Irving
Summary: The IT Specialist supports and maintains technology systems critical to food manufacturing operations. This role ensures reliable IT infrastructure, manufacturing systems, and data security while supporting compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. The IT Specialist works closely with production, quality, maintenance, and corporate IT teams to minimize downtime and improve operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities • Provide day-to-day technical support for plant users (desktops, laptops, printers, mobile devices), • Install, configure, and maintain hardware, software, and peripherals, • Troubleshoot network, server, and connectivity issues within the manufacturing facility, • Support plant-floor systems including HMIs, PLC interfaces (basic support), and production PCs, • Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls (Active Directory, email, ERP systems), • Support Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP systems, and production reporting tools, • Maintaining uptime and performance of IT systems supporting production, warehousing, and logistics, • Assist with system integrations between production equipment and business systems, • Coordinate with corporate IT on system upgrades and enhancements, • Follow cybersecurity best practices to protect operational technology (OT) and IT environments., • Assist with data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans., • Support compliance with food industry standards and regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, SQF, BRC)., • Maintain system documentation and IT policies relevant to audits and inspections., • Participate in IT and automation projects within the manufacturing plant, • Identify opportunities to improve system reliability, efficiency, and security, • Provide training and guidance to users on IT systems and best practices, • Associate or bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience), • Minimum (3-5) years of IT support experience, preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments., • Proficient in LAN/WAN networking, PCs, Printers, Terminals and other IT Technology as needed to support the business, hands on administration of Microsoft Server, virtual machines and cloud computing., • Strong knowledge of Windows operating systems and Microsoft 365, • Strong knowledge of Hyper-V and virtual environments, • Strong knowledge of Azure Platform, • Strong knowledge of MFA processes such OKTA, MS Authenticator, etc., • Networking fundamentals (LAN/WAN, switches, Firewalls, Routers Wi-Fi), • Hardware troubleshooting and system imaging, • Experience supporting ERP, MES, or plant-floor systems, • Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven environment, • Knowledge and familiarity with Operational Technology manufacturing environments and industrial controls (PLCs, SCADA, HMIs), • Experience supporting regulated environments or audit requirements, • Basic scripting or automation skills (PowerShell, SQL, etc.), • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, • Excellent communication and customer service skills, ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, attention to detail and documentation, • Willingness to work off-hours or on call as needed to support production, • Ability to prioritize tasks and efficiently manage time