JOB DESCRIPTION

The Lead Operational Technology (OT) Network Engineer will play a critical role in strengthening Thermo Fisher Scientific’s manufacturing, lab, and R&D operations by implementing secure, segmented and resilient network solutions, giving to an overall secure enterprise corporate network. Working hand-in-hand with various delivery teams, this role will focus on execution — ensuring that sites achieve the standards and architectures defined at the enterprise level, focusing on resilience and continuity of operations.
This is a visible, technical role requiring deep expertise in network engineering, familiarity with cyber security standards, and the ability to independently deliver high-quality solutions in a sophisticated, global environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate tight-knit collaboration across IT, OT, and lab/R&D teams, operate with curiosity and foresight into emerging technologies, and be willing to challenge the status quo to improve outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience in network engineering (LAN/WAN, firewalls, switches, routers, wireless, VPN).
• Familiarity with cyber security practices, standards, and tools relevant to OT/IT, lab and R&D environments.
• Strong problem-solving and investigative skills in complex operational settings, with a focus on minimizing downtime and ensuring operations continuity.
• Demonstrable ability to work independently on executional tasks and projects, with limited supervision.
• Effective communicator and great teammate, with experience working in global and matrixed organizations.
• Experience leading or mentoring technical staff a plus; willingness to grow into people management responsibilities.
• Curiosity and aim to stay on top of industry technology trends.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Industry certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or equivalent) desirable.
• Equivalent work experience may substitute for formal education.

SOFT SKILL EXPECTATIONS

• Leadership: Own network implementation workstreams and act as primary SME for projects and processes.
• Execution: Independently deliver on daily and recurring tasks, informing leadership as needed.
• Partnership: Develop and maintain strong functional relationships across IT, OT, and lab/R&D teams.
• Mentorship: Train and mentor colleagues in functional areas; capable of leading team efforts on a short-term basis.
• Communication: Validate and challenge project priorities; develop materials and convey ideas to team leadership.
• Improvement Demeanor: Function as a SME in process improvements, ensuring lessons learned are integrated into future work.

ENHANCED TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Hands-on experience with industrial networking technologies (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, DNP3, etc.) and lab/R&D instrumentation networks.
• Expertise in implementing network segmentation, VLANs, firewalls, and VPNs specifically in OT/ICS, lab, and R&D contexts.
• Familiarity with Zero Trust networking principles.
• Practical knowledge of monitoring and IDS/IPS solutions (e.g., Claroty, Darktrace for OT).
• Experience with network automation and scripting (Python, Ansible) for efficiency, scalability, and resilience.
• Deep documentation skills to ensure implemented changes are recorded for audits and regulatory inspections.
• Experience with using Generative AI for network deployment and management is desirable.

Network Engineering & Implementation

• Complete implementation of network and security designs across global manufacturing, lab, and R&D environments in alignment with defined security architectures.
• Configure, test, and optimize LAN/WAN, firewalls, switches, routers, and other network infrastructure.
• Investigate and resolve complex network and OT, R&D and lab connectivity issues, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

Cybersecurity Alignment

• Apply cyber security standards and protocols to network implementation and operation.
• Lead monitoring, segmentation, and access controls for OT, IT and lab/R&D network integration.
• Collaborate with cyber operations teams to develop and optimize threat detection within OT, lab and R&D environments.
• Assist in incident response, remediation and business continuity for network-related security issues.

Collaboration & Partner Engagement

• Partner closely with the OT Cyber Security Architect, IT, OT, and lab/R&D teams to complete projects effectively.
• Build strong, positive relationships with colleagues across functions and geographies.
• Chip in to a collaborative team culture and influence through domain expertise.

Leadership & Growth

• Operate independently, driving tasks and projects with limited oversight.
• Potential to evolve into a people management role; mentor peers and junior engineers as opportunities arise.
• Represent the network engineering function in multi-functional discussions and forums.

Continuous Learning & Innovation

• Stay ahead of with emerging network and security technologies, applying new knowledge to improve implementations.
• Proactively see opportunities to improve standards, processes, and architectures.
• Challenge the status quo constructively to drive better technical and business outcomes.

Travel

• Up to 50% travel to global manufacturing, lab, and R&D environments for implementation and support.