Operational Technology Leader

Title: Operational Technology Leader
Status: Full-Time | Mid-Senior Level
Location: Washington Court House, Ohio
Relocation: Domestic Relocation Assistance Available
Salary: Salary to be discussed by Bryant Staffing Solutions Recruiter
Visa Support: No Visa Sponsorship Available
Travel: Occasional Travel Required

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Operational Technology (OT) Leader for a manufacturing operation in Washington Court House, Ohio.

This position will lead the modernization, integration, and reliability of industrial automation systems, manufacturing technology, and plant network infrastructure. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise in automation and controls with leadership capabilities to drive digital manufacturing initiatives, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve operational performance.

This opportunity is ideal for a technology-focused manufacturing professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, managing cross-functional projects, and implementing innovative solutions in a production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Technology & Project Management

• Direct OT initiatives involving industrial control systems, PLCs, instrumentation, manufacturing applications, and network infrastructure.
• Manage technology projects from initial planning through implementation, testing, and ongoing support.
• Establish and maintain standardized automation and system integration practices aligned with enterprise requirements.
• Coordinate technical resources, project schedules, and implementation priorities.

Industrial Automation & Controls

• Develop, configure, and optimize PLC-based control systems and industrial automation applications.
• Support Allen-Bradley PLC programming, Wonderware/Archestra applications, and HMI development.
• Integrate manufacturing systems with data collection, reporting, and analytics platforms.
• Troubleshoot automation issues to improve equipment reliability and minimize production interruptions.

OT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity

• Oversee industrial network configuration, system maintenance, and technical troubleshooting.
• Maintain reliable communication between production equipment, control systems, and enterprise applications.
• Apply cybersecurity practices to protect industrial control systems and manufacturing networks.
• Partner with IT and engineering teams to support secure and scalable technology infrastructure.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Guide internal technical personnel and external service providers supporting OT operations.
• Collaborate with manufacturing leadership, engineering, automation specialists, and enterprise IT teams.
• Communicate project milestones, system performance, and technical priorities to stakeholders.
• Provide technical direction for manufacturing technology investments and improvements.

Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate manufacturing system performance to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and reliability.
• Implement automation improvements that reduce downtime, operating costs, and process variability.
• Apply Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) methodologies and operational excellence principles.
• Support data-driven decisions through improved manufacturing information systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting manufacturing automation, plant-floor technology, and industrial systems integration.
• Hands-on expertise with Allen-Bradley programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Working knowledge of Wonderware applications, including Archestra, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and InTouch.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft SQL Server.
• Experience coordinating technical teams, contractors, or internal and external engineering resources.
• Ability to manage complex automation projects within an active manufacturing environment.
• Current authorization to work in the United States without employer-sponsored visas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in consumer packaged goods (Client), food production, pet nutrition, or similar manufacturing industries.
• Advanced experience with AVEVA System Platform, SCADA, MES, or ERP integration.
• Strong Microsoft SQL Server administration, integration, or database development capabilities.
• Knowledge of industrial network architecture, Cisco networking technologies, and Industrial Ethernet.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity standards and risk management for industrial control systems.
• Experience applying Factory Performance & Reliability methodologies.
• Understanding of operational excellence metrics, manufacturing performance analysis, and continuous improvement strategies.

Key Skills Required

• PLC Programming & Automation: Allen-Bradley controls, industrial automation troubleshooting, and control system integration.
• Manufacturing Software: Wonderware, Archestra, InTouch, MES, SCADA, and HMI applications.
• Database & Data Integration: Microsoft SQL Server, manufacturing data acquisition, and system connectivity.
• Industrial Networking: OT infrastructure, Industrial Ethernet, network diagnostics, and cybersecurity.
• Technical Project Leadership: Project execution, resource coordination, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Operational Excellence: Manufacturing reliability, process optimization, downtime reduction, and performance improvement.

Why This Location?

• Washington Court House, Ohio, offers a welcoming small-town lifestyle with convenient access to larger metropolitan areas.
• Affordable Living: Housing and everyday expenses are generally more accessible than in major metropolitan markets.
• Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy nearby parks, scenic countryside, walking trails, and recreational activities throughout Fayette County.
• Convenient Location: Situated within driving distance of Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati for additional shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Community Atmosphere: Experience historic downtown charm, local restaurants, community festivals, and a relaxed pace of life.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the benefits of a smaller community while remaining connected to major Ohio employment and cultural centers.

Benefits & Additional Information

This full-time opportunity includes a comprehensive employer-sponsored benefits program, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.

Additional position details:

• Domestic relocation assistance is available.
• Occasional business travel may be required.
• The position is salaried and not eligible for overtime.
• No security clearance is required.
• Candidates must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.