Automation & Operations Technology Engineer

Location: Dallas and Fort Worth Plants (Full Relocation Package Available)

Employment Type: Full-time | On-site

We are seeking a skilled Automation & Operations Technology (OT) Engineer to lead OT cybersecurity initiatives and drive automation improvements across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role serves as the primary liaison between plant operations and regional/global IT and cybersecurity teams, ensuring robust protection of industrial systems and smooth integration of new technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Cybersecurity Leadership

• Implement and enforce global OT cybersecurity policies and standards.
• Monitor and manage cybersecurity tools (e.g., Claroty, Hackuity, FactoryTalk Security, Firewalls).
• Conduct daily OT system health checks and monitor alerts.
• Manage threat mitigation, vulnerability assessments, and remote access controls.
• Report cybersecurity KPIs monthly to plant and regional leadership.
• Lead incident response and recovery efforts for high-priority cybersecurity events.

Automation & Systems Management

• Oversee the lifecycle of industrial automation systems (hardware, software, networks).
• Maintain and update architecture diagrams and network monitoring tools (HiVision, PRTG).
• Manage vendor access (remote and onsite wireless) to OT systems.
• Support legacy system migrations and software upgrades.
• Collaborate on automation improvement projects and plant shutdowns.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Partner with operations and engineering teams to ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards.
• Participate in audits and maintain documentation.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings with IT to improve system performance and reliability.
• Share best practices across the organization’s automation network.

About You

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in automation and OT within a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or 10+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Hands-on experience with:
• OT cybersecurity program management.
• Industrial networking protocols (OPC-UA, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, IO-Link, AS-i).
• PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider).
• Microsoft Office Suite and server environments.
• AutoCAD and Microsoft Visio.
• Strong organizational, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Physical ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work extended hours when required.

Preferred:

• Experience with SCADA/HMI systems (Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk View SE/ME).
• Familiarity with SQL and programming languages.
• Knowledge of the Purdue Model for IT/OT network segregation.
• Cybersecurity certifications (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).