OT Infrastructure Lead (Large Capital Projects)

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