Regional Expert - OT Network (North America)

Covestro AG; Baytown (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Covestro AG in the Americas is seeking a Regional OT Expert to deliver hands-on OT support across multiple sites. You will implement and sustain OT security measures, contribute to global standards, and serve as a regional liaison between IT and OT teams.

The role demands deep knowledge of OT networks, industrial protocols, and DCS IT integration, plus willingness to travel 20–30% within the Americas. You will collaborate with engineers and security officers to align site needs with global

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Cybersecurity or Computer Science required.
• Master’s degree preferred with relevant professional experience.
• TWIC eligibility within a reasonable timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on OT security support across Americas sites, onsite and remote implementation.
• Maintain centralized PA-OT infrastructure services for regional sites.
• Contribute to global OT architecture concepts and standards.
• Advise on industrial communication protocols and IIoT network technologies.
• Act as regional liaison between IT, OT security, and local teams.

Skills

OT/IT convergence

Industrial cybersecurity

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication in international context

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Cybersecurity or Computer Science

Master’s degree in Engineering, Cybersecurity or Computer Science

Tools

WSUS

Firewall management

DCS IT integration

OPC/IT knowledge

Modbus/PROFINET knowledge

Job description

We are Covestro. We are curious. We are courageous. We are colorful. We refine chemical material solutions with game-changing products. Let us empower you to push boundaries. Join us and our 18,000 colleagues now and together we will make the world a brighter place.

What We Offer

The Regional OT (Operations Technology) Expert - Americas is responsible for the hands-on delivery of OT support across approximately ten (10) COVESTRO sites in Americas. This role contributes to global concept and standard development while maintaining a primary focus on direct site-level implementation and operational support within the Americas region.

Major Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on OT security support to Americas sites - provide direct on-site and remote implementation support for OT security measures (e.g. firewall rule standardization and reviews, domain policy management, CAR OT data population) to reduce site-level security risk and ensure alignment with global OT security standards.
• Operate and maintain centralized PA-OT infrastructure services for the Americas - manage and maintain shared infrastructure components supporting Tier 2/3 sites (e.g. WSUS, AV) to ensure consistent patch management and endpoint protection across the region.
• Contribute to global OT architecture concepts and standards - collaborate with the PA-OT Functional Lead and peer regional caretakers to develop and refine PA-OT reference architecture, standards, and templates, providing regional implementation feedback to ensure concepts are grounded in site reality.
• Provide expert consultation on industrial communication and IT aspects of DCS - advise PA and Systems engineers on CPC protocols (like Modbus, Profibus DP, PROFINET on APL), shared protocols (like OPC DA, A&E, HDA, UA), and IIoT network technologies (e.g. Wireless HART, LoRaWAN), as well as IT topics within DCS (virtualization, encryption, domain policies, etc.) to support technically sound and secure automation solutions in the Americas.
• Acts as regional liaison to IT and OT Security - serve as the Americas bridge between PCT/Systems engineers, local and global IT organizations, and OT security officers to ensure security requirements, IT capabilities, and engineering needs are mutually understood and addressed at the regional level.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Engineering, Cybersecurity or Computer Science and at least 6 years of professional experience in OT/IT network engineering, process automation, or industrial cybersecurity OR Masters degree in Engineering, Cybersecurity or Computer Science and at least 4 years of professional experience in OT/IT network engineering, process automation, or industrial cybersecurity The eligibility to apply for and obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within a reasonable timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS) in an OT or industrial context
• Knowledge of IEC 62443 or equivalent OT security standards
• Relevant certifications (e.g., GICSP, CCNA, or equivalent)
• Professional registration and/or certification as appropriate

Knowledge & Skills

Solid knowledge of OT network architecture, industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus DP, PROFINET, OPC variants), and IIoT technologies (Wireless HART, LoRaWAN) Practical experience with OT security infrastructure (patch management via WSUS, AV management, domain policies, firewall management) Familiarity with IT/OT interface design and DCS IT components (virtualization, encryption, domain integration) Excellent knowledge of process control strategies and systems, Excellent computer hardware and software skills, Excellent knowledge of relevant national and international standards in Process Automation (NEC, IEC, etc.), Systematic approach to problem definition and solution development, Experience of working with different cultures, Ability to work in cross-functional, international teams and to manage multiple concurrent site activities, Strong interpersonal and mediating skills to deal with people at different levels of management, engineering, and engineering, maintenance, operations and suppliers of OT-solutions and services, Strong communication and consulting skills; able to translate technical topics for diverse audiences Excellent written and oral communication in international context, Self-directed with ability to manage workload with minimal supervision in a distributed team model Willingness to travel within the Americas region [ASSUMPTION: estimated 20–30%], Willingness and ability to work additional hours when job assignment dictates e.g., to join global meetings after normal working hours.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Hiring and advancement are based on job-related requirements and on an individual's qualifications to perform a job. All aspects of employment are carried out free of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disabilities, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression or any unlawful criterion, existing under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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