Engineering Applications Of Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Euless

Job Description

Our client is seeking for an Senior User Experience Designer to join their team. As a Senior UX Designer, you create intuitive, engaging digital experiences that enhance how customers shop and interact with our products. You partner closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and fellow designers to deliver innovative retail solutions that balance business goals with user needs. Your work influences complex store environments, where clarity, reliability, and consistency directly impact customer experience and store operations.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Advocate for the user at every stage of the product lifecycle, ensuring solutions solve real customer problems
• Design end-to-end experiences from flows and wireframes to high-fidelity prototypes that are clear, usable, and visually engaging
• Partner with product managers to strategically solve complex challenges and prioritize features that have the biggest customer impact
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering and research teams to translate concepts into production-ready designs
• Contribute to a consistent visual and interaction design language across products and channels
• Plan and participate in user testing sessions, turning insights into actionable design improvements
• Lead or participate in design workshops to align teams, spark ideas, and refine solutions
• Present and explain design decisions to stakeholders with clarity and confidence

Must have Specific Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise with modern design and prototyping tools
• Experience designing enterprise or hardware-constrained digital systems
• Strong understanding of responsive and system-based design principles
• Ability to design scalable solutions that work across multiple contexts and devices
• Experience collaborating closely with product and engineering in agile environments
• Strong communication skills across written, visual, and verbal formats

Additional Skills and Other Requirements:

• A portfolio that demonstrates system-level thinking and end-to-end design ownership
• Case studies that show how designs scale, evolve, and ship to production
• Ability to work autonomously while influencing outcomes through collaboration
• Experience contributing to or extending design systems is a plus
• Retail, payments, or compliance-heavy domain experience is beneficial but not required.

Education and Experience: Bachelors/4 Yr Degree

Years of Relevant work Experience: 5+Years

Certifications/Licenses: Degree will preferably be in HCI or Computer Science. Experience will be considered in lue of degree.

Salary/Rate: $65-$75/HR (depends on experience level). This is a contract position with candidates expected to work 40 hours/ week.

About The Company

Peterson Technology Partners (PTP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a transparent, inclusive, and human-centered hiring experience.

For more than 28 years, PTP has operated as one of the top IT staffing and recruiting firms in the USA—built on trust, long-term partnerships, and technical excellence.

Based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, IL, our team of more than 500 employees and consultants is dedicated to:

Helping every client make the best hiring decisions possible

Matching professionals with the right IT jobs and career opportunities

As part of that commitment, we believe in providing clear information about how our hiring technologies work and how your data is used. The following section outlines our AI-assisted interview process and your rights as a candidate.

AI-Assisted Interview Experience (Pete & Gabi – Rebecca)

To provide a consistent, fair, and flexible experience for all candidates, we use AI-assisted tools to support parts of the interview process. This includes our proprietary AI platform Pete & Gabi, which includes AI recruiter Rebecca.

These AI hiring tools help us:

• Transcribe interviews
• Summarize candidate responses
• Generate job-related insights
• Streamline communication and scheduling

Please note that:

The AI does NOT make hiring decisions; all decisions are made by our human recruiters, hiring managers, or client partners.

The AI does not evaluate facial expressions, emotions, or physical traits; it is used only to support fairness, consistency, and efficiency.

If you prefer a non-AI interview format, we will gladly provide an alternative.

Technical or Case Interviews (Role-Dependent):

When applying for certain tech jobs, you may participate in:

• A technical interview
• A coding challenge
• A case study
• A client-specific assessment

We will always explain what to expect in advance so you can prepare with confidence.

Human Review & Selection:

Every candidate's profile—including interviews, conversations, and assessments—is reviewed by experienced recruiters and hiring leaders.

AI insights may assist with organization and evaluation, but final decisions are always human-driven.

Your Rights as a Candidate:

At PTP, every candidate has the right to:

Request a non-AI interview path

Ask how your data is being used

Request access to transcripts or interview recordings

Request deletion of your AI-recorded interview

Receive clear, timely communication

Our goal is to ensure you feel respected, informed, and supported throughout your experience.

Our Commitment:

For more than 28 years, PTP has focused on putting people first—candidates, consultants, employees, and clients.

We're committed to a hiring process that is:

• Transparent
• Compliant
• Equitable
• Powered by innovative technology that enhances—not replaces—human judgment

Welcome to the future of hiring at Peterson Technology Partners.

We're excited to learn more about you.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Peterson Technology Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

MSI Express is a single-source contract manufacturing and packaging company, delivering innovative engineering solutions from our strategically located network of manufacturing facilities.

