OT Engineer

Job Description: OT Engineer (Electricity Distribution & Transmission)

Role Overview

The OT Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, supporting, and optimizing Operational Technology systems that enable the secure and reliable operation of electricity transmission and distribution networks. The role focuses on SCADA, EMS/DMS, substation automation, communication networks, cybersecurity, and integration between OT and IT environments to ensure grid reliability, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

OT Systems Engineering & Support

• Manage and support OT platforms including SCADA, ADMS, DMS, EMS, OMS, and Historian systems.
  
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot RTUs, PLCs, IEDs, HMI, and substation automation systems.
  
• Support real-time monitoring and control of transmission and distribution network assets.
  
• Perform system upgrades, patching, testing, and deployment activities.
  

Network & Communications

• Manage OT communication networks including MPLS, fiber, microwave, radio, and TCP/IP-based protocols.
  
• Support integration of substations, distributed energy resources, and field devices.
  
• Ensure high availability and resilience of OT communications infrastructure.
  

Grid Modernization & Integration

• Support implementation of Smart Grid, DER, AMI, and Energy Management initiatives.
  
• Integrate operational systems with enterprise applications and cloud platforms where required.
  
• Participate in digital transformation and modernization programs.
  

OT Cybersecurity

• Implement and maintain OT cybersecurity controls aligned with organizational and regulatory standards.
  
• Support vulnerability assessments, security monitoring, incident response, and audit activities.
  
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and cybersecurity frameworks.
  

Project Delivery

• Participate in project design, architecture reviews, testing, commissioning, and cutover activities.
  
• Develop technical documentation, operational procedures, and support models.
  
• Collaborate with business, operations, engineering, and vendor teams.
  

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Skills

• SCADA, EMS, DMS, ADMS, OMS platforms.
  
• RTU, PLC, IED, HMI, and Substation Automation.
  
• IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-101/104, DNP3, Modbus.
  
• OT Networking, TCP/IP, MPLS, Firewalls, VPNs.
  
• Power Systems and Electricity Network Operations.
  
• OT Cybersecurity and Network Segmentation.
  
• Microsoft Windows Server and Linux environments.
  

Industry Experience

• 5+ years of experience in Utilities, Power, Energy, Transmission, or Distribution sectors.
  
• Experience supporting transmission substations, distribution networks, or utility control centers.
  
• Knowledge of electricity market operations and grid reliability requirements is desirable.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Automation, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
  
• Industry certifications such as:
  
• Cisco (CCNA/CCNP)
  
• IEC 61850 Training
  
• GICSP
  
• CISSP (desirable)
  
• SCADA/ADMS Vendor Certifications
  

Key Success Measures

• High availability and reliability of OT systems.
  
• Reduced operational incidents and outages.
  
• Successful project delivery within schedule and budget.
  
• Compliance with cybersecurity and regulatory requirements.
  
• Effective support of transmission and distribution operations.
  

Preferred Utility Experience

·         Powerlink, Energex, TransGrid, Western Power, CitiPower, Powercor, Jemena, SA Power Networks, or similar electricity utilities.

·         Experience with GE, Schneider, Siemens, Hitachi Energy, ABB, OSI, or Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS).

• This profile is suitable for OT Engineers supporting Electricity Transmission, Distribution, ADMS, SCADA, Grid Modernization, and OT Cybersecurity programs.