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Director Operational Technology Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Director of IT Operations

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$13K - $150K/yr

Lead and support enterprise and operational technology projects. * Consult with executive ... Collaborate with engineers, programmers, operations, and quality leadership to identify process ...

... Engineering with a focus on supporting Operational Technology and manufacturing systems security ... The position requires strong communication skills as the individual will have direct engagement ...

About the role We are looking for a Director, Operational Readiness to join our Central Operations ... Experience coordinating cross-functional teams spanning construction, engineering, IT, and ...

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Director Operational Technology Engineer information

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$73K

$194.7K

$254K

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director operational technology engineer in the United States is $194,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Director Operational Technology Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Technology Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Operational Technology Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Operational Technology Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Director Operational Technology Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $194,709 per year, or $93.6 per hour.
Senior Operational Technology Engineer

Senior Operational Technology Engineer

Cellares

South San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$125.50K - $172.30K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) focused on mass manufacturing cell therapies. The Senior Operational Technology Engineer will lead and support IT/OT operations in a global cell therapy manufacturing lab environment, ensuring system reliability, scalability, and regulatory compliance across multiple sites.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Manage and deliver OT systems and technology for the companyโ€™s industrial and cell manufacturing environments
โ€ข Own and maintain a robust OT roadmap, including project objectives, prioritization, and implementation plans
โ€ข Ensure OT production environments adhere to security best practices and comply with relevant regulations
โ€ข Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting for production-related OT/IT issues, ensuring minimal disruption to 24x7 operations
โ€ข Implement and monitor OT production systems to guarantee 24x7 uptime and reliability, including network, server, biotech manufacturing lab, and proprietary equipment
โ€ข Develop and deliver training programs for new OT staff relating to production environment
โ€ข Contribute to creating, maintaining SOPs, Policies, and Process
โ€ข Lead and support GMP-related activities, including change control, system validation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), and audit readiness
โ€ข 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
โ€ข Ensure compliance with industry regulations, standards, and best practices related to OT and data security
โ€ข Provide backup support to Corporate IT as needed to ensure continuity of enterprise IT services
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข Bachelor's Degree in related field or proper training
โ€ข 7+ years of relevant experience
โ€ข Proven experience in IT management with a manufacturing or industrial setting, with a strong focus on 24x7 operational support
โ€ข Experience with monitoring, server management, and cybersecurity best practices
โ€ข Experience with Fortigate firewalls, Hirschmann industrial switches, lab and warehouse equipment
โ€ข Experience with various applications such as Nutanix Prism, SharePoint, and JIRA
โ€ข Experience working in a biotech regulated environment
โ€ข Knowledge of and experience with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) required
โ€ข Ability to independently prioritize work and deliver results effectively in a fast-paced environment.
โ€ข Ability to be a strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure
โ€ข Requires availability for on-call support and extended hours during critical system issues to maintain 24x7 operations
โ€ข Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth/entrepreneurial mindset
Company:
Cellares is an Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization dedicated to the automated, large-scale production of cell therapies. Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in South San Francisco, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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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