Senior Operational Technology Engineer

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Design, deploy, and manage Operational Technology Services (OT/IT) functions. Oversee the coordination of and/or deploy the design, installation, and connectivity of ICS systems to ensure the stable operation of the organization's manufacturing facilities. This includes developing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing new and existing OT/IT hardware, software, and communication links.

The main activities range from supporting, upgrading, and administering SCADA platforms and Distributed Control Systems to executing projects and providing timely resolution of infrastructure performance problems. Function as a highly skilled technical resource or lead, providing technical guidance on complex projects or issues.

Location Note: This position can be based at the DFA Facility in Lenexa, KS OR Englewood, CO

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead OT projects, such as OT network design, OT server design, OT network migration, and OT server migration, with little to no oversight
• Perform design review and provide feedback on OT engineer deliverables
• Mentor and train IT staff on operation of DFA plant infrastructure and operation
• Design, deploy, and manage Converged Plantwide Ethernet (CPwE) standards in DFA manufacturing facilities
• Serve as a technical resource to the plants and engineering group to support and deliver technical services and controls automation solutions to resolve complex manufacturing issues and improve operational performance
• Act as a leader to drive IT/OT standards adoption and implementation across the manufacturing facilities
• Administer and upgrade SCADA and DCS applications, including Rockwell FactoryTalk Suite and Inductive Automation Ignition
• Support development, deployment, and management of containerized OT applications (e.g., Docker and Kubernetes) across plant environments
• Lead OT application modernization projects including SCADA/DCS expansions, application migrations, system integrations, and deployment of containerized workloads with little to no oversight
• Understand Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Windows based PC's and VM's, and industrial network architectures and how to effectively apply these technologies to a dairy manufacturing environment
• Facilitate and support the numerous manufacturing process and control systems within operations, collaborating with engineering, IT, operations, and corporate management and vendor resources
• Develop, plan, and execute technical solutions including equipment bills of materials, scope of work, and estimates; participate in proposal review and provide timely status updates
• Ensure focus of improvement is automated, orchestrated, and autonomic wherever possible
• Implement industry best practices and provide audit findings in shortcomings to be presented to operational network technology management and senior IT leadership
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of compliance requirements for plant operations (USDA, GMP, SQF)
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Travel:

25%-50% (up to 1 week per month)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Undergraduate degree in in telecommunications, computer science, information technology, business administration, electrical engineering, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 5 or more years SCADA and Distributed Control Systems Engineering or related experience that includes:
• SCADA and/or DCS administration and support
• Experience administering industrial control applications (FactoryTalk, Ignition, or similar)
• Familiarity of industrial networks including network switches, routers, firewalls, and VLANs
• Solid skills in the specification, design, and configuration of virtualized server environments
• Understanding of IT/OT security requirements
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

Preferred:

• Advanced technical knowledge of skills associated with IT/OT integration, Rockwell/Cisco CPwE, Purdue ICS model, and with broad knowledge of the IT organization
• Experience in troubleshooting PLC and HMI solutions (i.e. AllenBradley / FactoryTalk)
• Inductive Automation Ignition Certification
• Experience with controls power distribution layouts, panel layouts, hardware specification
• Experience with Containerization technologies (i.e. Docker / Kubernetes)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of financial budgeting and planning for ICS costs
• Excellent knowledge of current protocols and standards
• Understanding of system flow charts, data processing concepts, and telecommunications principles
• Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws
• Vendor management skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Able to communicate and translate complex technical topics into easy to understand concepts
• Able to accurately articulate the requirements and priorities of both IT and OT stakeholders
• Able to work with attention to detail and to accurately document work activities undertaken
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to perform general mathematical calculations for the purpose of creating needs assessments, budgets, etc.
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment and make sound decisions in emergency situations
• Able to demonstrate leadership qualities as a self-starter
• Able to conduct research into networking issues and products as required
• Able to plan work activities to achieve an outcome within an agreed time frame
• Able to show strong customer service orientation
• Able to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans