OtterBase Inc

Job Description Job Description Build a Connected, Resilient Digital Factory Network Location: Chicago, IL (Corporate Headquarters) Reports To: Senior Director, Process Engineering Travel: Up to 50% Mission Design and deploy enterprise-grade automation that unifies packaging, process, and utility systems-elevating throughput, quality, reliability, and sustainability across multiple plants. Scope & Impact Own the strategy for PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, motion control, and industrial networking across sites. Drive digital transformation and Industry 4.0-smart manufacturing, analytics, and connected operations. Lead capital programs from business case to commissioning, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery. Standardize controls architectures, programming, documentation, and preventive maintenance to maximize uptime. Strengthen IT/OT security, data integrity, and manufacturing cybersecurity practices. Accountabilities Specify, design, implement, and optimize plant-wide automation/control solutions. Translate strategic objectives into an actionable automation roadmap and measurable OpEx outcomes. Integrate systems to improve OEE, reveal actionable data, and stabilize production performance. Champion connected factory initiatives and industrial analytics to inform decisions in real time. Manage scope, budgets, schedules, risks, and deliverables for automation capex projects. Lead FAT/SAT, commissioning, validation, and operator training for smooth startups. Publish standards and best practices; instill discipline in code quality and documentation. Partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and IT to align solutions to business goals and compliance needs. Direct OEM/SI/vendor relationships and negotiate contracts that safeguard outcomes and timelines. Detect emerging technologies and pilot innovations that lift productivity, quality, and sustainability. Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across a multi-plant footprint. Partnerships Collaborate closely with internal teams and external system integrators to translate complex requirements into robust, scalable, and secure automation. Your Background BS in Electrical, Controls, Automation, or related; MS preferred. 10+ years in manufacturing automation with increasing responsibility. History of leading large-scale automation design, integration, commissioning, and startup. Expertise in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA platforms, industrial networks, robotics, motion control, and ICS. Proven success guiding cross-functional teams, contractors, system integrators, and equipment suppliers. Command of budgets, schedules, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations. Working knowledge of industrial cybersecurity, IT/OT convergence, and manufacturing data systems. Experience establishing standards, best practices, and comprehensive documentation. Strength in analysis, troubleshooting, and root cause investigation. Exceptional communication, leadership, and project management skills. Bonus Experience CPG, food & beverage, or FMCG manufacturing environments. Smart manufacturing, digital transformation, and IIoT implementations. MES, historian platforms, advanced analytics, and enterprise manufacturing systems. Multi-site operations support. Competencies Strategic leadership and change management Automation & controls engineering Capital project management Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 Robotics & motion systems Industrial networking Continuous improvement Vendor & contractor management Cross-functional collaboration Manufacturing operations & operational excellence Problem solving & decision making Communication & team leadership