OT Patching Specialist

LS Power Development, LLC • Austin, TX

5d

About The Position

As the OT Patching Specialist, you will be the subject matter expert responsible for protecting LS Power’s critical infrastructure through proactive patch management. Your work will directly safeguard the reliability of the grid, ensure regulatory compliance, and reduce cybersecurity risk across LS Power’s OT environments. This role is hands-on yet strategic: you’ll own the patching lifecycle while collaborating with compliance and security teams to strengthen our OT resilience under NERC CIP requirements. While leveraging IT technologies where they intersect with OT, your primary focus will be on maintaining the security, reliability, and compliance of OT systems. By applying automation, reporting, and risk-based prioritization, you will play a vital role in sustaining the security and reliability of LS Power’s most critical infrastructure.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field; in lieu of degree, 8+ years of directly applicable IT/OT experience.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience using IBM BigFix for enterprise patching operations.
• Experience patching both Windows and Linux servers in enterprise environments.
• Strong knowledge of vulnerability management principles and patch management best practices.
• Experience generating patch/vulnerability reports, assessing risks, and recommending remediation strategies for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SharePoint for documentation and collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate across all organizational levels.
• Self-motivation, discipline, and strong organizational and critical-thinking skills.
• 5+ years of hands-on administration experience with security and patch management tools such as Nessus, Tripwire Enterprise, IBM BigFix, and/or Change Management solutions.
• 5+ years of experience performing security operations functions including maintenance, monitoring, and maturity of enterprise cybersecurity tools and programs.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience with scripting and automation technologies including PowerShell, Python, Unix Shell Scripts, Java, C, or C++.
• Active security certification required: CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISA, or GIAC equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience supporting NERC CIP compliance in the electric utility industry.
• Familiarity with Energy Management Systems (EMS), SCADA, or other industrial control systems.
• Experience with tools such as Tripwire Enterprise, Nessus, Splunk, or ChangeGear.
• Scripting and automation skills using Python, PowerShell, or equivalent technologies.
• Advanced certifications such as Microsoft MCSA/MCSE, GIAC, ISC2, or CompTIA Security+.
• Knowledge of electric utility operations and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Previous experience with implementation and maintenance of security and compliance solutions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary OT Patching Specialist for LS Power Grid environments.
• Manage the full patch lifecycle: evaluate, schedule, deploy, validate, and document results.
• Utilize IBM BigFix for patch deployment, reporting, and automation.
• Test and validate new software releases and patches for compatibility while minimizing operational impact.
• Communicate patch-related risks and vulnerabilities clearly to stakeholders across the organization.
• Collaborate with compliance and cybersecurity teams to ensure patching activities support NERC CIP and vulnerability management programs.
• Identify gaps or risks in patch coverage and recommend remediation strategies.
• Generate and deliver patch and vulnerability metrics for management, compliance staff, and auditors.
• Support audit readiness by maintaining accurate documentation and providing patch evidence.
• Participate in regulatory reporting activities for RTO/ISO, regional reliability entities, NERC, and FERC as required.
• Leverage automation and scripted processes (PowerShell, Python, or equivalent) to reduce manual effort and improve consistency.
• Perform routine system monitoring, review logs, and verify the integrity of patched systems.
• Provide Level 2 and 3 technical support for patch-related incidents and assist with system recovery.
• Research and recommend innovative solutions to improve patching efficiency and reduce risk.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid premium healthcare
• paid parental leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior