Systems Engineer

DrinkPAK; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical, dental, and vision

Cell phone stipend

Annual discretionary bonus

401(k) match + life insurance + pet保险

Job summary

DrinkPAK is seeking a Systems Engineer to design, implement, and maintain its automation and IT/OT integration across manufacturing platforms.

You will own the Line Management System (LMS), manage the E80 AGV interface, and serve as the IT/OT bridge coordinating with engineering, operations, and vendors. Travel 30–50% to project locations; full-time salaried position. This role emphasizes reliability, cybersecurity, and scalable automation to support DrinkPAK's growth across multiple facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 5–7+ years in industrial systems engineering or IT/OT roles.
• Hands-on industrial networking experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with LMS, WMS, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with AGV fleets; E80 experience preferred.
• Strong OT network architecture knowledge (PLC/HMI/SCADA).
• Solid cybersecurity knowledge for OT environments.
• Vendor management: RFPs and contract oversight.
• Analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to communicate across Engineering, IT, Ops, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Own the LMS administration, configuration, and integration.
• Manage E80 AGV interface and fleet management system.
• Translate Engineering requirements into network and system specs.
• Lead industrial networking across PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and OEMs.
• Vendor-manage automation suppliers and service agreements.
• Develop and maintain system documentation and runbooks.
• Collaborate on network architecture and cybersecurity protocols.
• Support capital projects during design, commissioning, and startup.
• Monitor performance and drive corrective actions for uptime.
• Provide training to plant engineering and maintenance teams.

Skills

Industrial networking

IT/OT integration

Cybersecurity

Vendor management

Documentation

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Information Technology/Systems Engineering

Tools

LMS

WMS

AGV management

PLC/HMI/SCADA

Job description

Power your Thirst for More at DrinkPAK, where we revolutionize beverage manufacturing, driven by automation and sustainability. Together, through grit and innovation, we break new ground in record time by acquiring the most advanced technology and attracting the brightest talent. Our explosive growth and journey through uncharted territories offers unique career opportunities enabling passionate individuals to reach their full potential. To support our teams, we offer enriching lifestyle accounts, comprehensive benefits, formal development programs, and an energizing environment. Drive your success at DrinkPAK, where we refresh, hydrate and nourish the world and our employees alike.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining DrinkPAK’s automation systems and manufacturing technology platforms. This role serves as the critical bridge between Information Technology (IT) and Engineering—translating business and operational requirements into reliable, scalable automation solutions. The engineer owns the Line Management System (LMS), E80 AGV interface, industrial network utilization, and vendor relationships across automation platforms. This role is a Manufacturing Systems & IT/OT Integration Leader.

BENEFITS

The well-being of our team members and their families is critically important to us. As part of this commitment, we offer:

• PPO medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees AND their dependents, 100% paid by the Company
• A cell phone stipend
• Annual discretionary bonus
• 401(k) match program, pet insurance, life insurance, and more.

LOCATION: The

position can be based at any of DrinkPAK’s facilities, but travel is significant to the locations of current projects. Estimated at 30–50%.

TYPE

Full-time;Salaried/Exempt

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the Line Management System (LMS)—administration, configuration, integration with HR and operations systems, user training, and continuous improvement.
• Manage and optimize the E80 AGV interface and fleet management system; coordinate with E80 and other automation vendors on software updates, integration changes, and troubleshooting.
• Serve as the primary IT/OT bridge: translate Engineering requirements into network and systems specifications; ensure OT systems are properly segmented, secured, and integrated with IT infrastructure.
• Lead implementation of industrial network items including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA interfaces, and machine-level communications across multiple OEM platforms.
• Vendor-manage automation and systems suppliers: evaluate proposals, lead technical negotiations, manage service agreements, and ensure delivery against commitments.
• Develop and maintain system documentation including network diagrams, architecture standards, integration specifications, and operational runbooks.
• Collaborate with the Electrical & Controls Engineer to align network architecture, cybersecurity protocols, and controls change management.
• Support capital project teams by defining systems and network requirements during design phases; participate in commissioning and startup of new lines and facilities.
• Monitor system performance, proactively identify risks, and drive corrective actions to maintain uptime and reliability across all managed platforms.
• Provide technical guidance and training to plant engineering and maintenance teams on systems, network tools, and automation platforms.

Key KPIs & Best-in-Class Targets

• Industrial Network Uptime
• LMS Data Accuracy
• E80 AGV Interface Availability
• System Integration Issue Resolution Lead Time
• IT/OT Cybersecurity Compliance
• Vendor SLA Compliance
• Network Documentation Accuracy (as-builts, topology diagrams, runbooks)
• Capital Project Systems Readiness on Time
• User-Reported System Incidents Resolved
• Safety Performance: Zero recordable incidents

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• At least 5-7+ years of experience in industrial systems engineering, IT/OT integration, or manufacturing technology roles.
• Hands-on experience with industrial networking (VLANs, firewalls, switches, Wi‑Fi) in manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Labor Management Systems (LMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), or similar enterprise operations platforms.
• Familiarity with AGV fleet management systems; E80 experience strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of PLC/HMI/SCADA systems and OT network architecture.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles as applied to OT environments, including network segmentation and access control.
• Proven vendor management experience: RFP development, contract negotiation, performance monitoring.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across Engineering, IT, Operations, and external vendor teams.

OUR VALUES

Our company’s culture is guided by our shared values of Speed, Intensity, and Purpose. These values are demonstrated in the following ways based on the role within the organization.

• Speed : Take the initiative to promptly identify and address potential issues or opportunities. Maintain a sense of urgency in your work, completing tasks efficiently.
• Intensity : Remain resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks by possessing a positive attitude, persevering through obstacles, and demonstrating adaptability in your approach.
• Purpose : Take ownership of your responsibilities, and value the input and skill sets of your peers by working together as One PAK.

ABOUT DRINKPAK

DrinkPAK is the premiere manufacturer of canned beverages in North America. As producers of the largest and fastest-growing alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages in the world, DrinkPAK provides full‑service support for procurement, batching, processing, filling, packaging, warehousing, and distribution. Founded in 2020, DrinkPAK has revolutionized canned beverage manufacturing by offering extreme capacity and format flexibility through cutting‑edge technology and a commitment to the best talent in the industry. For more information, visit www.drinkpak.com

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• The employee frequently is required to talk and hear, in person, via video conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, etc.), and telephonically.

• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

• The employee is frequently required to stand and walk and is frequently required to sit.