Operational Technology Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing Scale-Up

Unipart Manufacturing Group; Coventry; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £32,000

33 days holiday incl. bank holidays

Pension

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Wellbeing support

Flexible benefits including cycle to工作

Job summary

Unipart Manufacturing is seeking an Operational Technology (OT) Engineer in Coventry to manage the industrial automation infrastructure across our manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Technology Transformation Manager, you will bridge IT networks and industrial control systems, ensuring reliability, security, and data-driven decision support on the shop floor.

You will implement IEC 62443/NIST/ISO 27001 aligned cybersecurity, run vulnerability testing, design low-latency OT networks, and

Qualifications

• Experience in OT/ICS engineering within manufacturing.
• Hands-on with shop-floor automation hardware and controls.
• Knowledge of industrial cyber security standards (IEC 62443, NIST CSF, ISO 27001).
• Experience designing low-latency OT networks and integrating with IT/ERP systems.
• Ability to perform vulnerability assessments and security patching.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, installation, and maintenance of industrial control systems.
• Design and manage OT networks with secure IT integration to ERP, MES, and data platforms.
• Implement OT cybersecurity strategies including firewalls and encryption.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, audits, and penetration testing.
• Develop secure data exchange between shop-floor OT and analytics platforms.
• Maintain technical documentation and network topology diagrams.
• Identify and implement innovative automation technologies to improve line efficiency.
• Ensure OT infrastructure complies with SHE policies and regulations.

Skills

Industrial engineering background

Automation systems mastery

OT security frameworks

Industrial network architecture

IT/OT convergence

Auditing and threat mitigation

Analytical communication skills

Tools

IEC 62443

NIST CSF

ISO 27001

Job description

Unipart Manufacturing is launching a flagship, fast-paced manufacturing project in Coventry, combining high-volume electrification assembly with complex injection moulding inputs. Fully aligned with Unipart's Sector and Growth Strategy and The Unipart Way Forward Plan, this exciting venture will scale rapidly from zero to over 200 team members within a four-month period. We are seeking an Operational Technology (OT) Engineer to manage, secure, and maintain the industrial automation infrastructure across our manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Technology Transformation Manager, you will bridge the gap between traditional IT networks and industrial control systems (ICS) - ensuring maximum system reliability, low latency, and robust cyber security defense against operational threats.

Key Responsibilities

• ICS and Control System Management - Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of industrial control systems to guarantee operational reliability.
• OT Network Architecture and IT Integration - Design and manage low-latency OT network architectures, collaborating with IT teams to ensure secure integration with enterprise ERP, MES, and data platforms.
• Industrial Cyber Security Strategy - Implement OT cybersecurity strategies - including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and patch management - aligned with IEC 62443, NIST, or ISO 27001 standards.
• Vulnerability and Penetration Testing - Conduct regular vulnerability assessments, system audits, and penetration testing to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Data Integration and Analytics - Develop secure protocols for data exchange between shop-floor OT systems and higher-level analytics platforms to support decision-making.
• System Maintenance and Documentation - Maintain detailed technical documentation, including network topology diagrams, configuration baselines, and security protocols.
• Technology Modernisation - Identify and implement innovative automation and OT technologies to drive continuous improvement in line efficiency and resilience.
• Compliance and SHE Adherence - Ensure all OT infrastructure complies with industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental health & safety (SHE) policies.

Required Skills & Experience

• Industrial Engineering Background - Proven experience in an Operational Technology, Automation, or Industrial Control Systems (ICS) engineering role within manufacturing.
• Automation Systems Mastery - Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting shop-floor automation hardware.
• OT Security Frameworks - Practical knowledge of industrial cyber security standards such as IEC 62443, NIST CSF, or ISO 27001.
• Network Infrastructure and Protocols - Skilled in industrial network architecture, switches, firewalls, network segmentation, and fieldbus/industrial Ethernet protocols.
• IT/OT Convergence and MES/ERP - Track record of bridging IT and shop-floor OT environments, including data exchange with MES or ERP systems.
• Auditing and Threat Mitigation - Experience performing vulnerability assessments, security patching, and network performance monitoring in live production environments.
• Analytical and Communication Skills - Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to communicate technical OT/security concepts to operational stakeholders.

About Unipart

We are a supply chain performance improvement partner. We Design, Make, Move, and Improve components in our customers' supply chains, keeping their operations and assets moving and working better, for longer. Through our commitment to continuously driving operational efficiencies, we improve performance - saving time, cost, and carbon. Our ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We believe that a great workplace is one where you can bring your whole self to work. Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and based entirely on merit. We define merit through a combination of technical skills and the core behaviours that help our people thrive at Unipart. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity that exceeds our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and subsequent legislation. Whether it's your age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, family status, or any other characteristic that makes you 'you' - it is your talent and potential that we value most. Adjustments for you: We want you to perform at your best. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are here to support you.

Benefits

• £32,000
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• pension
• life assurance
• employee assistance programme
• wellbeing support
• flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme