OT Network Engineer

Operational Technology Network Engineer
- Location:

Monroe, LA – This position requires traveling 40% of the time.

Ready to be at the heart of a zero‑carbon energy future?

As an 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. Your role will be pivotal as you work closely with essential physical processes, including manufacturing lines and energy systems, where uptime, safety, and reliability are of utmost importance.

In this position, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and security of the industrial network infrastructure supporting control systems such as SCADA, DCS, and PLC. You will ensure that these network systems provide high availability, predictable performance, and robust cybersecurity for our plant‑floor operations.

• A clear purpose – Be part of a company at the forefront of sustainable energy, making a real difference for the planet and our communities.
• Growth opportunities – Develop your people through training and career paths.
• Comprehensive benefits – Competitive wages, health and dental benefits, an RRSP matching plan, and a company bonus plan that rewards overall Drax performance and safety.
• A supportive team – A can‑do culture that encourages continuous learning and values contributions.

• 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 Ether Net/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.
• Data Visualization
  • Assist in generating management production and consumption reports.
  • Create detailed analytics and interactive dashboards.
• Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE)
  • Foster a proactive HSSE culture and develop related leadership skills.
  • Ensure compliance with HSSE systems, procedures, and audits.
  • Provide support in developing safe operational guidelines and risk management aligned with regulations.

• 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 OT environments.
• Understanding of industrial control systems (SCADA, DCS, PLCs).
• Fundamentals of networking (TCP/IP, routing, switching).
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (Power BI, Data Parc) 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 Intelli Center).
• 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).