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 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. 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 (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). You will ensure that these network systems provide high availability, predictable performance, and robust cybersecurity for our plant-floor operations.

Why join Drax?

At Drax, we’re not just generating power; we’re transforming it. We’re a diverse and committed team, working together to create a brighter, more sustainable future. When you join us, you’ll find:

• 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:
  We believe in developing our people.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  From day one, you’ll receive competitive wages, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and an RRSP matching plan to support your financial goals. You’ll also participate in a company bonus plan that rewards overall Drax performance and safety.
• A Supportive Team:
  Work in an environment where continuous learning is encouraged, and your contributions are valued. We’re a ‘can-do’ kind of place, empowering you to make informed decisions and do the right thing.

Your Day-to-Day as an OT Network Engineer, You’ll:

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 ensure risk management aligns with regulations.

What you’ll bring:
To excel in this vital role, you’ll need:

• 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, 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…