IT and Manufacturing Systems Specialist

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Network Architect to lead the design and implementation of secure, scalable, and resilient network architectures for our manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will have a strong background in integrating IT and OT systems, enabling smart manufacturing, and supporting Private 5G and Industrial Network transformation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement secure, scalable, and resilient network architectures for manufacturing, integrating IoT and OT while leveraging technologies like Private 5G, SD-WAN, SASE, ZTNA, and SDN to support high availability and hybrid IT/OT environments.
• Implement advanced security technologies, including Palo Alto firewalls, IDS/IPS, endpoint protection, network segmentation, and Cisco ISE-based identity services with Software-Defined Segmentation (SGT/TrustSec).
• Support Zero Trust architecture initiatives by enforcing robust network segmentation, identity-based access, and application-aware policies.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by aligning network designs and operations with industry standards such as IEC 62443, NIST, and corporate security policies.
• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of wireless networks (including Cisco Wireless and DNA Center) to meet quality of service and reliability requirements.
• Provide technical leadership for end-to-end regional infrastructure solutions covering Wireless, Switching, ISE, DNA Center, Software-Defined Access (SDA), and manufacturing-specific use cases.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for network architectures, firewall configurations, access policies, and change management records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, security, enterprise IT, site managers, and external vendors, to gather requirements and deliver tailored solutions.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts, including solution evaluations, negotiations, and selection to ensure best-fit solutions for manufacturing networks.
• Conduct performance analysis and continuous optimization of network infrastructure to enhance security, performance, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Execute strategies for continuous improvement, aligning regional infrastructure platforms with evolving business goals and technology trends.
• Define and implement standardized methodology templates across projects to streamline engineering processes and improve team productivity.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, proactively identifying innovations applicable to manufacturing networks.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience as a Network Architect, specializing in designing and managing complex network infrastructures.
• Proven track record of integrating IT and OT networks within manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) – preferred.
• Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification.
• Expertise in Palo Alto Firewalls – deployment, management, and policy implementation.
• Strong knowledge of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), including Security Group Tags (SGT) and TrustSec frameworks.
• Proficient in Cisco Catalyst Switching, Wireless (including Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers), DNA Center, and Software-Defined Access (SDA).
• Experience with security tools and technologies such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, endpoint protection, and OT network segmentation. Hands-on experience implementing Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) and policy-driven network segmentation. Familiarity with emerging wireless technologies including Private 5G and IoT connectivity (preferred).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Benefits:

Our company offers a range of benefits, including competitive salaries, excellent health insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. We also offer opportunities for professional development and growth, as well as a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Other Opportunities:

Our company is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are an equal opportunities employer and believe that everyone should be treated fairly and without prejudice. If you are interested in this role, please submit your application through our website.