Manufacturing Operational Technology (OT) Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Manufacturing Operational Technology (OT) Specialist

Position Summary

The Operational Technology (OT) Specialist is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and security of industrial control systems and automation infrastructure within a manufacturing environment. This role serves as a key link between Information Technology (IT) and plant-floor Operations Technology (OT), helping ensure production systems remain reliable, secure, and efficient across multiple manufacturing operations.

The OT Specialist supports automation platforms, industrial networks, cybersecurity initiatives, and system integration efforts while working closely with engineering, maintenance, operations, and IT teams. This individual plays a critical role in maximizing uptime, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and enabling digital manufacturing technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Management & Maintenance

• Install, configure, maintain, and support OT systems, including: 
  • PLCs
  • HMIs
  • SCADA platforms
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
  • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integrations
  • Industrial networking infrastructure
• Monitor automation system performance and proactively address issues to minimize production downtime.
• Perform preventive maintenance, firmware updates, and patch management in accordance with established change-control procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including asset inventories, network diagrams, and system configurations.
• Support system backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity initiatives.

IT/OT Integration

• Design and implement secure connectivity between enterprise systems and manufacturing control environments.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and IT teams to support digital transformation initiatives, including Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0 technologies, and real-time manufacturing analytics.
• Develop and maintain network segmentation strategies aligned with industry best practices such as ISA-95 and Purdue architecture principles.
• Support data collection, visualization, and reporting solutions to improve operational performance.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Implement and maintain OT cybersecurity practices aligned with recognized frameworks and standards.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, risk evaluations, and remediation planning for industrial systems and connected devices.
• Respond to OT cybersecurity incidents and support investigations, corrective actions, and recovery activities.
• Develop, test, and maintain OT incident response and recovery procedures.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, cybersecurity requirements, and applicable industry regulations.

Troubleshooting & Technical Support

• Serve as an escalation resource for complex OT-related issues affecting production operations.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, communication, and network failures across industrial control systems.
• Coordinate with vendors, engineers, and maintenance personnel to restore production-critical systems.
• Participate in on-call support rotations and provide assistance during critical system outages.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead or support automation and infrastructure projects involving new equipment installations, facility expansions, line launches, and equipment upgrades.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements that enhance reliability, performance, security, and maintainability.
• Develop technical documentation, standard operating procedures, and support materials.
• Provide training and mentorship to maintenance technicians and operations personnel on OT systems and best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and manufacturing optimization initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Automation, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of: 
  • 8 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, or
  • 6 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree, or
  • 3 years of relevant experience with a PhD.
• Experience supporting industrial automation and control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking, automation architecture, and system integration.
• Experience troubleshooting complex control system and communication issues.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell and Fanuc.
• Experience with SCADA and HMI platforms including FactoryTalk, Wonderware, and Ignition.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols, including: 
  • EtherNet/IP
  • PROFINET
  • Modbus
  • OPC-UA
• Experience with industrial network architecture and managed switch technologies.
• Understanding of OT cybersecurity concepts, tools, and best practices.
• Ability to support OT system lifecycle management, patching, upgrades, and change control processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of hands-on OT or Industrial Control Systems (ICS) experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting robotic automation systems, including Fanuc and Kawasaki platforms.
• Familiarity with manufacturing operations such as: 
  • Production control
  • Body shop operations
  • Paint and coatings processes
  • General assembly
• Experience with MES platforms such as Apriso, SAP ME, Plex, Ignition, or Fuuz.
• Professional certifications such as: 
  • GICSP
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CCNA Industrial
  • ISA/IEC 62443 certifications
• Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement environments.

Core Competencies

Problem Solving

Ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues involving automation, networking, cybersecurity, and manufacturing systems in a fast-paced production environment.

Communication

Effectively communicates technical information to maintenance teams, operators, engineers, leadership, and IT stakeholders.

Collaboration

Works effectively across engineering, maintenance, operations, IT, and external vendor teams to achieve business objectives.

Adaptability

Thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment with changing priorities and production demands.

Attention to Detail

Maintains high-quality documentation and consistently follows established standards, procedures, and change-management requirements.

Compensation

Compensation for this position will be determined based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, technical expertise, certifications, geographic location, and overall qualifications. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

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