Lead OT Network Engineer

Vantage Consulting; Reading; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantage Consulting in Reading seeks an experienced Lead OT Network Engineer to own industrial networking projects from design through testing, commissioning and handover.

You’ll work across automation and systems integration projects, designing robust OT networks and collaborating with Project Managers, Automation Engineers, clients and vendors to deliver practical solutions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in OT/industrial networking design, testing and commissioning.
• Strong knowledge of Ethernet L2/L3 and TCP/IP.
• Experience with industrial switches, routers, VLANs and resilient topologies.
• Ability to produce clear network architectures and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of industrial Ethernet L2 and L3 networks.
• Develop network architectures, drawings, design documentation and device configuration standards.
• Configure industrial switches, routers, VLANs and resilient topologies.
• Own network cybersecurity, including firewalls and IT/OT boundaries.
• Lead network testing, validation and commissioning in live environments.
• Carry out network surveys and use tools to assess performance.
• Define network scope with Project/Enquiry teams and support bids.
• Deliver projects through full lifecycle from design to handover.

Skills

Industrial networking

Ethernet L2/L3

PROFINET

Ethernet/IP

Modbus TCP

Firewalls

Network security

Technical writing

Stakeholder communication

Project lifecycle

Tools

Cisco gear

Moxa routers

Hirschmann

Fortinet firewall

Azure

AWS

Job description

Lead OT Network Engineer

Reading

Up to 70k

We are looking for an experienced Lead OT Network Engineer to take technical ownership of industrial networking projects from design through to testing, commissioning and handover.

You’ll work across a range of automation and systems integration projects, designing robust and secure OT networks and working closely with Project Managers, Automation Engineers, clients and vendors to deliver practical solutions.

Job responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of industrial Ethernet Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks across automation and OT projects.
• Develop network architectures, detailed drawings, design documentation and device configuration standards.
• Design and configure industrial switches, routers, VLANs and resilient network topologies.
• Take technical ownership of network cybersecurity, including firewalls and secure boundaries between IT and OT environments.
• Lead network testing, validation and commissioning safely within live end-user environments.
• Carry out network surveys and use network analysis and monitoring tools to assess network performance and health.
• Work with Project and Enquiry teams to define network scope, develop technical solutions and support bids and proposals.
• Deliver industrial networking projects through the full lifecycle, from specification and design through to commissioning and handover.
• Contribute to the development of network standards, templates and best practice across the business.
• Where required, support or lead automation projects involving PLC, HMI and SCADA.
• Keep up to date with developing networking technologies and identify opportunities to improve the company's technical offering.

Skillset

• Proven experience designing, implementing, testing and commissioning networks within an Operational Technology / industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of Ethernet, Layer 2/Layer 3 networking and TCP/IP.
• Hands-on experience with industrial switching, routing, VLANs and resilient network topologies.
• Experience designing secure network boundaries between IT and OT, including firewalls and remote-access solutions.
• Experience with industrial protocols such as PROFINET, Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP.
• Ability to produce clear network architectures, detailed drawings, validation test plans and as-built documentation.
• Experience using network monitoring and analysis tools.
• Understanding of the full automation project lifecycle, from system specification and design through to testing and on-site commissioning.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to work confidently with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A collaborative and structured approach, with a genuine interest in developing new technologies and best practice.

Experience with some of the following would be advantageous

• Industrial networking platforms from vendors such as Cisco, Siemens, Hirschmann, Moxa or Fortinet.
• Network segmentation using zones and conduits.
• Secure remote access, jump hosts and DMZ architectures.
• Cloud networking and data storage platforms such as Azure or AWS.
• Serial-based industrial communication protocols.
• PLC, HMI and SCADA systems.
• Network cybersecurity and OT security standards.
• Relevant networking certifications from vendors such as Cisco, Hirschmann, Fortinet, Moxa or Siemens.
• Experience within sectors such as utilities, food and beverage, FMCG, chemical, pharmaceutical, process or manufacturing.