Application Specialist II, Information Technology, South Bend, IN

POSITION SUMMARYResponsible for supporting and enhancing internal and vendor-managed applications within the IT Operations team. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Collaborates with business units to understand requirements and delivers effective application support.
• Develops and executes test plans to validate code and system changes.
• Adheres to change control procedures for migrating code from test to production environments.
• Documents and maintains process flows, technical procedures, and system configurations.
• Identifies and implements process efficiencies through automation and optimization.
• Supports application performance and availability in accordance with defined SLAs.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for a wide range of internal and third-party applications.
• Assists with server-class installations and upgrades in collaboration with vendors and system engineers.
• Installs, configures, and manages Microsoft SQL Server environments.
• Writes and optimizes SQL queries; designs logical table relationships.
• Implements and manages Microsoft security structures and access controls.
• Participates in project lifecycle activities from development through testing and implementation.
• Provides regular updates on task and ticket progress to management.
• Assists with managing cloud-based databases, including basic performance tuning, backup/recovery, and security tasks under guidance.
• Supports cloud infrastructure initiatives and gains exposure to platforms such as Azure.
• Contributes to automation efforts (, PowerShell) for routine tasks and process improvements.
• Participates in project implementation activities, including planning, testing, and deployment phases.
• Follows internal policies and assists in ensuring compliance with regulatory and security standards.
• Collaborates with senior team members on DevOps practices.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential requirement of the position.
• Responsible for the completion of all compliance training related to the position.
• Understands all applicable laws and regulations that apply to the position and comply with the requirement

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Performs all other duties as assigned. EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

• Three () - five () years of experience in application support, software development, or a related IT role.
• Experience working across diverse business areas and with external vendors.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines is a plus.
• Works independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong understanding of application integration and data flow concepts.
• Proficiency in SQL and familiarity with Microsoft technologies.
• Strong technical acumen.
• Ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of application interfaces and data flows.

EDUCATION Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field preferred. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Ability to travel to all locations as well as ability to travel overnight, as needed for meetings, projects, training, seminars, etc. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand and walk; use hands and fingers to operate keyboard and other office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop or kneel. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to pounds. EQUIPMENT MS Office PC, phone and standard office equipment.