OT Systems Engineer - Senior Level

Overview

Our client, a leader in the natural gas and energy infrastructure space, is seeking an OT Network & Virtual Infrastructure Engineer for a direct hire opportunity in Springfield, VA. This highly technical position plays a critical role in maintaining the reliability, security, and performance of the operational technology (OT) environment that supports the safe delivery of natural gas. This role requires participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation to support critical infrastructure operations.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in network engineering, virtualization, and cybersecurity within industrial control environments. This role supports projects from design through deployment, while also ensuring ongoing compliance with TSA and other regulatory standards.

Per our client contract, candidates must be U.S. Citizens or Green Card Holders. 

Responsibilities

• Engineer, deploy, and maintain robust network and virtual server infrastructure supporting OT environments across pipeline and field locations.
• Ensure high availability of OT systems during system deployments, patching, and upgrades—without disrupting operations.
• Architect secure, segmented ICS network environments aligned with the Purdue Model and protocols such as Modbus and DNP3.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal engineering, operations, and regulatory teams to meet operational and project requirements.
• Lead or support regulatory compliance efforts with TSA and public service commissions.
• Build and maintain documentation, including system run books, network diagrams, firewall policies, and asset inventories.
• Manage the full lifecycle of networking equipment including switches, routers, firewalls, and communications media (fiber, CAT5/6).
• Configure and maintain identity and access management systems for OT applications and infrastructure.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for OT systems during audits, inspections, and vendor engagements.
• Evaluate new technologies and develop risk-based strategies to enhance OT cybersecurity and system reliability.
• Support penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and patch management activities in live and test environments.
• Participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation to support critical infrastructure operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience with enterprise and industrial-grade network infrastructure required.
• Experience working within an ICS/OT environment required.
• Strong knowledge of network protocols, segmentation, VLANs, routing, and communications media (fiber, CAT5/6).
• Hands-on experience deploying and configuring firewalls, switches, and routers.
• Experience troubleshooting issues across all OSI model layers.
• Familiarity with server virtualization (hypervisors, VMs, bare metal deployments) preferred.
• Experience with vulnerability scanning and cyber tools in an OT environment is a plus.
• Familiarity with the Purdue Model for ICS networks is strongly preferred.
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills required.
• Experience with PLCs/RTUs, SCADA systems, or OT application deployment is a plus.
• Experience supporting or communicating with federal/state regulatory agencies is a plus.
• Must be willing and able to support a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule.

Compensation

• Competitive salary range of $100K-$130K, based on experience, qualifications, and certifications.  The salary range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.
• Employee benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, 401K plan and additional voluntary benefits. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Disclaimer: These benefit offerings do not apply to independent contractors

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