OT Network & Security Engineer: Industrial Automation

We are looking for an experienced OT Network & Security Specialist to support the design, configuration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of industrial automation networks across our machine and production environments. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of Operational Technology (OT) networking, industrial communication protocols, network infrastructure, and the integration of automation equipment such as PLCs, HMIs, robots, drives, sensors, and other industrial devices.

You will work closely with Automation, Electrical, Controls, IT, Engineering, and Service teams to ensure that machine networks are reliable, secure, maintainable, and fit for purpose.

Key responsibilities include: designing, configuring, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial Ethernet and OT networks; configuring and maintaining managed and unmanaged industrial network switches, including VLANs, port configuration, redundancy, QoS, and network diagnostics; configuring and troubleshooting network interfaces on PLCs, HMIs, industrial PCs, robots, drives, vision systems, and other automation equipment; diagnosing network communication issues using tools such as network diagnostics, packet captures, port mirroring, ping, traceroute, and network monitoring tools; supporting the integration of machines into wider factory and plant networks; configuring and troubleshooting industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, and other Ethernet-based protocols; working with PLC and automation engineers to resolve communication issues; developing and maintaining network architectures, topology diagrams, IP address plans, documentation, and configuration backups; supporting machine commissioning and factory/site acceptance testing; implementing OT network segmentation and security practices; troubleshooting network performance issues; assisting with selection and specification of industrial network hardware; establishing standards for network configuration; providing technical support during installation and production start-up; and supporting continuous improvement of network reliability.

Essential skills include strong practical experience with OT/industrial automation networks, good understanding of TCP/IP, Ethernet, IPv4, subnetting, DHCP, DNS, gateways, routing, and addressing, experience configuring and troubleshooting industrial Ethernet switches and network interfaces on automation equipment, understanding of managed switch functionality, experience troubleshooting communication between devices, familiarity with PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and OPC UA, ability to read network topology drawings, experience using diagnostic tools, comfort working on machinery, and strong problem-solving skills.

Desirable skills include experience with specific switch manufacturers, PLC engineering environments, PROFINET diagnostics, EtherNet/IP configuration, network redundancy technologies, VLANs, OT cybersecurity principles, industrial firewalls, network monitoring tools, and Windows-based industrial PCs. Experience with automated machinery such as PLC-controlled machinery, robotic cells, conveyors, packaging machinery, filling and processing equipment, vision inspection systems, servo systems, SCADA and HMI systems, remote I/O, industrial PCs, safety systems, and machine-to-machine communication is required.

Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or FMCG manufacturing is a bonus, particularly with hygienic production environments, automated packaging, high-speed lines, CIP/SIP systems, batch and process automation, production-line integration, OEE/MES connectivity, and machine networking in regulated environments. A formal qualification in Industrial Automation, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Networking, Controls Engineering, or related discipline is desirable; relevant practical experience may be considered.

Industry certifications such as CCNA, Siemens certifications, industrial networking certifications, or OT cybersecurity qualifications are advantageous.