Operational Technology Engineer

About the role

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, commission, and test PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA systems for new and existing production equipment.
• Create and maintain detailed system documentation, including electrical schematics, network architecture diagrams, I/O lists, and functional design specifications.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and system integrators to ensure designs meet site standards, project requirements, and corporate data integrity policies.
• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for new installations.
• Provide first-line technical support for control system faults, alarms, and unexpected production downtime events.
• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical and controls-related issues quickly to minimize operational disruption.
• Provide daily oversight of site automation to ensure reliable operations and establish clear escalation paths for critical issues.
• Analyze alarm data, downtime trends, and system performance metrics to identify and eliminate recurring root-cause issues.
• Develop and maintain practical fault-finding guides and troubleshooting documentation for the maintenance team.
• Identify and champion opportunities to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through control system enhancements.
• Lead, execute, and support capital improvement projects from initial scope definition through commissioning and final handover.
• Implement alarm management strategies (aligned with ISA-18.2 standards) to reduce nuisance alarms and improve operator effectiveness.
• Drive the standardization of control system hardware, software platforms, and programming practices across the site.
• Evaluate and introduce emerging technologies, including advanced process control, data analytics, and IIoT integration.
• Maintain the integrity and security of the Industrial Control System (ICS) network.
• Implement and enforce cybersecurity best practices in line with IEC 62443 standards and company policy.
• Manage control system patching, regular backups, and disaster recovery procedures.
• Partner with the IT department to ensure appropriate, secure segmentation between OT (Operational Technology) and IT networks.
• Control, monitor, and audit remote access to production control systems.
• Ensure all control system designs and modifications comply with functional safety standards (including IEC 61511 and IEC 62061).
• Participate in HAZOP, Risk Assessments, and System Integrity Level (SIL) studies; implement required Safety Instrumented Functions (SIFs).
• Manage Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) in accordance with the site’s safety lifecycle plan.
• Manage all control systems changes strictly through the site’s Management of Change (MOC) process and maintain version control for all program files.
• Update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as-built documentation, and training records following any system modifications.
• Ensure all work complies with site electrical safety rules, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, and work permit systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Control Systems, Mechatronics, etc.)
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in an industrial manufacturing or process environment
• 2+ years experience programming and commissioning Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) and/or Siemens PLCs
• 1+ years experience working with HMI/SCADA platforms such as FactoryTalk View, Ignition, WinCC, or equivalent
• 1+ years experience working with industrial networking including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, and DeviceNet

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to troubleshoot complex automated systems under pressure
• Strong understanding of electrical control panel design and the ability to read and interpret electrical drawings
• Experience with DCS platforms such as Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion, or ABB 800xA
• Familiarity with building automation systems i.e. METESYS, Automated Logic
• Familiarity with functional safety lifecycle processes and IEC 61511 / IEC 62061
• Knowledge of ISA-18.2 alarm management methodology
• Experience with IIoT platforms, data historians (OSIsoft PI, Wonderware), or MES integration
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
• TÜV Functional Safety Engineer certification is an advantage
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or chemical processing

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $78,300 - $119,000. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.