ROLE PURPOSE/ POSITION SUMMARY

The Plant Manager is accountable for overseeing the daily operations of the food manufacturing facility, including production, quality assurance, maintenance, sanitation, safety, and supply chain. This role ensures adherence to food safety standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., HACCP, GMP, FDA, USDA) while delivering against production goals and cost targets. The Plant Manager will lead cross-functional teams to continuously improve processes, reduce waste, enhance productivity, and ensure timely delivery of products to customers. In addition, this position plays a key role in shaping plant culture, driving employee engagement, and fostering a safe workplace. Collaboration with the executive leadership team and corporate support teams is essential to ensure alignment with broader business objectives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Accountabilities

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure full compliance with all food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, SQF, BRC) and regulatory requirements from agencies such as the FDA, USDA, and local health departments.

Operational Excellence:

Oversee daily plant operations to ensure consistent, efficient, and high-quality production that meets customer demand and company standards.

Quality Assurance:

Maintain rigorous quality control procedures to ensure that all products meet internal specifications and external customer and regulatory expectations.

Health & Workplace Safety:

Lead a safety-first culture by maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment. Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.

Supply Chain & Inventory Management:

Manage raw materials, packaging, and finished goods flow to ensure timely production and delivery while minimizing waste and spoilage.

Financial Performance:

Deliver against plant financial objectives by managing budgets, controlling costs, optimizing labor and materials, and improving operational efficiencies.

Leadership & Team Development:

Lead, coach, and develop the plant team to foster engagement, accountability, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, sanitation, warehousing, and logistics.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety programs, conducting internal audits and leading external inspections as needed.
• Oversee daily production schedules, ensuring customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with customers, quality, procurement, and supply chain teams to support new product launches, reformulations, and special runs.
• Monitor KPIs (e.g., reliability, yield, downtime, complaints, waste) and implement action plans for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with procurement and planning to manage raw material inventory, minimize shortages or overstock, and optimize warehouse space.
• Ensure all sanitation and cleaning protocols are executed according to schedule and verified for compliance.
• Champion a proactive safety culture by conducting regular safety audits, training, and incident investigations.
• Develop and manage plant operating budgets, capital projects, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Foster a positive and productive working environment through regular communication, performance reviews, and employee development.
• Lead crisis management efforts for food recalls, contamination risks, or emergency shutdowns.
• Report on plant performance to senior leadership and recommend operational strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS/ CAPABILITY PROFILE

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Industrial Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree (MBA or related field) may be considered an asset, especially for larger or more complex operations.

Minimum Experience

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing or a closely related industry.
• 5+ years of direct experience in plant operations management, including oversight of production, quality, safety, and supply chain functions.
• Proven track record of managing in a regulated food production environment, with demonstrated understanding of HACCP, GMP, SQF, and FDA/USDA regulations.
• Experience leading and developing cross-functional teams in a high-speed, high-volume manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated success in implementing continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) with measurable operational and financial impact.
• Strong background in budget management, cost control, and performance metrics.
• Experience working with ERP and manufacturing systems, preferably in a food manufacturing context (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or industry-specific platforms).
• Experience with customer audits, third-party certifications, and government inspections is highly desirable.

Minimum Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities Knowledge

• Deep understanding of food manufacturing processes, including food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, SQF).
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements from agencies such as FDA, USDA.
• Familiarity with allergen control, traceability, and recall procedures.
• Understanding of production scheduling, raw material management, and perishability factors unique to food operations.
• Knowledge of quality assurance systems and compliance protocols in a food production environment.
• Experience with food-specific ERP systems and supply chain logistics in temperature- or shelf-life-sensitive environments.
• Financial acumen related to plant operations, including waste control, yield optimization, and production cost analysis.

Skills:

• Excellent leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams in a food production environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address quality, process, and supply chain challenges in real time.
• Clear and effective communication skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and interact with auditors and inspectors.
• High attention to detail, especially in areas involving food safety, labeling, and quality standards.
• Proficient in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, root cause analysis) tailored for food manufacturing.
• Skilled in risk assessment and mitigation related to food safety and operational reliability.

Abilities:

• Ability to enforce and promote a strong food safety and safety-first culture at all levels of the plant.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines while maintaining product quality and compliance.
• Ability to interpret production and quality data to drive operational decisions.
• Ability to adapt to changing demand, seasonal production swings, or ingredient availability challenges.
• Ability to respond swiftly and effectively to audits, inspections, or food safety incidents.
• Ability to implement and sustain continuous improvement initiatives in a highly regulated environment.

