Role Summary
The OT Systems Engineer is responsible for deploying, configuring, and supporting operational technology (OT) networks for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. This role is critical to successful commissioning and system handover, ensuring reliable communications between control systems, EMS, PCS, BMS, SCADA, and remote monitoring platforms.
This is a field-facing, deployment-oriented role focused on bringing new projects online.
Key Responsibilities
• Deploy and configure OT network infrastructure for BESS projects, including switches, routers, firewalls, cellular devices, and site communications equipment. • Support commissioning activities by ensuring reliable connectivity between EMS, PCS, BMS, protection relays, meters, and SCADA systems. • Configure network segmentation, VLANs, routing, and secure remote access appropriate for OT environments. • Troubleshoot network and communication issues during commissioning and early operations. • Work closely with Deployment Engineers, Controls Engineers, EMS teams, and Field Commissioning teams to resolve system integration issues. • Support site bring-up, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and handover to service teams. • Document site network architectures, configurations, and as-built drawings. • Contribute to the development of standardized network designs, templates, and deployment procedures. • Support remote monitoring, data acquisition, and secure connectivity to central monitoring platforms.
Required Experience & Skills
Experience deploying OT or industrial networks in the field (power, renewables, utilities, manufacturing, oil & gas, or similar) is required.
Strong understanding of TCP/IP networking fundamentals in operational environments is necessary.
Hands-on experience with industrial networking equipment (switches, routers, firewalls) is expected.
Familiarity with SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, EMS, or industrial control systems is required.
Ability to troubleshoot across network, software, and controls boundaries is necessary.
Comfortable working in commissioning environments with incomplete information and time pressure is expected.
Willingness to travel to project sites during deployment phases is required.
Preferred Experience
Experience with utility-scale BESS, solar, wind, or substation environments is preferred.
Experience with cellular networking, VPNs, and secure remote access for OT systems is preferred.
Familiarity with IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3, or similar protocols (high-level understanding) is preferred.
Experience supporting commissioning teams in the field is preferred.
Background bridging IT networking concepts into OT environments is beneficial.
What Success Looks Like (6-12 Months)
• New BESS sites are brought online with stable, secure network connectivity. • Commissioning timelines are supported, not delayed, by network readiness. • Network issues are resolved quickly and collaboratively during deployment. • Site documentation and standards improve over time. • Field and commissioning teams trust this role as a reliable partner.