RFID Technical Support Specialist - Hardware & Data

Alliance, OH

Location: Alliance, OH

Job Description: We are looking for a hands‑on RFID Technical Support Specialist to support our label manufacturing operations. You will be the “go-to” expert for the hardware and software that embeds intelligence into our labels, ensuring that our printers, readers, and computer systems are perfectly synchronized for high-volume production.

• Reader & Testing Systems
• Hardware Support:
  Maintain and troubleshoot fixed RFID readers and antennas used to verify 100% of manufactured rolls.
• Validation:
  Use handheld and fixed readers to perform spot checks on finished inventory to ensure data integrity and read‑range compliance.
• Firmware:
  Keep all reader hardware up to date with the latest firmware to maintain compatibility with evolving tag protocols.
• Support and have working knowledge of the various standards of UHF and HF data encode data structure
• Software & Data Integration
• Label Design:
  Support the use of design software (Easylabel, Customer tools) to map variable data fields to RFID memory banks (EPC, User, TID).
• Middleware:
  Manage the software “bridge” that connects our production equipment to our ERP/database systems.
• Encoding Files:
  Verify that incoming encoding files from customers are formatted correctly and translate accurately to the physical tags.
• General Computer & Network Support
• Workstation Maintenance:
  Provide Tier 1 & 2 support for the PCs, tablets, and HMIs (Human‑Machine Interfaces) used on the production line.
• Connectivity:
  Ensure all RFID equipment is properly networked (LAN/WLAN) and communicating with the central server.
• Log Management:
  Monitor system logs to identify and resolve data bottlenecks or communication drops.

• Experience:
  
  2+ years in a technical support role within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• RFID Knowledge:
  Understanding of UHF Gen2 protocols and how physical environments (metal/liquid/interference) affect tag performance.
• Printer Expertise:
  Deep familiarity with industrial thermal printer mechanics and RFID encoding modules.
• Networking Basics:
  Solid grasp of TCP/IP, static IPs, and troubleshooting wireless connectivity in an industrial setting.
• Problem Solving: A “detective” mindset to find out why a tag isn’t reading—whether it’s a hardware failure, software glitch, or a bad batch of inlays.
• Providing excellent communication and support: work with management and operators in each department, putting a priority on making sure the issue is fixed properly. Listen and work with the operator to understand the issue and work to provide the correct fix.

• Zero Downtime:
  Proactive maintenance keeps the printing and encoding lines running smoothly.
• Data Accuracy: 100% verification that the data written to the chip matches the data printed on the face of the label.
• Efficiency:
  Minimizing “scrap” by identifying and correcting encoding errors early in the production run.

MPI offers a competitive wage, health insurance, 401(k), paid holidays & vacation.