Operational Technology; OT Networks and Automation Specialist at CDM Smith Fairbanks, AK

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking an Operational Technology (OT) Networks and Automation Specialist who is a proven self-starter. The successful candidate is passionate about Process Control Systems, Industrial Networks and OT Cybersecurity with a desire to further enhance their skills and our Automation practice.

As a member of our team, you'll contribute to CDM Smith's mission by supporting the secure and efficient design, implementation, and optimization of OT and industrial networking solutions across infrastructure projects.

• Supporting the design and implementation of industrial networking projects including installations, modifications, and upgrades of routers, switches, firewalls.
• Researching best practices and collaborating with internal and external resources to propose and implement optimal network designs for different physical and virtual systems.
• Advising on device and network management strategies to ensure performance, availability, and cybersecurity.
• Maintaining detailed documentation of equipment and configuration (e.g., switches, servers, firewalls) for our Automation Community of Practice.
• Supporting the implementation of IT/OT convergence solutions utilized in industrial control environments such as Microsoft Active Directory, virtualization server clusters, Next Gen firewalls, multifactor authentication, Demilitarized Zones (DMZ).
• Applying best practices for managing and securing Windows-based environments.
• Independently developing OT Cybersecurity focused solutions and automation projects with senior level oversight and guidance.
• Supporting the evaluation of legacy OT systems, offering strategic recommendations for improvements, migrations, or replacements.
• Creating basic to moderately complex control system architectures, network segmentation diagrams, and specifications with general direction.
• Preparing design reports under supervision.
• Reviewing basic to moderately complex level shop drawings consisting of network segmentation plans, firewall policies, windows configurations, and cybersecurity project plans.
• Providing support for as-needed and on-call contracts.
• Traveling nationally or internationally as required to project sites, client meetings, factory tests, and start-up of control systems.
• Performing other duties as required.

• Bachelor's degree.
• 5 years of relevant experience. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, Cisco CCNA, or other vendor certifications such as Microsoft, Palo Alto, or Fortinet.
• Sector-specific experience in water/wastewater, facilities, or transportation is a plus.
• Familiarity with SCADA/ICS cybersecurity assessments and mitigation strategies.

• Intermediate knowledge of network technologies, including VLANs, routing, and Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW).
• Intermediate knowledge of Windows based environments.
• Intermediate knowledge of virtualization environments (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V).
• Fundamental to intermediate knowledge of cybersecurity principles relevant to OT industrial settings.
• Fundamental understanding of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and DCS (Distributed Control Systems) configuration and implementation.
• Familiarity with network protocols, architecture, and configuration, including Modbus, DNP3, Ether Net/IP, and OPC.
• Familiarity with industry regulations, standards, and frameworks such as NIST CSF, NIST 800-82, and ISA 62443, ensuring adherence to these requirements.
• Understanding of cloud-based or edge computing solutions as they relate to OT systems. Awareness of disaster recovery, business continuity, and system resilience planning in OT settings.
• Strong communication skills both verbally and written with ability to communicate to a geographically dispersed diverse team and client base with varying knowledge base.
• Strong time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments to meet schedules and budgets.
• Client-facing experience and comfort presenting or leading discussions with multidisciplinary teams.
• Enjoys mentoring junior staff and has ability to adapt to different learning styles.

This role can be based in Boston, MA, Columbus, OH, Orlando, FL, Pittsburgh, PA, Raleigh, NC, or Woodbury, NY.

Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

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