Principal Manufacturing IT Systems Engineer

Location: Irvine, CA, US, 92618 Employment Type: Salaried Work Arrangement: Hybrid Position Summary: Ventura Foods is a leading manufacturer in the Food Manufacturing sector, dedicated to innovation and excellence. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced IT/OT Systems Administrator to join our dynamic team. This role is crucial in ensuring the seamless integration and operation of our information and operational technology systems within our manufacturing facilities. As the Systems Administrator for Manufacturing Technology, you will oversee and maintain the technology infrastructure that supports both business operations and manufacturing processes, ensuring that networks, servers, and industrial control systems work together seamlessly. You will support innovation and continuous improvement by implementing new technologies and best practices, troubleshoot and resolve issues that could impact production or data integrity, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technology solutions with business and manufacturing needs. Additionally, you will safeguard systems against cyber threats and ensure compliance with industry standards, bridging the gap between traditional IT and manufacturing technologies to help Ventura Foods maintain high standards of productivity, safety, and innovation. Major Duties And Responsibilities: Infrastructure Management: Oversee and maintain IT infrastructure including servers, networks, and databases to ensure reliable support for manufacturing operations across multiple facilities. This role requires significant domestic travel.Troubleshooting and Support: Provide advanced technical support and troubleshooting for IT and OT systems, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption.Project Management: Participate in IT/OT projects, including system upgrades, migrations, and new implementations.System Integration: Oversee the integration of IT and OT systems to ensure efficient and secure operations within manufacturing facilities.Cybersecurity: Support the implementation of IT Security systems, tools and policies cybersecurity measures to protect both IT and OT systems from threats and vulnerabilities.Compliance and Standards: Ensure all systems and processes comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements.Process Optimization: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing processes through the effective use of technology.Additional responsibilities as assigned. Required: Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.A master’s degree is preferred. 15+ years of progressive experience in IT, with a proven track record of managing IT infrastructure supporting a manufacturing environment. Required: Knowledge and Skills: Proven experience with manufacturing applications and the integration of PLCs, SCADA, MES, ERP, and WMS systems in complex business environments.Demonstrated ability to manage daily support and project activities across multiple plants.Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills for resolving complex technical issues. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to engage and influence senior plant management, executives, and external partners.Familiarity with Azure, AWS, OT/IT convergence, and data analytics/AI platforms.Certifications in ITIL, PMP, CISSP, or similar are a plus. Why Join Us: Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves. When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours. Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits: Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met) Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance ProgramsSalary Base Range of $149,885.00 - $198,298.80*The “base salary range” provided above is a good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position in the specified markets. Ventura Foods reserves the right to pay outside of the given range based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: candidate skills and experience, complexity of the job, budgetary factors, and location/geography. Ventura Foods conducts regular reviews of compensation ranges and therefore reserves the right to alter this range at any given time. Diversity & Inclusion: Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Ventura Foods may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted tools at certain stages of our hiring process, including identifying & sourcing candidates, reviewing applications and matched candidates on job boards and websites, and generating screening questions to help us work more efficiently and consistently. We regularly review our tools to promote fairness and reduce the risk of bias. However, while these tools support our process, every hiring decision is made by a real person on our team. Applicants in the State of New York may request an alternative process by contacting us at VFaccessibility@rescocompany.com. Nearest Major Market: Irvine California Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles