OT/ICS Vertical Automation Solution Engineer

Overview

The OT/ICS Vertical Automation Solution Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining Industrial Automation Control Systems (IACS) within OT and industrial environments. This role involves developing and programming automation processes, modifying existing programs, and ensuring the systems align with business safety and productivity requirements. Frequent site visits to various locations are expected, along with collaboration across teams to enhance operational safety and performance, including supporting safety and cybersecurity incident response plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and design OT/ICS automation and control systems to meet business and organizational requirements, identifying any system gaps or weaknesses.
• Engage in control system engineering activities with operational and technical teams, focusing on secure design, process optimization, requirement analysis, and material selection.
• Coordinate with cross-department teams to define secure design requirements across OT and IACS environments.
• Ensure adherence to safe and site-specific procedures throughout the automation project lifecycle—including design, implementation, maintenance, and operations.
• Evaluate and select appropriate equipment for various applications based on operational needs.
• Support installation, startup, and validation of electrical, process control, and safety instrumented systems.
• Provide engineering support and guidance for maintenance teams during troubleshooting, repairs, and design modifications.
• Manage and recommend critical spare parts for control systems and oversee spare parts inventory.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities in automation control systems leveraging new technologies.
• Troubleshoot MS operating systems, install and program ICS components, maintain and upgrade systems, and support Process Safety Management (PSM) efforts.
• Collaborate with OT/IACS process owners and vendors during troubleshooting and annual maintenance contracting activities.
• Work with network, system, and automation teams to address OT/ICS environment alerts and incidents, providing effective root cause analysis and mitigation plans.
• Maintain an updated asset inventory for industrial automation control systems.
• Participate in safety and cybersecurity risk assessments and gap analyses conducted by internal or external auditors.
• Apply knowledge of industrial automation control system vulnerabilities and system hardening techniques.
• Perform ICS packet analysis for plant networks, making data accessible and understandable to support troubleshooting.
• Manage patching processes for industrial automation control systems.
• Maintain system backups and program/image archives for automation control systems.
• Support on-site startup and shutdown activities, including hardware/software debugging.
• Generate detailed reports and dashboards to provide insights on system operation, issues, and performance.
• Ensure compliance with site specifications, standards, and engineering best practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as Industrial Control Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in industrial automation control systems, preferably relating to Oil & Gas, Lubricants, Aviation, or Critical Infrastructure sectors.
• Experience working with global organizations or IACS OEMs, specializing in SCADA, DCS, SIS, HVAC, RTU, PLC systems and OT/IACS cybersecurity skills.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation and safety standards such as IEC61131, IEC61508, IEC61511, ATEX/ANSI Directive, ISA standards, and familiarity with IEC62443 cybersecurity standards.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols like Serial Protocols, HART, TCP/IP, UDP, DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850, S7, OPC, OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, BACnet, Profibus, and PROFINET.
• Preferred certifications include Network+, Security+, ISA CAP, ISA/IEC62443 fundamentals, and OEM expert/specialist IACS certificates.
• Familiarity with motor controls, variable frequency drives, and network/Ethernet controls.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and instrument schematics and AutoCAD drawings.
• Experience with system backup and recovery tools such as Acronis or Veritas and endpoint protection solutions like Trellix or Symantec.
• Proficient in MS OS troubleshooting and familiar with legacy and recent operating systems including Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, and embedded OS.
• Experience handling physical network cabling and control system I/O modules.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.