Senior Industrial IT/OT Integration Specialist

About the role

The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between OT and IT, enabling secure, contextualized, and reliable data flow from the shop floor (Level 2/3) to enterprise systems (Level 4). This role is critical to advancing our Smart Manufacturing roadmap, supporting predictive maintenance, yield optimization, and digital twin initiatives, particularly within a GMP-regulated life science environment.

Responsibilities

• UNSArchitecture & Data Modeling: Lead the design and implementation of a Unified Namespace (UNS) using MQTT and sparkplug B, standardizing ISA-95 equipment hierarchies, ISA-88 process context.
• Data Integration & Middleware: Architect and maintain integrations between industrial systems (PLC, SCADA, Historians) and IT systems (MES, ERP, Data Lakes) using Kepware, Cogent, Ignition, and modern edge tools like HighByte Intelligence Hub, Quartic, etc.
• Data Contextualization: Contextualize raw manufacturing data (time-series) with operational context (batches, recipes, work orders) to make data usable for advanced analytics and AI.
• Pipeline Development: Develop and optimize data pipelines using Kafka, MQTT, and OPC protocols, ensuring high-frequency data ingestion with low latency.
• Smart Manufacturing Roadmap: Execute on Smart Manufacturing initiatives, including predictive maintenance, yield optimization, and digital twin modeling, using tools like Cognite Data Fusion.
• GMP Validation: Ensure all data integrations, middleware configurations, and data storage solutions are compliant with GxP regulations, maintaining data integrity and participating in validation exercises.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Process Engineers, Automation Teams, Data Scientists, and IT to map data requirements and deliver actionable insights.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in manufacturing data engineering, OT systems, or industrial IoT (IIoT).
• Technical Expertise: Data Middleware/Platforms: Deep expertise in Ignition, Kepware, HighByte Intelligence Hub, or Cognite. Industrial Protocols: Advanced knowledge of OPC UA/DA, MQTT, BACnet, Modbus. Data Structures: Strong understanding of ISA 95 and ISA 88 standards. Cloud/IT Integration: Experience with Kafka, SQL, Python, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Domain Knowledge: Solid understanding of manufacturing levels 2-4 and data flow architecture. Regulatory: Proven experience with GMP validations in a regulated industry.

Qualifications

• Experience in Life Science, Pharmaceutical, or Continuous Manufacturing industries.
• Experience leading or implementing digital transformation roadmaps (IIoT).
• Experience designing Digital Twins.
• Fluency in English.
• Client-first mentality.
• Intense work ethic.
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of industrial protocols (OPC UA/DA, MQTT, BACnet, Modbus).
• Experience with data middleware/platforms (Ignition, Kepware, HighByte Intelligence Hub, Cognite).
• Strong understanding of data structures (ISA 95, ISA 88).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Knowledge of smart manufacturing technologies (Kepware, Cogent, Ignition).
• Experience with data pipelines (Kafka, MQTT, OPC).
• Understanding of GMP regulations and validation processes.

Benefits

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills-building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community.