About this role
We are seeking an experienced Operational Technology (OT) Lead to drive reliability, security, and optimization of automation systems within a highly automated whey processing facility. This role bridges plant operations with digital technologies, ensuring high system uptime, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Job Description: 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 and 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 and 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.
Job Description Footer: This role reports directly to the Plant Manager and serves as a key liaison between Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams. You will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment between plant operations and digital technology initiatives while supporting training and development of operators and stakeholders. Our team culture is guided by core values: We Act With Respect – fostering integrity and professionalism We Aim Higher – driving continuous improvement and ownership We Succeed Together – collaborating to achieve shared goals This is a full-time, salaried position in a dynamic manufacturing environment that requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to safety, quality, and innovation