Senior IT / OT Systems Engineer

WestRock Company; Stevenson (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

WestRock Company is seeking a Senior IT/OT Systems Engineer to design, implement, and support IT/OT infrastructure for process control systems, including DCS and PLCs. The role collaborates with engineers and operations to plan upgrades and ensure safe, efficient production.

The position emphasizes system documentation, cross-functional coordination, and weekend/after-hours support as needed, with a focus on cost savings and process optimization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of industrial IT/OT experience; 10+ years in enterprise IT with relevant military or two-year degree as alternative.
• Research and learn new technologies quickly with strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience with virtualization and networking concepts (VMware, subnets, VLANs, routing).
• Knowledge of Windows services (Active Directory, DNS, DHCP) and storage/networking hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and support IT/OT infrastructure for Process Control Systems including DCS, PLCs, and custom control applications.
• Assist project engineers on capital projects and system upgrades.
• Coordinate system requirements with process control engineers, operating departments, and suppliers.
• Provide IT/OT system documentation and support during startup and shutdowns.
• Promote safety programs and maintain mill-wide data historian interfaces.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Self-directed

Multitasking

Safety focused

Tools

VMware vSphere

ESXi

vCenter

Horizon View

OSIsoft Pi

Cisco

Job description

DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS

The Senior IT/OT Systems Engineer position: provides technological and engineering expertise for the implementation of new IT/OT technology and equipment; evaluates and resolves problems with existing IT/OT systems utilizing vendor and/or mill maintenance support when necessary; designs and programs changes to the existing OT systems as needed. This position ensures the IT/OT systems are properly deployed to provide the greatest return on investment regarding production, costs, quality as well as safe and environmentally sound operations.

The Senior IT/OT Systems Engineer reports to the Process Control Manager

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT SMURFIT WESTROCK

• Responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting the IT/OT infrastructure that supports Process Control Systems. This includes Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), as well as custom control applications used to meet manufacturing needs and production goals.
• Assists project engineers and managers in the planning, development, and implementation of capital projects.
• Engages in development of short and long-term planning of system upgrades and migrations.
• During project design, assists with coordinating the development of system and network requirements with process control engineers, operating departments, and control system suppliers. Participate in factory checkout of equipment prior to delivery to confirm design and functionality.
• Provide documentation of IT/OT systems.
• Maintains a strong emphasis on IT/OT improvement projects -- customer focused innovations, cost saving improvements, process optimization, etc.
• Utilizes a proactive approach and project skills to develop solutions to short- and long-term issues.
• Works closely with Process Control, Maintenance, and Operations to identify and resolve issues.
• Leads troubleshooting efforts of systems and processes. Helps promote technical skills with key stakeholders.
• Coordinate with WestRock Corporate IT and Engineering & Manufacturing Services to implement policies and infrastructure improvements.
• As part of the Process Control & IT team, shares in the responsibility of providing weekend and off-hour availability to support Process Control and IT mill needs as well as startup support from planned and unplanned shutdowns.
• Adheres to all mill safety rules, participates in, or may lead safety programs and meetings with the goal of improving safety at the mill. Supports the mill behavior-based safety program.
• Maintains mill-wide data historian (OSIsoft Pi) and related interfaces.
• Evaluates, troubleshoots, and maintains system hardware.
• Support of 3rd Party vendor system access in adherence with corporate policy
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

Required Experience

• Minimum of five years of industrial experience in IT/OT preferred with degree or 10 years plus of IT experience in enterprise-class environments would be required with two-year degree or equivalent military experience.
• Ability to research and learn new technologies at a rapid pace with exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Experience with VMware vSphere 5.5+ including ESXi, vCenter, Horizon View and other virtualization solutions.
• Knowledge of networking concepts such as subnetting, routing, VLANs, wireless, Firewalls/ACLs, and common protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH, NTP, SMTP, TELNET, and RDP.
• Cisco experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Windows Services such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, etc.
• Experience with blade systems, storage arrays, Fibre Channel, and iSCSI.
• Familiarity with various server hardware vendors such as HP, Dell, PureStorage, etc.
• Ability to build/image/support desktops and laptops in both IT & OT environments
• Knowledge of system monitoring software and protocols involved (PING, SNMP, WMI, etc.)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Results oriented individual capable of handling projects individually, yet able to work efficiently in a team-oriented environment
• Additional skills needed: self-directed, flexible, self-learner, multitasking, results driven, and safety focused

Additional Experience (Plus):

• Experience in a 24/7 manufacturing environment
• Experience with Anti-Virus products such as McAfee and Symantec
• Experience with VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) environments utilizing Thin/Zero clients and management of these systems
• Expertise with all Windows operating systems (Server and Workstation)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office365 application suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.)
• Knowledge of legacy telephony and modern VOIP systems.
• Experience with support of printers
• Ability to support other devices such as Vehicle Mounted Units (VMUs), Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), and Cameras
• Understanding of Industrial Communication Protocols such as Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, OPC, Wireless HART, etc.
• Ability to read and understand P&ID’s loop sheets, and electrical drawings
• CCNA Certification
• Experience with Nutanix and other VM Platforms

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