Senior Automation Engineer OT, NA

Vantage Data Centers Management Company LLC; Goodyear (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Vantage Data Centers in Phoenix, AZ, seeks a Senior OT Automation Engineer to design, implement, and safeguard OT networks and control systems across the data center portfolio. You’ll work on Rockwell PLCs, Ignition SCADA, and industrial cybersecurity in a live, mission-critical environment.

The role requires collaboration with IT/OT teams, adherence to IEC 62443 standards, and deployment of high-availability architectures. On-site with flexible work policy and 3 days on-site, 2 days flexible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Electrical, or Computer Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of OT Automation Engineering experience in industrial or critical infrastructure environments.
• Ability to travel up to 25%, with flexibility for additional travel.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain OT networks using Cisco Stratix switches and industrial firewalls.
• Implement and troubleshoot OT security controls (IDS, firewalls, monitoring).
• Develop and support automation solutions using Rockwell PLCs and Inductive Ignition SCADA.
• Provide 24/7/365 tier 2 support for OT networks on a rotating basis.

Skills

Technical troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation hardware/software

Inductive Automation Ignition

Stratix switches

Industrial firewalls

Job description

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Automation Systems Group

The Automation Systems Group is responsible for the design, construction and support of cutting-edge data center automation and control infrastructure. The department collaborates with Operations, Sales, Engineering, Information Technology and Management to ensure the system continues to fulfill Vantage customer requirements. Automation Systems works closely with partner contractors to come up with the best design and helps manage these partners to success by providing accurate requirements, goals, and timelines. In addition to design and construction, we are also responsible for the technical requirements of the Operations department involving troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing mission critical control systems throughout all Vantage locations.

Position Overview

This position will be based on-site at our office in Phoenix, AZ, in alignment with our flexible work policy (3 days on site required, 2 days flexible).

Vantage is looking for an ambitious, diligent, hands‑on Senior Automation Engineer for our Operational Technology (OT) team who will be responsible for developing, planning, and executing OT networks and infrastructure, including technical influence and program ownership. This role involves providing cybersecurity and network services for OT systems within the company's Automation production environments. This critical position will shape the future of compliant and secure OT systems, involving the evaluation, testing, and remediation of IC S / SCADA OT systems. You will help develop standardization and continuous improvement of OT systems across the Vantage NA portfolio. You could also be called on to troubleshoot existing automation systems in a live, mission‑critical environment, and complete startup, commissioning, and validation procedures on new and existing mission critical data center infrastructure.

Essential Job Functions

• Design, configure, and maintain OT networks using Cisco Stratix switches and industrial firewalls.
• Configure and maintain OT network switches, firewalls and security solutions to include troubleshooting, upgrading, and maintaining.
• Implement and troubleshoot DLR and REP topologies for high availability and fault tolerance.
• Implement and manage security controls and technologies specific to OT environments, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, and network monitoring tools.
• Develop and support automation solutions using Rockwell Automation PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, etc.).
• Build and maintain SCADA systems using Inductive Automation Ignition, including tag configuration, scripting, and dashboard development.
• Collaborate with IT and OT teams to ensure secure and reliable integration between enterprise and plant‑floor systems.
• Collaborate with compliance teams to conduct assessments and audits.
• Perform network diagnostics, monitoring, and performance tuning.
• Maintain documentation for network architecture, PLC programs, and SCADA configurations.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards and best practices in OT environments.
• Experienced in IEC-62443, NIST 800-82, and all other industrial cybersecurity standards.
• Support the start‑up and testing of complex control systems that are tied to the OT network.
• Collaborate with members of the Design, Engineering, and Construction team during projects, as well as members of the Reliability Engineering team.
• Provide 24/7/365 tier 2 support to the Automation Services team on a rotating basis for network issues.

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field; equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in OT Automation Engineering, preferably within manufacturing, industrial, or critical infrastructure environments.
• Ability to travel up to 25%, with flexibility for additional travel as business needs evolve.

OT Automation & Control Systems

• Strong knowledge of Rockwell Automation hardware and software platforms.
• Hands‑on experience with Inductive Automation Ignition SCADA software.
• Working knowledge of industrial control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and DCS platforms.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

Industrial Networking & Cybersecurity

• Experience with OT/ICS networks and cybersecurity, including industrial firewalls, switches, and secure network design.
• Proficiency configuring and managing Stratix switches, industrial firewalls, and EtherNet/IP networks.
• Deep understanding of industrial networking protocols including DLR, REP, and related technologies.
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity principles and standards, including ISA/IEC 62443.
• Knowledge of the Purdue Model Reference Architecture.

Infrastructure & Systems

• Experience with virtualization platforms, Active Directory, DNS, and Domain Controllers.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration abilities.

Preferred Skills

• Certifications in Rockwell Automation, Cisco Industrial Networking, or Ignition SCADA.
• Experience with virtualization, edge computing, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies.
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or JavaScript for automation and SCADA customization.
• Experience with one or more of the following: Building Management Systems (BMS) Mobile technologies Windows and Linux server architectures and related technologies High availability (HA) and redundancy configurations Cloud and virtualization software and services Hyperscale environments.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long‑term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.
• We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

#LI-HYBRID #LI-AO2

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations. Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.