Sr. OT Network Engineer

DescriptionKforce's client is seeking a hands-on Senior OT Network Engineer to join their System Solution team in Princeton, NJ. This onsite role serves as the critical bridge between IT and plant engineering. The successful candidate will design and deploy secure, resilient industrial networks leveraging Cisco SD-Access and microsegmentation strategies ;to ensure zero unplanned downtime across manufacturing environments.Essential Functions:* OT Infrastructure Delivery: Lead the deployment, modernization, and day-to-day lifecycle management of OT network infrastructure* Zero-Trust Network Design: Architect secure industrial networks incorporating IDMZ, macro-segmentation, and granular microsegmentation policies across Purdue Model layers* SD-Access Implementation: Drive the adoption of Cisco SD-Access (SDA) within the OT environment to automate fabric deployment and enforce identity-based access control* Operational & Escalation Support: Provide tier-3 troubleshooting for complex network incidents and coordinate major cutovers, upgrades, and maintenance windows* Mentorship & Collaboration: Translate production requirements for IT and plant teams, while mentoring local IT support on OT network and security fundamentalsTechnology Scope:* Enterprise LAN/WAN and industrial OT network environments* Cisco SD-Access (SDA) fabric architectures, DNA Center/Catalyst Center, and Cisco ISE* Microsegmentation (identity-based policies, host-level security, or software-defined firewalls)* VLANs, routing, switching, redundancy, and Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW)* Industrial wireless networks and high-availability design* Plant-floor, automation, and edge systems utilizing industrial protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, Modbus)Requirements* Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (or equivalent experience) with 10+ years of progressive network engineering experience* Preferred Credentials: Active certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, CISSP, or GICSP* OT Security Expertise: Proven track record securing manufacturing, industrial, or plant-floor networks using zero-trust frameworks, IDMZ, and segmentation* Technical Skills: Strong hands-on experience troubleshooting complex routing, switching, and fabric-based network issues in high-availability environments* Leadership & Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a strong ownership mindset to guide cross-functional technical and non-technical stakeholdersJob TypeContractCompensation60 - $60