OT Network & Security Engineer

NWG (Northumbrian Water Group); North East; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

NWG (Northumbrian Water Group) seeks an OT Networks and Security Engineer to support the OT/SCADA network infrastructure and services. You’ll design and implement network solutions, work with cross‑team engineers, and ensure resilient operations across regions.

The role requires hands‑on maintenance, monitoring and fault‑finding of OT networks and security systems, with travel across operating areas. DBS check and drug/alcohol testing are part of pre‑employment and ongoing safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in network and security engineering for OT/critical infrastructure.
• Knowledge of OT protocols (DNP3, Modbus, EtherNet/IP) and security best practices.
• Certifications in networking and cybersecurity are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement OT network services across platforms and lead their deployment.
• Monitor, maintain and fault‑find OT network and security hardware and software.
• Coordinate security improvements and incident response with technicians and providers.

Skills

OT Networks

Security engineering

Routing protocols

Firewall administration

Wired networks

Wireless networks

LAN/WAN monitoring

Network segmentation

Intrusion detection

OT protocols

DNP3

Modbus

EtherNet/IP

Education

CCNA/CCNP Certification

GICSP

Fortinet NSE / FortiGate

Tools

Cisco devices

Fortinet FortiGate

SCADA networking gear

Job description

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Information Services Operational Technology team as an OT Networks and Security Engineer. Working as part of the OT and SCADA team, you’ll help ensure the effective day‑to‑day operation of NWG’s OT network infrastructure and services.

Job Description

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Information Services Operational Technology team as an OT Networks and Security Engineer. Working as part of the OT and SCADA team, you’ll help ensure the effective day‑to‑day operation of NWG’s OT network infrastructure and services.

You’ll work closely with the OT Technical Consultant to design network services across our OT platforms and lead their implementation, collaborating with SCADA, OT and Network Engineers, Maintenance Technicians and external service providers.

You’ll provide specialist expertise in network systems and technology, while working with engineers and team leaders across Information Services to promote consistent approaches to strategy, technology, processes and service delivery.

As part of this hands‑on role, you’ll monitor, maintain, configure and fault‑find OT network and security equipment, helping to deliver a resilient, highly available and secure service. You’ll respond to infrastructure incidents and faults, coordinate remedial action for security vulnerabilities, report critical issues and manage incidents through to resolution.

You’ll also help assess and document the OT estate, develop network and security solutions for OT programmes of work, prioritise new requirements and proactively recommend improvements. Throughout the role, you’ll demonstrate a strong customer focus and communicate effectively with technical teams, stakeholders and service providers.

The role involves installing, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment across our operating regions, so regular travel is essential. You’ll also need to work flexibly when planned activities or operational incidents require support outside normal working hours.

About You

We’re looking for someone with proven experience in network and security engineering, ideally within an Operational Technology environment or supporting other critical network infrastructure. Experience within critical national infrastructure, particularly the water industry, would be an advantage.

You’ll bring strong practical knowledge of routing protocols, firewall administration, wired and wireless networks, LAN/WAN monitoring, network segmentation, intrusion or anomaly detection, and backup and restore methods. You should also be confident maintaining, configuring and fault‑finding network and security hardware and software.

A good understanding of industrial networking and common OT protocols, such as DNP3 or WITS, Modbus and EtherNet/IP, would be highly advantageous. You’ll understand the principles of securing OT and SCADA environments and be able to recommend improvements that balance security, resilience and operational availability.

Professional network or security certifications such as Cisco CCNA or CCNP, Fortinet NSE or FortiGate Administrator credentials, GICSP, or other comparable vendor and industry qualifications would be desirable. We also welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate equivalent practical experience administering enterprise routing, switching and firewall technologies.

You’ll be collaborative, customer focused and able to communicate and negotiate effectively with technical teams, service providers and stakeholders. You’ll be comfortable managing competing priorities, working independently and as part of a cross‑skilled team, and taking responsibility for technical and service decisions.

Please note this role will require a DBS to be completed prior to employment.

This role has also been defined as a safety or security critical role and as a condition of a formal offer of employment you’ll be required to undergo a drug and alcohol test.

Prospective employees and agency workers in defined safety and security critical roles will be required to undertake a drug and alcohol test after the job offer has been made. This will be prior to or within four weeks of their start date.

Prospective employees and agency workers who fail a pre‑employment urine drug screen will have their sample analysed by the Company appointed laboratory as a matter of course. Failing a pre‑employment drugs or alcohol test may lead to the job offer being revoked.