IT-OT Project Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced IT-OT Project Engineer to support the delivery of industrial technology, automation, and manufacturing improvement projects across our site operations.

The role will sit at the intersection of IT and Operational Technology (OT), with responsibility for OT architecture and cybersecurity, PLC/SCADA systems, industrial network integration, process capacity improvement, and factory optimization.

A key priority will be supporting the site's transition toward greater independence from legacy Saputo systems, ensuring robust, secure, scalable, and maintainable technology solutions are implemented without compromising production performance or food safety.

This is a highly hands-on role requiring strong project delivery and commissioning capability, with the ability to work effectively in a live manufacturing environment and coordinate internal teams, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

IT/OT Architecture & Cybersecurity

- Develop, implement, and maintain robust OT architectures aligned with site and corporate standards.
- Support OT cybersecurity initiatives, including network segmentation, access control, system hardening, backups, and lifecycle management.
- Identify and manage OT risks associated with legacy systems, connectivity, obsolescence, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
- Support the development of standards and governance for industrial automation and OT infrastructure.

Automation & Industrial Network Integration
- Lead or support the integration of PLC, SCADA, HMI, instrumentation, drives, and industrial control systems.
- Design, implement, and troubleshoot industrial Ethernet and other manufacturing network infrastructure.
- Coordinate interfaces between automation systems and enterprise IT platforms.
- Ensure new equipment and systems are effectively integrated into existing production environments.
- Support system upgrades, migrations, modifications, and technology replacement projects.

Project Engineering & Delivery




- Manage engineering projects from concept and design through installation, commissioning, handover, and close-out.
- Develop project scopes, technical specifications, schedules, budgets, and execution plans.
- Coordinate contractors, system integrators, equipment suppliers, and internal engineering teams.
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required technical and operational standards.
- Lead site acceptance testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance verification.

Process Capacity & Factory Optimization
- Identify opportunities to improve production capacity, equipment reliability, process efficiency, and overall factory performance.
- Use production and process data to identify constraints, losses, and improvement opportunities.
- Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Production teams to implement practical improvements.
- Support automation and digital solutions that improve visibility, control, productivity, and decision-making.
- Ensure improvement projects deliver measurable operational benefits.

Saputo Legacy System Independence
- Support the identification, assessment, and replacement of legacy systems and technologies associated with Saputo.
- Develop pragmatic migration and transition strategies that minimize operational risk and production disruption.
- Ensure new solutions are appropriately documented, supported, and aligned with the organization's future IT/OT architecture.
- Build internal capability and knowledge to reduce reliance on legacy platforms, systems, and external dependencies.

Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in IT/OT, industrial automation, controls, manufacturing engineering, or project engineering.




- Strong understanding of OT architecture and industrial cybersecurity.
- Hands-on experience with PLCs, SCADA/HMI systems, industrial networks, and automation integration.
- Demonstrated experience delivering projects in a live manufacturing environment.
- Strong site installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and start-up experience.
- Proven ability to manage projects from concept through implementation and handover.
- Experience working with contractors, system integrators, OEMs, and engineering service providers.
- Robust stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to translate business and operational requirements into practical technical solutions.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, delivery-focused approach.
- Experience managing multiple priorities while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and production continuity.

Preferred Experience Experience in food, dairy, beverage, FMCG, or other process/manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.

Experience with the following would be advantageous:

- Industrial Ethernet and OT network architectures
- PLC platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, or Schneider
- SCADA platforms and HMI systems
- OT cybersecurity frameworks and practices
- Manufacturing execution systems (MES)
- Data historians and manufacturing data platforms
- Industrial data connectivity and IT/OT integration
- Brownfield automation upgrades and legacy system migrations
- Process capacity and OEE improvement initiatives

General Requirements The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong site execution and commissioning experience
- The ability to work hands-on in a live manufacturing environment
- Proven project delivery capability
- Excellent stakeholder and contractor management skills
- A practical and solutions-oriented approach to engineering challenges
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- The ability to balance technical requirements with operational realities
- A strong commitment to safety, quality, food safety, and business continuity

📌 IT-OT Project Engineer (Kiewa)
🏢 Ubique Systems
📍 Kiewa