OT Network Engineer

About the role

This position requires traveling 40% of the time. Ready to be at the heart of a zero-carbon energy future? As an Operational Technology (OT) Network Engineer at Drax, you will specialize in designing, maintaining, and securing the networks that connect our industrial control systems (ICS), machinery, and monitoring platforms.

Responsibilities

• Network Design & Implementation
• Design and maintain industrial Ethernet networks, including Layer 2/3 switching and VLANs.
• Configure industrial protocols such as Modbus TCP, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP.
• Integrate OT networks with enterprise IT while ensuring proper segmentation.
• System Support & Maintenance
• Monitor and troubleshoot network performance and outages.
• Support connectivity for PLCs, HMIs, historians, and control servers.
• Manage firmware upgrades and patching with operational teams.
• Cybersecurity
• Implement OT security frameworks per Drax Cybersecurity Policies.
• Manage firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and incident responses in OT environments.
• Collaboration
• Work with automation engineers, maintenance teams, and IT staff.
• Support vendors and system integrators during commissioning and upgrades.
• Document network architecture and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or a related field, with experience in an industrial plant environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial networking or Operational Technology (OT) environments.
• Understanding of industrial control systems (SCADA, DCS, PLCs).
• Fundamentals of networking (TCP/IP, routing, switching).
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (Power BI, DataParc) and industrial cybersecurity.
• Experience with firewalls, segmentation appliances, and remote access solutions for OT environments.
• Familiarity with process control communications (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, etc.) and managing Cisco industrial switches.
• Skills in HMI programming and PLC software (Siemens, Allen Bradley).
• Experience with VFDs (Allen Bradley Powerflex, Siemens G120) and Smart MCCs (Siemens SIMOCODE, Allen Bradley IntelliCenter).
• Hands-on experience with industrial network hardware.
• Understanding of relevant codes, standards, and regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).