Job Responsibilities

Overview

The Real-Time Dispatcher (RTD) / Activity Manager Engineer is responsible for supporting real-time manufacturing operations through dispatching logic, run-to-run (R2R) control, and activity orchestration. The role contributes directly to production stability and efficiency by configuring rules, workflows, and system interactions that support day-to-day factory execution.

This position focuses on developing and maintaining rule-based logic and job flows using RTD and Activity Manager tools, primarily through visual editors and structured configurations. The work involves translating operational and manufacturing requirements into clear, maintainable logic rather than traditional software development.

The role requires strong analytical thinking and a practical understanding of how manufacturing systems interact. A working knowledge of databases, basic programming concepts, and structured data (such as XML) is important, as the engineer will configure conditions, data handling, and system behaviour within established platforms.

The RTD / Activity Manager Engineer works closely with IT, MES, and manufacturing stakeholders to ensure dispatching rules and automated activities are reliable, traceable and aligned with production needs in a high-tech manufacturing environment.

Role Responsibilities

RTD & AMA Logic Development

Develop, configure, and maintain RTD rules and AMA jobs using visual tools such as Formatter and Job Editor.
Build and manage rule logic using proprietary expressions and block-based functions.
Implement conditional logic, data processing steps, and job flow control to support real-time manufacturing operations.
Support Run-to-Run (R2R) control and dispatch decision logic in alignment with production requirements.

Data Handling & Integration

Access, read, and update data from:
Internal RTD/AMA repositories
External databases (e.g. Oracle, SQL Server)
Use SQL to support data queries, validation, and read/write operations required for dispatching and activity execution.
Validate data accuracy and consistency used in decision logic and job execution.

System Configuration & XML Handling

Create, maintain, and update XML-based configuration and job definition files, including but not limited to: .amb, .amj job files
System configuration files (e.g. apf.xml)
Use XPath and XSLT (v1.0) to extract, map, or transform XML data when required.
Ensure configuration changes are controlled and aligned with system standards.

Communication & Interface Support

Support system communication and integration using:
Web services (SOAP / WSDL)
Messaging mechanisms (JMS)
Coordinate job triggering, messaging, and data exchange with MES and other factory systems.
Work closely with MES, equipment, and IT teams to ensure stable system interfaces.

Troubleshooting & Operational Support

Investigate and resolve issues related to:
Rule execution failures
AMA job errors
Data mismatches
System or communication errors
Provide support during testing, pilot runs, and high-volume manufacturing (HVM) phases.
Participate in issue analysis and corrective actions to minimize production impact.

Documentation & Change Management

Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including:
Rule logic descriptions
Job flow and execution diagrams
Interface and integration specifications
Support system changes, enhancements, patches, and version upgrades in accordance with the client's change management processes.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

Core / Mandatory Skills

Strong understanding of logic-based system design (e.g. IF/ELSE conditions, functions, structured logic).
Hands-on experience or working familiarity with:
SQL (queries, joins, basic data manipulation)
XML structure and configuration files
Ability to work effectively with block-based or low-code logic tools.
Basic understanding of system integration and data flow design.
RTD and AMA functions are represented as structured logic blocks. Engineers familiar with SQL and logical workflows can readily understand and maintain system behaviours.

RTD / AMA–Specific Technologies

APF Expressions
Proprietary formulas used for rule creation, conditional logic, and data processing
Includes built-in control structures and string/date functions

XML
Used for job definitions and system configuration

SQL
Used for accessing and updating external databases supporting dispatch and activity logic

Professional Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
2 to 5 years of relevant experience supporting manufacturing IT systems, including dispatching, scheduling, or workflow automation platforms.
Working knowledge of SQL for data querying, validation, and basic integration with manufacturing or enterprise systems.
Experience with low-code or rule-based platforms, including logic configuration, workflow setup, and visual editors.
Basic understanding of system design concepts, such as data flow, interface dependencies, and interaction between production systems (MES, dispatching, equipment interfaces).
Prior exposure to semiconductor manufacturing or high-tech factory environments is highly advantageous.
Comfortable working in a production-critical environment with structured change management, documentation, and operational controls.
Able to collaborate effectively with operations, engineering, and IT teams in a structured factory setting.
Ability to communicate in Japanese will be a strong advantage.

Real-Time Dispatcher (RTD) System Engineer - 1 year contract