Operational Technology Lead (Controls and Automation Lead)
We are seeking an experienced Operational Technology (OT) Lead to drive the reliability, security, and optimization of automation systems within a highly automated whey processing facility. This role is critical in bridging plant operations with digital technologies, ensuring high system uptime, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
The Operational Technology Lead is responsible for overseeing plant automation, process control systems, and digital integration initiatives. This position plays a key role in maximizing production efficiency, maintaining product quality, and supporting 24/7 continuous operations.
Key Responsibilities Plant Automation & Process Control - Manage automation systems supporting whey processing operations including filtration (UF/RO/MF), evaporation, drying, crystallization, and CIP systems
- Maintain and optimize PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems to ensure process consistency and product quality
- Ensure proper control of critical parameters such as temperature, flow, pressure, and solids content
System Reliability & Performance - Maximize uptime for continuous production environments through preventive and predictive maintenance
- Lead troubleshooting of control systems, instrumentation issues, and process disruptions
- Support rapid recovery from system failures to minimize downtime and production losses
Food Safety, Quality & Compliance - Ensure compliance with FSMA, FDA, USDA, GMP, and HACCP standards
- Maintain process data integrity for traceability, audits, and reporting
- Partner with Quality teams to align automation systems with sanitation and product specifications
OT Cybersecurity & Systems Integration - Implement OT cybersecurity practices and ensure separation between IT and OT systems
- Lead vulnerability assessments and align with frameworks such as ISA/IEC 62443 or NIST
- Integrate plant automation with enterprise systems such as MES, ERP, and LIMS
Continuous Improvement & Digital Transformation - Drive initiatives to improve yield, efficiency, and resource utilization
- Leverage data analytics and historians for real-time performance monitoring
- Lead Industry 4.0 efforts including predictive maintenance, advanced process control, and IIoT deployments
Qualifications & Experience - Associate's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in industrial automation or OT roles, preferably in food or dairy processing
- Strong experience with PLC programming, SCADA/HMI systems, and industrial communication protocols
- Background in continuous production environments and process control systems
- Experience with instrumentation, CIP systems, and process automation technologies
