(IT/OT & SCADA COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE)

SUMMARY-IT/OT & SCADA COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE

The Network Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, configuration, testing, commissioning, and ongoing support of communication networks and networked devices that enable both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems. This role supports mission-critical infrastructure such as distributed telemetry networks, SCADA systems, industrial control systems (ICS), and enterprise networks.

The engineer applies application-level engineering judgment to translate functional and operational requirements into secure, reliable, and high-availability communication and computing solutions. This role supports geographically distributed assets including plants, substations, control centers, and remote field installations, and collaborates closely with engineering, operations, application programmers, cybersecurity experts, and field teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Network & Telemetry Engineering

Design, integrate, configure, test, and support industrial communication networks and telemetry systems supporting SCADA and OT environments
Perform application engineering to ensure network solutions meet customer objectives, system requirements, performance targets, and environmental constraints
Evaluate existing network and telemetry systems and recommend improvements or upgrades

Industrial Network Integration & Configuration

Integrate, configure, and support industrial network devices including:
- Core and edge Ethernet switches
- Layer 3 switches and routers
- Firewalls, VPN appliances, and secure gateways
- Radio transceivers, cellular modems, and telemetry devices
Configure and maintain network equipment in accordance with internal standards and cybersecurity best practices
Assist with equipment deployment, on-site configuration, and system troubleshooting

Network Design, Segmentation & Topologies

Design industrial network topologies supporting reliability, redundancy, and deterministic communications
Configure Layer 3 switches to support:
- VLAN creation and segmentation
- Inter-VLAN routing
- Traffic isolation and access controls
Develop IP addressing schemes, subnetting strategies, and routing designs appropriate for OT environments
Support secure IT/OT separation using firewalls, DMZ architectures, and VPN technologies

Physical Computing Infrastructure Integration

Ensure proper integration server rack infrastructure and network interconnection interfaces in accordance with project design, best practices, and engineering, safety, and documentation standards
Establish physical and logical network interconnections between devices to support core network infrastructure and defined topologies
Ensure rack and infrastructure builds align with cybersecurity, maintainability, and operational best practices

Virtualized Computing & SCADA Support Systems

Configure and assist with deployment of computer hardware including terminals, engineering workstations, and servers used to support SCADA and OT environments
Install and configure hypervisors on physical hardware to enable secure, virtualized system implementations
Deploy and configure operating systems in preparation for use by internal teams, including Automation Engineers responsible for SCADA application development and programming
Collaborate with automation, controls, and IT teams to support development, testing, and deployment of SCADA applications

Wireless, RF & Telemetry Communications

Engineer and support distributed telemetry networks using wired and wireless communication paths
Coordinate and perform radio feasibility studies and radio frequency (RF) assessments
Analyze signal strength, interference, latency, throughput, and reliability issues
Apply RF propagation principles to evaluate coverage, interference, throughput, and reliability
Prepare formal documentation and reports for radio studies and system assessments
Apply radio frequency (RF) propagation principles to design and troubleshoot wireless links
Coordinate licensed and unlicensed radio systems and cellular communication paths

Protocols, Interfaces & Communications

Support IP-based and serial communication interfaces, including:
- TCP/IP and UDP networking
- Ethernet standards
- Serial communications (RS-232, RS-485, RS-422)
Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols such as:
- DNP3
- Ethernet/IP
- Modbus TCP/RTU
- IEC 60870-5-104 or similar
Ensure reliable end-to-end communications between field devices and control systems

Protocols, Interfaces & Diagnostics

Configure and troubleshoot IP-based and serial communication interfaces, including:
- TCP/IP and UDP networking
- Ethernet standards
- Serial communications (RS-232, RS-485, RS-422)
Support industrial communication protocols such as:
- DNP3
- Ethernet/IP
- Modbus TCP/RTU
- IEC 60870-5-104 or similar
Utilize diagnostic and monitoring tools (e.g., SNMP, packet capture (Wireshark, traffic analysis) to troubleshoot network and telemetry issues
Ensure reliable end-to-end communications between field devices and control systems

Cybersecurity & Compliance

Apply cybersecurity best practices for industrial networks, including:
- Network segmentation and least-privilege access
- Secure device configurations and credential management
- Encrypted communications and VPNs
Support compliance with applicable standards and frameworks (e.g., NIST, IEC 62443, NERC CIP)
Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to identify risks and implement mitigation strategies

Testing, Commissioning & Support

Develop and execute factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) for network and telemetry systems
Support commissioning activities in substations, plants, control centers, and remote field locations
Provide Tier II/Tier III troubleshooting and operational support for network and telemetry issues
Maintain accurate network diagrams, configuration records, and technical documentation

Training & Collaboration

Provide technical guidance and mentoring to engineers and technicians
Support on-site customer and internal training as required
Participate in ongoing training to maintain and expand knowledge of current and emerging technologies
Collaborate with internal teams, customers, and vendors throughout the project lifecycle

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

Experience

5+ years of experience designing, integrating, and supporting industrial or mission-critical communication networks
Demonstrated experience with Layer 3 switching, VLAN segmentation, and routed networks
Experience supporting SCADA, telemetry, or OT network environments

Core Technical Skills

Strong application engineering knowledge of:
- Industrial network topologies and redundancy models
- Layer 2 and Layer 3 Ethernet switching
- VLAN and IP-based segmentation
Proficiency in:
- TCP/IP and UDP networking principles
- IP and serial communications and interfaces
Working knowledge of:
- Virtualization and hypervisor technologies (VMware / Hyper-V / Proxmox)
- RF communication fundamentals and propagation
- Firewalls, VPNs, and secure gateways

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in water/wastewater, utilities, energy, or critical infrastructure environments
Familiarity with industrial networking vendors (e.g., Cisco, Ruggedcom, Hirschmann, Moxa, Fortinet, Stratix, or equivalent)
Experience with RF propagation modeling tools
Knowledge of OT cybersecurity standards and regulatory requirements
Relevant certifications (CCNA/CCNP, Network+, Security+, radio, virtualization, or industrial networking certifications)

Key Competencies

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills across wired, wireless, and serial networks.
Ability to translate operational requirements into secure, reliable network designs and engineering solutions.
Detail-oriented with a focus on system availability, performance, and cybersecurity.
Effective written and verbal communication skills. Effective communicator with engineering, operations, and field teams.
Ability to work independently, as part of a multidisciplinary team, and collaboratively with professionalism and discretion.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other common business and collaboration tools.

Other Requirements

Valid California Driver’s License.

Working Conditions

Combination of office, industrial facility, and field environments, depending on project needs.
- Office environment – sitting for long periods, standing, walking, typing, carrying, pushing, bending. Work is primarily conducted indoors with varying environmental conditions such as fluorescent lighting and air conditioning.
- Field environment – jobsite visits as required to support project work. Work is often conducted in a construction zone (indoor and/or outdoor) with PPE requirements and varying environmental conditions such as higher noise levels, dust, dirt floors, concrete floors, and no air conditioning.
- Office work anticipated at approximately 65%-75%. Field activity expected about 25%-35%.
Regular field travel, including remote sites. Ability to travel to customer sites, vendor facilities, or project locations (typically 25%-35%).
Ability to meet safety, training, and site access requirements
Ability to perform extensive computer work and work extended hours when necessary.
May include work during off-hours for system cutovers, testing, or urgent support events.
Occasional lifting of not to exceed 40 lbs.
We fully comply with the ADA and applicable state law, including considering reasonable accommodation measures that may enable qualified disabled applicants and employees to perform essential functions.

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