OT/ICS Security Principal Architect

The Cybersecurity organization advances the overall state of security at PPL through critical initiatives and coordination of large security and customer-focused projects. The organization builds and procures technologies, tools, and processes to better enable teams at PPL to develop secure platforms and protect data and systems with appropriate security controls. IT Cybersecurity also develops systems to monitor and respond to attacks against our systems, provides educational awareness to the corporation on security best practices, and ensures data sharing relationships with third parties securely protect PPL information.  

PPL is seeking a highly skilled Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems Principal Architect to join our Cybersecurity organization. In this role, you will work closely with our Operations, Information Technology, and Cybersecurity team to ensure the security and configuration of the PPL critical infrastructure.  

You will have direct responsibility for the usage and monitoring of the cyber technology within the OT/ICS environment as well as leading the OT/ICS security strategy. You will provide expert guidance, conduct security assessments, and provide detailed design and implementation of secure OT/ICS architecture. If you are passionate about OT/ICS and have a deep understanding of cybersecurity, architecture, infrastructure, risk, and  compliance, this position is ideal for you. #LI-Hybrid 

• Develop and Implement a comprehensive OT/ICS security strategy that aligns with the organization’s overall security objectives and regulatory requirements. 

• Design and document secure OT/ICS architectures that meet the organization's functional and security requirements. 

• Design and/or evaluate current OT/ICS infrastructure and incorporate security principles into all stages of the System Development Lifecycle. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate security controls and processes into OT/ICS infrastructure and applications.  

• Complete Threat Modeling assessments, analyze impact, and develop mitigation strategies. 
• Perform security reviews of architecture, infrastructure, and applications, identify gaps, develop a security risk management plan, and execute strategies to mitigate/address identified risk. 
• Responsible for the governance of OT/ICS Security policies, procedures, and standards.  
• Offer technical guidance and support to OT/ICS operations and engineering teams. 
• Assess and recommend security tools, technologies, and services that enhance OT/ICS security posture. 
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert on OT/ICS Security related topics, best practices, emerging technologies and the evolving threat landscape. 
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support in the development of junior staff members. 
• All other duties and projects as assigned. 

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, and/or a related field or an equivalent level of work related experience.  

Experience 

• A minimum of 10+ years of direct OT/ICS security, including architecture, design, and implementation. 

• Strong understanding of OT/ICS technologies, including SCADA, PLC, and DCS systems 

• Experience in developing and deploying defense in depth and layered architecture within an OT/ICS environment. 

• Experience in designing and implementing network infrastructure within OT/ICS environment.  

• Expertise in system hardening, including vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and configuration management.  

• Proficiency in conducting security testing, including vulnerability scanning, and static and dynamic code analysis. 

• Expertise in OT/ICS security frameworks and standards (e.g., NERC CIP, TSA, Purdue Model) 

• Ability to follow outlined processes and procedures with high degree of accuracy. 

• Experience working in Agile teams and have knowledge of Agile principles and practices. 

• Strong analytical skills to assess risks and vulnerabilities in complex systems. 

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

• Collaborative and effective in cross-functional team environments (including Network, IAM, Monitoring and Detection, Asset Management, etc.). 

• Experience assessing, hardening, and standardizing OT/ICS access control and management 

• Design and implementation of passive threat monitoring and detection capabilities  

• Practical experience working with technologies from OT/ICS vendors

 Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience in utility and/or energy related industries. 
• Proficiency in scripting and automation for security testing. 
• Experience utilizing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional- CISSP 
• Master's Degree in related technical discipline or MBA. 
• SANS ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials 
• SANS ICS515: ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response 
• SANS ICS612: ICS Cybersecurity In-Depth 
• SANS GIAC Response and Industrial Defense (GRID) Certified 
• SANS Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP) Certified 
• SANS GIAC Critical Infrastructure Protection (GCIP) Certified