Infrastructure & Smart Factory IT Support Specialist

Barnes Group; Connecticut; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes Group is seeking an Infrastructure & Smart Factory IT Support Specialist to maintain plant floor IT infrastructure and enable smart manufacturing systems. You will ensure reliable connectivity for production equipment and partner with manufacturing and engineering teams to integrate machines into SCF systems.

Responsibilities include hands-on support for network infrastructure, troubleshooting device connectivity, and documenting configurations while aligning with IT/security standards.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years in IT infrastructure support, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, VLANs, DHCP, DNS). OT/IT integration is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on plant floor IT support for network infrastructure (cabling, switches, IP addressing, VLANs, Wi‑Fi).
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues for plant floor devices (CNC machines, PLCs, HMIs, industrial PCs, IoT/edge devices, MES interfaces).
• Support infrastructure readiness assessments for SCF integration and ensure proper connectivity standards.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Automation and Corporate IT to maintain secure, reliable machine connectivity and continuity.
• Document network configurations, troubleshooting steps, and infrastructure standards.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

Wired and wireless networking

Industrial OT/IT integration

IT infrastructure support

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in information technology or related field

Tools

CompTIA Network+

Cisco CCNA

SCADA connectivity

MES interfaces

Job description

The Infrastructure & Smart Factory IT Support Specialist is responsible for supporting and maintaining the plant floor IT infrastructure that enables smart manufacturing systems. This role ensures reliable connectivity for production equipment, supports digital transformation initiatives, and partners with manufacturing and engineering teams to integrate machines into Smart Connected Factory (SCF) systems and the broader digital thread.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide hands-on IT support for plant floor network infrastructure, including:
• Network cabling, switches, and patching
• LAN/WAN connectivity
• VLAN configuration and segmentation
• IP addressing and network device configuration
• Wired and wireless (Wi-Fi) network support
• Troubleshoot and resolve network connectivity issues for plant floor devices, including:
• CNC machines, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial PCs
• IoT/edge devices and data collection systems
• Manufacturing execution systems (MES) interfaces
• Support infrastructure readiness assessments for integrating machines into Smart Connected Factory (SCF) systems by:
• Validating network availability and performance and ensuring proper IP schema and connectivity standards
• Identifying gaps and recommending solutions
• Ensure site IT hardware and software readiness to support:
• Support Manufacturing Digital Transformation initiatives and Digital Thread enablement across systems and equipment
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Engineering, Automation, and Corporate IT) to:
• Enable secure and reliable machine connectivity. Support deployment of smart factory technologies
• Maintain backup and develop strategies to ensure Continuity of manufacturing equipment connected to the IT system
• Maintain compliance with IT and cybersecurity standards
• Assist with installation, configuration, and maintenance of plant floor IT equipment and systems
• Document network configurations, troubleshooting steps, and infrastructure standards

Qualifications:

Required:

• 2–5+ years of experience in IT infrastructure support, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of: Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, VLANs, DHCP, DNS). Industrial network environments (OT/IT integration is a plus)

• Wired and wireless networking technologies

Preferred:

• Experience with manufacturing systems (MES, SCADA, PLC connectivity). Familiarity with Smart Factory / Industry 4.0 concepts.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity practices in industrial environments
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA)

Key Competencies:

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Collaborative mindset across IT and Operations teams
• Attention to detail and documentation discipline

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)