ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Operational Technology Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Axens North America

Senior Technology Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

... their operations, troubleshooting, through remote work as well as regular visits and meetings at ... experienced Technology Engineers. * Comply with Axens quality system requirements including ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperational Technology Engineer JobsDirector Operational Technology Engineer JobsDirector Operational Technology Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Director Operational Technology Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$69.7K

$185.9K

$242.6K

How much do director operational technology engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for director operational technology engineer in Houston, TX is $185,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,100.00 and $241,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 Houston, TX? The most popular types of Operational Technology Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs in Houston, TX? For Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Director Operational Technology Engineer job openings:
Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Operational Technology Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $185,942 per year, or $89.4 per hour.

Director, IT Infrastructure and Operational Technology

Southwest Water Company

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
Nexus Water Group is a leading regulated water and wastewater utility serving more than 1.3 million people across 12 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces.
"Nexus" means connection. Through the essential water and wastewater services we deliver, we have a very personal connection to the people, businesses, and communities we serve. This is why our operations are locally led and managed. Every day, over 1,200 professionals deliver vital, safe, and reliable service through over 670 water systems and 360 wastewater systems.
Overview
The Director, IT Infrastructure and Operational Technology leads the strategy, security, and performance of IT infrastructure and operational technology (OT) systems that support safe, reliable water and wastewater operations.
This role will oversee both IT Infrastructure and OT Security functions, ensuring strong integration between enterprise systems and industrial control environments. You'll partner closely with cybersecurity and operational teams to maintain secure, reliable, and modern technology environments that enable continuous service delivery.
Work Location
  • Role is based at our Sugar Land, TX office
  • Primarily office-based with some travel to operational and field locations (up to 20%)

What We Offer
  • Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays.
  • Health and Wellness Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you'll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well.
  • 401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: We offer a 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution.
  • Grow With Us: Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance.
  • Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few.

What You'll Do
In this role, the Director, IT Infrastructure and Operational Technology will:
  • Lead two functional teams - an Operational Technology (OT) Security team overseeing industrial control systems and SCADA, and an IT Infrastructure team overseeing data centers, networks, cloud platforms, unified communications, and telecommunications
  • Lead and execute IT and OT strategy aligned with business goals, regulatory requirements, and capital planning
  • Ensure reliability, availability, and lifecycle management of systems supporting utility operations
  • Partner with Cybersecurity to maintain a strong security posture across IT and OT environments
  • Develop teams across IT Infrastructure and OT Security, building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
  • Manage capital and operating budgets, vendor relationships, and strategic technology partnerships
  • Establish performance metrics, service levels, and operational processes to support a 24/7 utility environment
  • Serve as a senior technology advisor to leadership and represent the organization in industry and regulatory forums

What You'll Bring
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • 10+ years of progressive IT leadership experience
  • 5+ years of experience working with operational technology systems (e.g., SCADA, RTUs, PLCs) in a utility, energy, or critical infrastructure environment
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record

Preferred (Nice to Have)
  • Experience supporting cybersecurity frameworks, such as NIST CSF
  • Experience leading large, cross-functional technology teams
  • Experience managing large-scale technology investments and vendor partnerships

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure (networks, cloud platforms, data centers, telecommunications)
  • Experience with industrial control systems and industrial networking protocols
  • Understanding of cybersecurity principles in regulated environments
  • Ability to lead and develop technical teams across multiple disciplines
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences
  • Ability to balance operational reliability with modernization and long-term strategy

About Our Company
We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state, or local law.
We are an E-Verify participating employer.

Apply