job purpose:The OT Infrastructure Lead is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and delivery of complex, high-value capital projects that involve Operational Technology systems. This role ensures that OT scope-such as industrial control systems, automation platforms, industrial networks, and OT cybersecurity-is effectively integrated into large-scale capital investments from concept through commissioning and handover to operations. The OT Infrastructure Lead provides governance, coordination, and technical project leadership across multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiatives, working closely with engineering, operations, IT, cybersecurity, procurement, construction, external contractors, and system integrators
responsibilities: - Oversee design and deployment of network architectures supporting plant-floor systems such as PLCs, SCADA, MES, historians, CIP/SIP controls, and automated packaging lines.
- Drive OT/IT infrastructure strategy from concept through commissioning, including basis-of-design, detailed engineering, construction oversight, FAT/SAT, and startup.
- Coordinate effectively with operations, engineering, IT, cybersecurity, procurement, construction teams, system integrators, and vendors to align deliverables and timelines.
- Develop and maintain project scopes, timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation plans tailored to continuous-run production environments and aligned with overall capital program milestones.
- Implement network segmentation strategies to protect critical production assets and maintain uptime.
- Enforce compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, cybersecurity policies, and fairlife specifications throughout project execution.
- Promote standardized OT architectures, vendor solutions, and best practices that support scalability, reliability, and long-term asset performance across the enterprise.
- Facilitate smooth transition from project execution to steady-state operations, maintenance, and lifecycle management.
skills/qualifications required: - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience managing OT/IT or industrial automation projects in manufacturing.
- Experience with network segmentation, zero-trust architectures, and OT cybersecurity hardening.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio)
- Exceptional project management capabilities with strong cost management and forecasting knowledge.
- Knowledge of installation and construction standards.
- Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.
working conditions and physical requirements:- Factory floor as needed
- Off hours support as needed
food safety requirements:- Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
- Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
- Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
- Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
- Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
- Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
- In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.
how fairlife nourishes you:At fairlife, we believe in better - and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
- Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
- Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
- Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
- Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
- 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
- Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
- Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
- Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
- Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
- Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
- Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups
fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are - supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.
position location: Webster, NY or Coopersville, MI
reports to: Automation Project Manager
travel requirements: Up to 50% depending on location
exempt/nonexempt: exempt*Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.
Base pay range:
$115,000-$130,000 USD
