Sr Dir Automation Engineering & Operational Tech

Chobani•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Senior Director of Automation Engineering & Operational Technology (OT) is accountable for executing and delivering automation and OT solutions that support Chobani’s manufacturing capability. This role leads centralized teams responsible for capital project automation engineering, OT software and data and OT network architecture, with a strong focus on project delivery, technical rigor, and operationssupport. This leader works closely with Engineering, Operations, and IT to ensure automation and OT systems aredesigned correctly, implemented properly and performant across Chobani’s manufacturing network.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Automation, Computer, or related) or equivalent practical experience.
15+ years of experience delivering industrial automation and OT solutions in manufacturing
Proven experience executing large, complex capital projects
Deep practical knowledge of PLC, SCADA, batch, MES, and industrial networks
Strong experience working directly with system integrators and OEMs
Ability to partner effectively with IT on network and cybersecurity requirements
Comfortable operating in fast-paced, execution-driven manufacturing environments

Nice To Haves

Food & Beverage or CPG manufacturing experience
Greenfield plant startup experience
Hands-on application of ISA-88 / ISA-95 in production environments

Responsibilities

Capital Projects Automation Engineering: Own automation execution for all major manufacturing capital projects from early design through FAT, startup and commissioning. Responsibilities Include:
Definition of automation scope, technical requirements, and deliverables for projects.
Ensure PLC, HMI, SCADA, batch, and MES systems are implemented consistently and perform as intended.
Actively review designs, participate in FATs/SATs and play a role in commissioning/startup readiness.
Lead and hold system integrators and OEMs accountable for quality, schedule, and performance.
Step in to resolve technical and execution issues that threaten project timelines or startup success
OT Software & Data:
Deliver OT software platforms including MES, batch execution, historians, and industrial data systems
Ensure OT applications support production execution, quality, and continuous improvement
Partner with Enterprise Digital teams to structure and integrate OT data into enterprise platforms and analytics tools
Build and execute a manufacturing systems and technology road map that delivers practical, usable solutions that measure success on both value creation and plant adoption.
Ensure systems are documented, supportable, and ready for operational ownership at handoff
OT Network Architecture (Partnership with IT)
Define OT network architecture, hardware standards and design requirements for manufacturing facilities.
Ensure automation and OT systems are designed to align with Chobani’s IT network and security models.
Partner with IT Network and Cybersecurity teams during project design and execution
Review and approve OT network designs as part of project governance
Define KPIs and ensure network performance, reliability requirements and asset maintenance standards are met for manufacturing operations
Standards, Governance & Consistency
Make pragmatic decisions when standards must flex to meet business needs or timelines
Own technology selection and lifecycle planning for automation and OT platforms
Partner with plant automation teams to develop and maintain usable automation and OT standard including tooling, code standards and technical review.
Work with plant automation leaders to evaluate, train and develop automation talent across plants.
Operational Readiness & Reliability
Ensure automation and OT systems are delivered and supported in a manner that optimizes for safety, quality and uptime.
Partner with Operations to address systemic automation issues affecting safety, quality, or uptime
Provide enterprise-level support for complex or chronic automation problems
Drive improvements that reduce variability, downtime, and manual intervention