Apply today and join our rapidly growing team!

- Inc. 5000 #124 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2025)

- Inc. 5000 #10 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2022)

- Inc. 5000 #165 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2021)

- Inc. 5000 #1,085 fastest growing company in the USA. (2023)

- Inc. 5000 #622 fastest growing company in the USA. (2022)

- Inc. 5000 #479 fastest growing company in the USA. (2021)

We are hiring a Senior DLP Analytic Rule Developer to build and mature our Microsoft Purview DLP program across a complex, multi-cloud retail enterprise. You will design, develop, and tune analytic rules that protect sensitive data thousands of endpoints, spanning Microsoft 365, endpoint DLP, SaaS applications, and structured cloud data.

This role sits within Security Engineering and focuses on building production-grade DLP policies from the ground up. You will own analytic logic, reduce false positives, and translate regulatory requirements into precise technical controls aligned to PCI DSS, SOX, and state privacy laws.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deploy baseline production DLP policies across Copilot, Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, endpoint DLP, Defender for Cloud Apps, on-premises file shares, and SaaS platforms.
• Build and maintain custom sensitive information types, EDM classifiers, and trainable classifiers within Microsoft Purview.
• Develop advanced pattern matching and detection logic to minimize false positives while preserving coverage.
• Continuously tune policies based on alert telemetry, business workflows, and data usage patterns.
• Integrate DLP with Microsoft Defender and Insider Risk to improve detection context and risk scoring.
• Translate PCI DSS, SOX, and state privacy requirements into enforceable DLP controls.
• Build and formalize enterprise data classification taxonomy.
• Integrate Microsoft Purview DLP with adjacent security platforms using APIs and automation.
• Define and implement executive-level KPIs for DLP effectiveness.
• Build dashboards and reporting in Power BI or similar platforms.

Example of Expected Outcomes

• Deploy baseline production DLP policies across all Microsoft 365 workloads.
• Integrate DLP with Microsoft Defender to improve detection fidelity.
• Build enterprise data classification taxonomy aligned to regulatory requirements.
• Implement executive reporting with defined KPIs and operational metrics.
• Establish measurable reduction in false positives through tuning and classifier refinement.

Required Experience

• Hands-on experience building custom sensitive information types and EDM classifiers in Microsoft Purview.
• Experience developing and tuning trainable classifiers.
• Experience integrating DLP with Microsoft Defender, third-party apps.
• Experience with API integration and automation of security workflows.
• Experience building dashboards and metrics in Power BI or similar tools.
• Experience working in regulated environments including PCI DSS and SOX.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft SC-400 certification.
• CISSP certification.
• Experience in retail or large distributed enterprise environments.
• Experience operating in multi-cloud environments.

• 
  
• Coaxial cables (many different size and connectors, flex and solid center conductors)
  
• Industrial automation connectors (panel connectors and ferrules, drive connectors, motor connectors, cutting and terminating equipment)
  
• MS connectors (all kinds of variations and sealing operations)
  
• Commercial electronics connectors (mini and micro fit on medium speed termination equipment)
  
• Hi flex cable assemblies (WL Gore / LEONI cores and PTFE sleeves with heat-shrink and special clamps)
  

• 
  
• Fabricates and tests cable assemblies following blueprints specifications, using measuring instruments, hand tools, and machines.
  
• Reads and interprets blueprints, work orders and specifications to define sequence of operations, type & size of cable fittings required, quantity and finished dimensions.
  
• Measures & cuts cable to required length, considering cable stretch metal flow resulting from swaging operations, using cable cutter or saw.
  
• Selects installs dies, jigs, shims, or other accessories in swaging machine, using hand tools.
  
• Assembles fittings onto cable in specified location.
  
• Positions fitting cable between dies of swaging machine and depresses pedal to activate machine that swages fittings onto cable, turning cable assembly by hand as fitting is swaged onto cable.
  
• Verifies dimensions of cable assembly position of fittings, using measuring instruments.
  
• Tests holding capacity of cable assembly, using proof loading machines.
  
• Repairs reworks cable assemblies as required.
  
• May form loops or splices in cables, using clamps fittings, or by reweaving cable strands.
  
• May apply lubricants protective coatings to cable assemblies.
  
• May operate crimping machine.
  
• May mark identifying information on cable assemblies.
  
• May fabricate cable templates.
  
• Performs all work in accordance with established safety procedures.
  
• Maintain shop disciplines (housekeeping, clean as you go and 5S)
  
• Work from assembly drawings, 3-D models, and other general documentation to carry out assembly procedures.
  
