Industrial Automation Specialist; Manufacturing OT

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

• Systems Management & Maintenance
  • Install, configure, and maintain OT systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, DCS, MES, ERP, and industrial networking infrastructure.
  • Monitor the health and performance of plant floor automation systems to minimize unplanned downtime.
  • Perform routine preventive maintenance, firmware updates, and patch management on OT assets following change control procedures.
  • Maintain accurate asset inventories, network diagrams, and system documentation.
• IT/OT Integration
  • Design and implement secure data pathways between IT enterprise systems (ERP, MES) and OT environments.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and IT teams to support digital transformation initiatives such as IIoT, Industry 4.0, and real-time production analytics.
  • Define and enforce network segmentation strategies (e.g., Purdue Model / ISA-95) to protect industrial assets.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance
  • Implement and maintain OT cybersecurity frameworks aligned with NIST CSF, IEC 62443, and NERC CIP standards as applicable.
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments and risk analyses on OT systems and connected devices.
  • Respond to and investigate OT security incidents; develop and test incident response plans.
  • Ensure compliance with internal IT/OT security policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshooting & Support
  • Serve as escalation point for Tier 2/3 OT-related issues across production shifts.
  • Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and communication failures in industrial control systems.
  • Provide on‑call support for critical system outages impacting production.
• Projects & Continuous Improvement
  • Lead or support capital projects involving new equipment installation, line retooling, or facility expansions.
  • Evaluate and recommend OT technology upgrades to improve reliability, efficiency, and security.
  • Develop and deliver training to maintenance technicians and plant floor personnel on OT systems usage and best practices.

• Experience
  • 8+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 6 years with a Master’s degree, or 3 years with a PhD or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum 3–5 years of hands‑on OT/ICS experience in a manufacturing environment; automotive industry experience strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency with PLC platforms (Allen‑Bradley/Rockwell, Fanuc).
  • Experience with SCADA and HMI software (Factory Talk, Wonderware, Ignition).
  • Solid understanding of industrial networking protocols:
    Ether Net/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, OPC‑UA.
  • Working knowledge of industrial network architecture and managed switches (Cisco IE, Stratix, Ubiquiti).
  • Familiarity with OT cybersecurity principles and tools.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with robotic systems (Fanuc, Kawasaki).
  • Familiarity with automotive production systems (production control, body shop, coatings, general assembly).
  • Knowledge of MES platforms (Apriso, SAP ME, Plex, Ignition).
  • Relevant certifications: GICSP, CompTIA Security+, CCNA Industrial, ISA/IEC 62443.
  • Experience supporting lean manufacturing or Six Sigma environments.
• Competencies
  • Problem‑solving:
    Diagnose complex, cross‑domain issues under time pressure in a live production environment.
  • Communication:
    Effectively convey technical concepts to plant floor technicians and senior OT/operations leadership.
  • Collaboration:
    
    Work cross‑functionally with engineering, maintenance, IT, and operations teams.
  • Adaptability:
    Operate in a fast‑paced, shift‑driven manufacturing environment with changing priorities.
  • Attention to Detail:
    Maintain rigorous documentation and follow change management procedures.

• Work in a manufacturing plant environment, including exposure to noise, heat, and industrial equipment.
• Walk plant floors, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces as needed.
• Availability for on‑call rotation and occasional off‑shift or weekend work during planned maintenance windows or unplanned outages.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in production areas.

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