Operational Technology (OT) Specialist is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and security of industrial control systems and automation infrastructure within our automotive manufacturing environment. This role serves as the critical bridge between Information Technology (IT) and plant floor Operations Technology, ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient production systems across body, assembly, paint, and production operations.
WHAT YOU GET TO DOSystems Management & Maintenance- Install, configure, and maintain OT systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, DCS, MES, ERP, and industrial networking infrastructure.
- Monitor the health and performance of plant floor automation systems to minimize unplanned downtime.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance, firmware updates, and patch management on OT assets in accordance with change control procedures.
- Maintain accurate asset inventories, network diagrams, and system documentation.
IT/OT Integration- Design and implement secure data pathways between IT enterprise systems (ERP, MES) and OT environments.
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and IT teams to support digital transformation initiatives such as IIoT, Industry 4.0, and real-time production analytics.
- Define and enforce network segmentation strategies (e.g., Purdue Model / ISA-95) to protect industrial assets.
Cybersecurity & Compliance- Implement and maintain OT cybersecurity frameworks aligned with NIST CSF, IEC 62443, and NERC CIP standards as applicable.
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and risk analyses on OT systems and connected devices.
- Respond to and investigate OT security incidents; develop and test incident response plans.
- Ensure compliance with internal IT/OT security policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
Troubleshooting & Support- Serve as escalation point for Tier 2/3 OT-related issues across production shifts.
- Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and communication failures in industrial control systems.
- Provide on-call support for critical system outages impacting production.
Projects & Continuous Improvement- Lead or support capital projects involving new equipment installation, line retooling, or facility expansions.
- Evaluate and recommend OT technology upgrades to improve reliability, efficiency, and security.
- Develop and deliver training to maintenance technicians and plant floor personnel on OT systems usage and best practices.
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM- 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience
Technical Skills:- Proficiency with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Fanuc)
- Experience with SCADA and HMI software (FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Ignition)
- Solid understanding of industrial networking protocols: EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, OPC-UA
- Working knowledge of industrial network architecture and managed switches (Cisco IE, Stratix, Ubiquiti)
- Familiarity with OT cybersecurity principles and tools
Preferred Qualifications- Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on OT/ICS experience in a manufacturing environment; automotive industry experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with robotic systems (Fanuc, Kawaski)
- Familiarity with automotive production systems (production control, body shop, coatings, general assembly)
- Knowledge of MES platforms (Apriso, SAP ME, Plex, Ignition' Fuuz)
- Relevant certifications: GICSP, CompTIA Security+, CCNA Industrial, ISA/IEC 62443
- Experience supporting lean manufacturing or Six Sigma environments
Competencies- Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose complex, cross-domain issues under time pressure in a live production environment.
- Communication: Effectively conveys technical concepts to both plant floor technicians and senior OT/operations leadership.
- Collaboration: Works cross-functionally with engineering, maintenance, IT, and operations teams.
- Adaptability: Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, shift-driven manufacturing environment with changing priorities.
- Attention to Detail: Maintains rigorous documentation and follows change management procedures.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions- Ability to work in a manufacturing plant environment, including exposure to noise, heat, and industrial equipment.
- Must be able to walk plant floors, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces as needed.
- Availability for on-call rotation and occasional off-shift or weekend work during planned maintenance windows or unplanned outages.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in production areas.