• Perform basic assembly operations to exacting tolerances
  
• Use precise measuring instruments
  
• correct dimensional tolerance and check finishing specifications.
  
• Detect defective parts, unusual conditions or operating difficulties and report to proper supervision.
  
• Complete necessary documentation to ensure quality and production requirements.
  
• Be an active participant in team meetings to communicate and help resolve any cost, quality, or production issues.
  
• Assist engineering with R&D.
  

• 
  
• Must have problem solving abilities.
  
• Must be able to read blueprints and interpret complicated specifications.
  
• Must have extensive understanding of complex mechanical assembly, cable assembly and module assembly.
  
• Understand and operate various hand and power tools involved in assembly and cable making.
  
• Willingness to assist assembly team with other duties as required.
  
• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills; be able to independently solve problems while interacting with various teams and teammates on daily processes and flow.
  
• Must be capable of multi-tasking various duties throughout the day, have a positive attitude with an ability to be versatile and flexible.
  
• Continuous mental and visual attention is necessary to perform various duties requiring constant alertness and activity.
  
• High school diploma or GED.
  
• Typically requires 1+ years wiring experience
  
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
  

Senior Software Developer

C#/.Net, Angular/TypeScript, SQL Server, Azure Functions, Service Bus, DevOps

• Contract to hire (6-month contract duration to start, extends from there, C2H)
• W2 only - No sponsorship
• Hybrid in Irving, TX (T,W,TH in office)
• The ideal candidate needs deep full-stack skills in C#/.Net, Angular/TypeScript, SQL Server, Azure Functions, Service Bus, DevOps

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and deploy full-stack applications using .NET, C#, Angular, and SQL Server.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines, version control, and automated testing using Azure DevOps.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements and offer technical solutions.
• Optimize application and database performance and scalability.
• Maintain and improve existing applications and ensure seamless integration with other systems.
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code in line with best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex software issues.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Strong front-end (Angular) and back-end (C#, .NET) development. Recent / current work in these technologies.
• Extensive experience with SQL Server, including writing complex queries and optimizing database performance.
• Deep Azure, needs hands-on experience in Azure Functions, Service Bus, and Azure DevOps

Join us as a Technical Customer Service Representative – Onsite in Irving, TX

What You’ll Do

• Conduct QA for home inspections: review photos, validate property details, guide users through self-inspections.
• Troubleshoot connectivity, pairing, and app-related issues for smart devices and sensors.
• Provide installation support and onboarding for PryzmIQ and AWTOS.
• Proactively engage users to drive adoption and satisfaction.
• Document findings and provide feedback for product improvement.

What You Bring

• 1+ year in technical support, help desk, or IoT/home systems troubleshooting.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Technical aptitude with mobile apps, WiFi connectivity, or smart devices.
• Detail-oriented and passionate about creating smooth user experiences.
• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Now Hiring: Commissioning Specialist (Mechanical Focus)

Irving, TX | Onsite | $90K–$120K (Negotiable for PE License)

We are actively seeking a Commissioning Specialist to join our Irving office, with a strong emphasis on the mechanical side of commissioning. This role is ideal for a professional with 2+ years of commissioning experience and a solid background in HVAC, Building Automation Systems (BAS), and Building Control Systems.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven commissioning experience (required)
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems and mechanical equipment
• Experience with Building Automation / Control Systems
• Background working with major BAS platforms
• Mechanical Engineering background preferred
• PE License is a plus (salary flexibility for licensed candidates)

While we are open to strong electrical candidates, the top priority is hands-on experience in Building Automation and HVAC commissioning.

If you or someone in your network fits this background, I’d love to connect and discuss further. Please feel free to message me directly for more details.

Integrated Real Estate Group

Join our family-owned company with 20 years of expertise in property development, senior housing, multi-family projects, and construction. We prioritize quality, community, and excellence in all our endeavors. Be part of a team committed to building thriving spaces and enhancing lives. Apply now to contribute to our legacy of success and innovation.

Development Associate

A Development Associate supports the full project lifecycle, from finding land to completion, by handling financial analysis, due diligence, project coordination, and stakeholder communication, assisting senior staff with everything from market research and underwriting deals to managing consultants, securing permits, tracking budgets/timelines, and preparing reports for ongoing developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management: Assist in managing daily tasks, coordinating consultants (architects, engineers, environmental), ensuring milestones are met and maintaining project timelines.
• Financial Analysis: Support underwriting new deals, creating proformas, modeling investment returns and preparing financial reports.
• Entitlements & Permitting: Prepare and submit documents for zoning, permits, and government approvals (including assist with community outreach).
• Reporting & Communication: Draft correspondence, prepare offering memorandums, provide project status updates, and act as a liaison between teams (investments, construction, management).

