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Director Operational Technology Engineer Jobs in California

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Director Operational Technology Engineer information

What is the difference between Director Operational Technology Engineer vs Operations Manager?

AspectDirector Operational Technology EngineerOperations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications like Cisco, Cisco CCNP, or ICS securityBachelor's in Business, Management, or related field; certifications like PMP or Lean Six Sigma
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, manufacturing plants, utility companies, focusing on OT systemsOffice settings, warehouses, overseeing daily operations across departments
Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, utilities, industrial sectorsRetail, logistics, manufacturing, service industries
Primary FocusDesign, implementation, and security of operational technology systemsManaging overall operational efficiency and process improvements

The main difference is that the Director Operational Technology Engineer specializes in OT systems' technical aspects, security, and infrastructure, while the Operations Manager oversees broader operational processes and team management. Both roles are vital but focus on different areas within industrial and operational environments.

What is a Director Operational Technology Engineer?

A Director Operational Technology (OT) Engineer is a senior leader responsible for overseeing the integration, management, and security of operational technology systems within an organization. These professionals bridge the gap between IT (Information Technology) and OT systems, ensuring that industrial control systems, manufacturing equipment, and other critical infrastructure operate efficiently and securely. Their role involves developing strategies, leading teams, and implementing best practices to optimize OT environments while safeguarding them from cyber threats. They typically collaborate with cross-functional teams and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Operational Technology Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Operational Technology Engineer, you need deep expertise in industrial control systems, cybersecurity, and automation, typically supported by an engineering degree and extensive leadership experience. Familiarity with SCADA systems, PLC programming, network security tools, and relevant certifications like CISSP or ISA/IEC 62443 is crucial. Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and team leadership skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and secure OT operations while driving innovation and compliance across complex industrial environments.

How does a Director Operational Technology Engineer typically collaborate with other departments to ensure the security and efficiency of industrial control systems?

A Director Operational Technology Engineer frequently works cross-functionally with IT, cybersecurity, and operations teams to align technology initiatives with business goals. This collaboration involves regular meetings to assess risk, develop security protocols, and troubleshoot issues impacting production systems. By fostering open communication and coordinating on projects, the Director ensures that industrial control systems remain secure, efficient, and compliant with regulatory standards. This role often leads multidisciplinary teams during system upgrades or incident responses, ensuring seamless integration and minimal downtime.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Technology Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Operational Technology Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs in California? For Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Director Operational Technology Engineer job openings:
Senior Operational Technology Engineer

Senior Operational Technology Engineer

Cellares

South San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a hands-on Senior Operational Technology Engineer to lead and support IT/OT operations in a global cell therapy manufacturing lab environment.ย ย 

This role is responsible for end-to-end OT infrastructure, including network and security on proprietary equipment, while ensuring secure access management, compliant change control, and 24x7 operations. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership to drive system reliability, scalability, and regulatory compliance across multiple sites.

Candidates should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and be prepared to tackle a broad selection of challenges as the company grows.

Responsibilities
  • Manage and deliver OT systems and technology for the company's industrial and cell manufacturing environments
  • Own and maintain a robust OT roadmap, including project objectives, prioritization, and implementation plans
  • Ensure OT production environments adhere to security best practices and comply with relevant regulations
  • Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting for production-related OT/IT issues, ensuring minimal disruption to 24x7 operations
  • Implement and monitor OT production systems to guarantee 24x7 uptime and reliability, including network, server, biotech manufacturing lab, and proprietary equipment
  • Develop and deliver training programs for new OT staff relating to production environment
  • Contribute to creating, maintaining SOPs, Policies, and Processย 
  • Lead and support GMP-related activities, including change control, system validation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), and audit readiness
  • Own OT access management processes, including user provisioning, role-based access control, and periodic access reviews to ensure compliance with GxP, data integrity, and cybersecurity requirements
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations, standards, and best practices related to OT and data security
  • Provide backup support to Corporate IT as needed to ensure continuity of enterprise IT services
Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in related field or proper trainingย 
  • 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Proven experience in IT management with a manufacturing or industrial setting, with a strong focus on 24x7 operational support
  • Experience with monitoring, server management, and cybersecurity best practices
  • Experience with Fortigate firewalls, Hirschmann industrial switches, lab and warehouse equipment
  • Experience with various applications such as Nutanix Prism, SharePoint, and JIRA
  • Experience working in a biotech regulated environment
  • Knowledge of and experience with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) required
  • Ability to independently prioritize work and deliver results effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to be a strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure
  • Requires availability for on-call support and extended hours during critical system issues to maintain 24x7 operations
  • Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth/entrepreneurial mindset
$90,000 - $210,000 a year
Cellares total compensation package contains competitive base salaries, highly subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, 401(k) Matching, Free EV Charging, Onsite lunches, and Stock options. All displayed pay ranges are approximate, negotiable, and location dependent.
This is Cellares

Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company's Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.
The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.

Leveling will be based on overall experience, education, and demonstration of knowledge throughout the interview process.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Cellares

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2019