Operational Technology (OT) Specialist

Merck•Milwaukee, WI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operational Technology (OT) Specialist is primarily responsible for delivering OT system implementations in accordance with approved architectures and for routine day-to-day operational activities on OT systems. The role provides technical expertise to support service continuity, executes change management, manages OT incidents, and maintains lifecycle records of IT/OT assets. The role also handles problem management and knowledge management to improve system reliability and supports IT/OT integration, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives.

Requirements

Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Technology, or other engineering discipline. 2+ years of industrial experience with OT systems.
OR High School Diploma or GED 5+ years of industrial experience with OT systems

Nice To Haves

IT/OT integration expertise, including knowledge of Industry 4.0 / Smart Manufacturing concepts.
Cybersecurity awareness and ability to implement OT security measures.
Project management capabilities for IT/OT and digital projects.
Data analytics skills for OT data collection and decision-making.
Service continuity and availability management for OT systems
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
Able to plan and execute work independently even when full information is not available.
Effective at communicating technical information clearly to a variety of audiences including operators, engineers, and leadership.
Skilled in presenting technical concepts and system performance updates to management and cross-functional teams.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
Able to learn and apply new automation, robotics, and mechatronic technologies to support continuous improvement.
Experienced with prototyping and mechatronic concepts including CAD, 3D printing, and basic fabrication techniques when needed for automation solutions.
Knowledgeable in DOE and process optimization methods that support automation tuning and system performance.
Able to work safely in environments requiring PPE and awareness of chemical, electrical, and mechanical hazards.
Capable of supporting automation systems in both office and production environments.

Responsibilities

Execute and test authorized changes to OT systems and report back to the OT Service Delivery team.
Manage OT system incidents and drive timely resolution.
Coordinate IT incidents that impact the OT system under charge.
Manage lifecycle and records of IT/OT assets, including identification, registration, and updates.
Periodically review major and recurrent incidents, identify problems, communicate errors, and apply workarounds as possible.
Support regular disaster recovery exercises, conduct lessons learned, and improve plans; assist in disaster recovery activities for OT systems.
Record user queries via service desk channels, validate them, and initiate appropriate activities (e.g., incident management or service requests).
Translate OT solution design into software/hardware code/configuration.
Execute cybersecurity routing activities on OT systems (e.g., access management and patching).
Support OT engineering and computer system initiatives by performing maintenance activities, developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), troubleshooting system issues, and providing technical assistance for industrial control and automation environments.
Support Building Automation Technician and Automation & Controls Specialist with navigating OT infrastructure.
Register, maintain, and promote knowledge on incident resolution and change execution.
Provide IT/OT integration expertise to connect OT systems with IT infrastructure.
Apply digital transformation best practices to OT projects and initiatives.
Contribute to cybersecurity, data analytics, and risk management efforts for OT environments.