Lead OT Network Engineer

Lead OT Network Engineer
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We are looking for an experienced Lead OT Network Engineer to take technical ownership of industrial networking projects from design through to testing, commissioning and handover.

You'll work across a range of automation and systems integration projects, designing robust and secure OT networks and working closely with Project Managers, Automation Engineers, clients and vendors to deliver practical solutions.

Job responsibilities:

• Lead the design and delivery of industrial Ethernet Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks across automation and OT projects.
• Develop network architectures, detailed drawings, design documentation and device configuration standards.
• Design and configure industrial switches, routers, VLANs and resilient network topologies.
• Take technical ownership of network cybersecurity, including firewalls and secure boundaries between IT and OT environments.
• Lead network testing, validation and commissioning safely within live end-user environments.
• Carry out network surveys and use network analysis and monitoring tools to assess network performance and health.
• Work with Project and Enquiry teams to define network scope, develop technical solutions and support bids and proposals.
• Deliver industrial networking projects through the full lifecycle, from specification and design through to commissioning and handover.
• Contribute to the development of network standards, templates and best practice across the business.
• Where required, support or lead automation projects involving PLC, HMI and SCADA.
• Keep up to date with developing networking technologies and identify opportunities to improve the company's technical offering.

Skillset:

• Proven experience designing, implementing, testing and commissioning networks within an Operational Technology / industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of Ethernet, Layer 2/Layer 3 networking and TCP/IP.
• Hands-on experience with industrial switching, routing, VLANs and resilient network topologies.
• Experience designing secure network boundaries between IT and OT, including firewalls and remote-access solutions.
• Experience with industrial protocols such as PROFINET, Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP.
• Ability to produce clear network architectures, detailed drawings, validation test plans and as-built documentation.
• Experience using network monitoring and analysis tools.
• Understanding of the full automation project lifecycle, from system specification and design through to testing and on-site commissioning.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to work confidently with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A collaborative and structured approach, with a genuine interest in developing new technologies and best practice.

Experience with some of the following would be advantageous:

• Industrial networking platforms from vendors such as Cisco, Siemens, Hirschmann, Moxa or Fortinet.
• Network segmentation using zones and conduits.
• Secure remote access, jump hosts and DMZ architectures.
• Cloud networking and data storage platforms such as Azure or AWS.
• Serial-based industrial communication protocols.
• PLC, HMI and SCADA systems.
• Network cybersecurity and OT security standards.
• Relevant networking certifications from vendors such as Cisco, Hirschmann, Fortinet, Moxa or Siemens.
• Experience within sectors such as utilities, food and beverage, FMCG, chemical, pharmaceutical, process or manufacturing.