Successful candidates will possess:

• A degree or will be working toward a degree in engineering (civil, structural, mechanical, geotechnical), construction management, industrial technology, geology or a related field
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent documentation and organizational skills
• Strong computer skills

Benefits (Full Time Employees Only):

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life
• Disability
• Critical Illness & Accident Coverage
• Legal & ID Theft
• Referral Programs – employees and residents
• Competitive Wages
• ZayZoon - access 50% earned wages anytime

Enjoy luxury living at your employee price!

Full time employee qualify for a 20% discount at any of our multi-family apartment communities immediately upon hire, based on availability!

Cut your commute! Cut your rent!

Integrated Real Estate Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Integrated Real Estate Group participates in e-verify for employment authorization verification

We are seeking a strategic and analytical Omni-Channel Merchandise Buyer – Apparel & Accessories who can translate insights into actionable sales and product strategies. This role is responsible for building compelling assortments, optimizing inventory productivity, and driving profitable growth.

About the Role

The ideal candidate blends trend awareness with strong financial acumen and demonstrates the ability to convert performance data into sales forecasts, assortment plans, and seasonal line strategies. Experience in eCommerce and marketplace environments is strongly preferred, with a strong ability to leverage digital metrics, customer insights, and market intelligence to inform merchandising decisions.

Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning & Strategy

• Develop seasonal and annual merchandise plans aligned with financial targets and growth objectives.
• Translate sales performance, customer insights, and trend data into actionable assortment and sales strategies.
• Optimize assortment by category, price point, and customer segment to maximize productivity.
• Manage financial plans to achieve targeted IMU, margin performance, and inventory productivity.

Data Analysis & Forecasting

• Make informed buying decisions using competitive analysis, market intelligence, and emerging industry trends.
• Analyze sell-through, margin, and inventory turn performance to identify risks and opportunities and adjust plans accordingly.
• Develop forecasts and present data-driven insights and recommendations to leadership.

Vendor & Product Management

• Partner with Design and Sourcing to secure competitive pricing and differentiated product.
• Lead line reviews and product selections to ensure alignment with brand strategy and customer demand.
• Oversee delivery timelines and manage product lifecycle performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Planning, Marketing, and E-commerce to execute go-to-market and promotional strategies aligned with sales and inventory objectives.
• Provide product insights to support marketing initiatives and storytelling.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings 3–5 years of experience in eCommerce and Marketplace Buying within Apparel, Accessories, or a related merchandising field, along with demonstrated professional achievements that reflect meaningful business impact.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret data, identify product and market trends, and translate insights into clear, strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with a proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment across teams.
• Highly detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills and sharp critical thinking abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment while managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Solid understanding of eCommerce business models, including digital performance metrics and online merchandising strategies.

Seeking a Buyer responsible for sourcing parts, equipment, and materials by developing supplier relationships and monitoring supplier performance; obtaining required items, verifying receipt, authorizing payment, and managing inventory.

Key Responsibilities

• Process domestic and international purchase orders, expedite deliveries, and verify all transactions.
• Handle correspondence related to shipment discrepancies, delivery shortages, quantity changes, delivery dates, and pricing; report changes to relevant parties in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with the Purchasing Manager on RFQ/RFP issuance.
• Serve as liaison between suppliers and internal departments to resolve procurement-related issues.
• Process non-conforming material and RMA requests with supply chain partners.
• Maintain inventory levels consistent with management-defined targets and goals.
• Ensure accuracy of commodity code data within the ERP system, including lead times, pricing, supplier information, and purchase order data.
• Monitor and maintain ERP inventory parameters (minimum, maximum, safety stock levels) and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Track supplier performance against delivery schedules and specifications; maintain records of supplier communications and performance.
• Support team objectives by completing additional job-related tasks as needed.
• Apply strong problem-solving and analytical skills to make timely, effective decisions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• CPM or APICS certification desirable.
• 5+ years of procurement experience including purchasing, inventory control, and supplier relationship management.
• Knowledge of MRP processes; ERP system experience a plus.
• Contract manufacturing experience beneficial.
• Knowledge of import freight and logistics.
• Strong experience procuring electronic components, reading technical specifications, and collaborating with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams.
• High attention to detail.
• ERP system experience (e.g., Epicor or equivalent).
• Manufacturing background.