Junior OT/ICS Lab Engineer

Dragos; United States; Remote; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Dragos is seeking a Junior OT/ICS Lab Engineer to design, build, test, and validate OT lab environments. You will work with senior engineers to implement realistic OT scenarios, deploy PLC/RTU/HMI systems, and test Dragos detection capabilities in a real-world setting.

You will gain exposure to OT protocols, devices, and threat research while developing hands-on skills in lab reliability, documentation, and cross-team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Strong networking knowledge and OSI model, TCP/IP, routing and firewalls.
• Experience building or working with lab/test environments; virtualization/containerization.
• Basic IT infrastructure and security concepts.
• Comfort with Linux/Windows CLI; scripting skills a plus.
• Ability to follow technical docs, troubleshoot systematically, and ask clarifying questions.
• Willingness to learn OT protocols and fundamentals.
• Ability to fabricate and panel build to drawings; welding not required.

Responsibilities

• Lab Infrastructure & Operations<ul><li>Build, configure, and maintain lab environments that simulate real OT operational scenarios</li><li>Set up and manage industrial control systems (PLCs, RTUs, HMIs) and networked industrial devices</li><li>Deploy sensors, data collection tools, and monitoring infrastructure to capture OT network traffic and telemetry</li><li>Document lab configurations, system topologies, and operational procedures for team reference</li></ul>
• Testing & Validation<ul><li>Execute test plans to validate Dragos platform capabilities against simulated OT threats and normal operational activity</li><li>Collect network traffic, device behavior, and telemetry data from lab systems to support research and product development</li><li>Assist in reproducing reported issues or edge cases in a controlled lab environment</li><li>Participate in threat scenario development and validation exercises</li></ul>
• Support & Troubleshooting<ul><li>Troubleshoot lab infrastructure issues, network connectivity problems, and device configuration challenges</li><li>Support internal and external teams requiring access to OT lab resources for research, testing, or validation</li><li>Contribute to lab documentation, runbooks, and training materials for team onboarding</li></ul>

Skills

Networking fundamentals

Lab/test environments

Virtualization

Scripting

Documentation

OT fundamentals

Fabrication basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related engineering field

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

KVM

Wireshark

tcpdump

PLC/RTU/HMI familiarity

Job description

At Dragos, the mission is personal. The systems we protect deliver the water you drink, power your home, and keep the hospitals your community depends on running. Those critical infrastructure systems that power our civilization around the world are under attack every day by adversaries. When those systems fail, people areimmediatelyat risk.We are the global leader inxOTcybersecurity, combining technology, threat intelligence, and expert services. The people here chose this work because they understandwhat isat stake. Here, you will find a remote-first mission-driven team across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and APAC built on authenticity, transparency, and trust. If safeguarding the systems that protect your family, friends, and community is the kind of work that matters to you, you are in the right place.

About the Role

The Junior OT/ICS Lab Engineer is a hands‑on technical role supporting the design, build, testing, and validation of operational technology environments. You will work alongside senior engineers to create realistic OT lab systems, test Dragos detection and response capabilities,validateplatform performance, and support threat research activities.This role combines hands‑on engineering work with exposure to real‑world OT protocols, devices, and operational scenarios.

What We’re Looking for:

You will need to be curious and hands‑on. You understand networking fundamentals and are comfortable learning OT‑specific concepts on the job.You’redetail-oriented, methodical when troubleshooting, and not afraid to dig into technical documentation or ask for help when stuck. You work well in a collaborative environment, support other teams, and take ownership of lab infrastructure reliability.You’remotivated by the mission—protecting critical infrastructure that civilization depends on—and you see thisrole as a springboard to deeper OT securityexpertise.

Responsibilities

• Lab Infrastructure & Operations
  • Build, configure, andmaintainlab environments that simulate real OT operational scenarios
  • Set up and manage industrial control systems (PLCs, RTUs, HMIs) and networked industrial devices
  • Deploy sensors, data collection tools, and monitoring infrastructure to capture OT network traffic and telemetry
  • Document lab configurations, system topologies, and operational procedures for team reference
• Testing & Validation
  • Execute test plans to validate Dragos platform capabilities against simulated OT threats and normal operational activity
  • Collect network traffic, device behavior, and telemetry data from lab systems to support research and product development
  • Assistin reproducing reported issues or edge cases in a controlled lab environment
  • Participate in threat scenario development and validation exercises
• Support & Troubleshooting
  • Troubleshoot lab infrastructure issues, network connectivity problems, and device configuration challenges
  • Support internal and external teams requiring access to OT lab resources for research, testing, or validation
  • Contribute to lab documentation, runbooks, and training materials for team onboarding

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Strong foundationin networking: OSI model, TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, firewalls, and network protocols
  • Hands‑on experience building or working with lab/test environments; familiarity with virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper‑V, KVM) or containerization
  • Basic understanding of IT infrastructure and security concepts
  • Comfortability working at the command line (Linux/Windows); scripting skills (Python, Bash, PowerShell) a plus
  • Ability to follow technical documentation, troubleshoot systematically, and ask clarifying questions
  • Willingness to learn OT‑specific protocols and operational technology fundamentals
  • Ability to perform basic fabrication and panel building, including mounting/installing panels toengineeringdrawings and wiring devices and components. Welding, instrument fitting, and conduit work are notrequiredfor this role
• Preferred:
  • Familiarity with industrial protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, DNP3) or SCADA/HMI systems
  • Experience with network packet analysis tools (Wireshark,tcpdump) or protocol decoding
  • Practical experience with PLCs, industrial IoT devices, or control system engineering
  • Experience with electrical troubleshooting (e.g., diagnosing circuits, relays, control wiring) is a plus
  • Security certifications (Security+, CEH, GCIA) or cybersecurity coursework
  • Experience in critical infrastructure or manufacturing environments
  • Familiarity with ICScsic frameworks (NIST, NERC CIP, IEC 62443)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical Engineering field (or equivalent practical experience)

Compensation

• Salary: $105,000

• Competitive Equity Package

• Comprehensive Benefits Plan

Dragos is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other basis forbidden under federal, state, or local laws. All new hires must pass a background check as a condition of employment.