tech: Experience handling EDI standards (e.g., ANSI X12, EDIFACT) for processing purchase orders, shipping notices, and invoices.
• Integration Experience: Familiarity with integrating IBM i with shop floor hardware (e.g., Zebra printers, RF scanners, scale systems).

Soft Skills & Hybrid Requirements:

• High urgency and strong problem-solving skills to minimize manufacturing downtime.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and highly disciplined to work effectively during remote days.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical details to non-technical plant staff both in-person and via virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Teams, Slack, Zoom).

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience developing in an IBM i (AS/400) environment, preferably within a manufacturing or distribution setting.