Director - Operational Technology (OT) Network Engineering

Lear • Southfield, MI

82d

About The Position

The Director - Operational Technology (OT) Network Engineering is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and management of secure and reliable OT network infrastructures across the organization. This role acts as a bridge between IT and manufacturing, driving digital transformation, ensuring cybersecurity, and supporting operational excellence and ensures compliance with industry standards and cybersecurity best practices. The Director will define the strategy and drive initiatives to modernize and protect OT environments, including SCADA, ICS, and other industrial control systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in network engineering, with at least 5 years in OT environments (manufacturing, utilities, energy, etc.).
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Deep understanding of OT protocols (Modbus, DNP3, OPC, Profibus, etc.) and industrial control systems (SCADA, PLC, DCS) and MES systems.
• Strong knowledge of network security principles, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and segmentation in OT environments.
• Experience in integrating IT and OT networks securely.
• Experience with cloud-based OT solutions and edge computing.
• Experience in incident response and disaster recovery planning for OT environments.
• Experience with network design and troubleshooting tools (Wireshark, SolarWinds, etc.).
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and standards for OT security (NIST, IEC 62443, NERC CIP).
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale OT network projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant certifications preferred (CISSP, GICSP, CCNP, ISA/IEC 62443, etc.).

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (MS, MBA) or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Assess the current state of all systems manufacturing sites for OT assets and capabilities
• Develop and execute the OT network strategy, aligning with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the design, deployment, and maintenance of OT network architectures, including LAN/WAN, wireless, and remote access solutions for industrial environments.
• Support OT investments and implementations in Budget/LRP, prioritizing iDEA by Lear initiatives and product launch driven investments
• Ensure robust cybersecurity controls are implemented and maintained across all OT networks, and define risk assessment procedures, audits and incident response plans for OT systems
• Collaborate with IT, operations, and security teams to integrate OT and IT networks securely and efficiently.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service level agreements for OT network solutions.
• Develop and maintain documentation, policies, and procedures for OT network operations.
• Lead incident response and troubleshooting efforts for OT network issues and security events.
• Stay current with emerging OT technologies, threats, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., NIST, IEC 62443, ISA/IEC 99, NERC CIP).
• Prepare and manage budgets for OT network projects and operations.
• Support identification of OT-capable talent within the organization, including any future required roles like engineers, analysts, and technicians.
• Establish training programs to enhance team skills and awareness of OT trends and threats.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees