Senior OT Network Engineer

Our client, an established manufacturer, is hiring a Senior OT Network Engineer to architect, build, and support the robust industrial networking that underpins modern manufacturing operations. Working closely with Process/Automation Engineers, IT, and Information Security, you will provide high-impact technical leadership across plants and set the direction for secure, resilient OT network design. The role is on-site and requires roughly 10% travel.
In this role, you will:

• Bridge the gap between IT and OT with high-impact technical leadership.
• Build secure, resilient industrial networks that enable Industry 4.0.
• Shape OT standards, architecture, and cyber-secure design practices.
• Make a tangible impact on uptime, safety, and connectivity across plants.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy OT wired and wireless network infrastructure in production environments.
• Maintain and optimize industrial network performance, uptime, and security.
• Lead Tier 3 troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of OT network incidents.
• Drive network architecture decisions, standards, and design blueprints.
• Partner with engineering teams to integrate ICS, SCADA, PLCs, IIoT, and smart devices.
• Implement and manage network segmentation and zoning aligned to the Purdue model.
• Align OT security with corporate policies and frameworks (ISA/IEC 62443, NIST).
• Manage and patch OT networking hardware (industrial switches, firewalls, routers).
• Use monitoring and automation tooling such as Cisco Catalyst Center, Industrial Network Director, and Cyber Vision—or Fortinet equivalents.
• Support network upgrades, migrations, and vendor coordination across plants.
• Maintain accurate documentation of topologies, configurations, and operational procedures.
• Enable digital-factory initiatives by securing edge device connectivity and infrastructure.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, IT, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years in network engineering, including senior or lead-level OT/industrial networking work.
• Strong Cisco or Fortinet networking background, with a willingness to learn the other platform.
• Working knowledge of the Purdue model as a foundational framework for OT architecture and segmentation.
• Familiarity with PLCs and the automation equipment common to manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of—or demonstrated ability to quickly learn—industrial protocols (OPC, Modbus, PROFINET, CIP, DNP3).
• Strong OT security experience: segmentation, firewalls, and secure remote access.
• Industrial wireless deployment and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams across Operations, IT, and Security.
• Experience with CMDB, change control, and network monitoring tools.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills across technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience aligning OT environments to ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST frameworks.
• Depth with a specific vendor stack—Cisco Industrial Ethernet, Firepower, Client, Catalyst Center, Cyber Vision; or Fortinet FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiNAC.
• Advanced certification such as CCNP/CCIE, Fortinet NSE, or equivalent.