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Freelance Operational Technology Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merck Group

Operational Technology Engineer

Norwood, OH · On-site

The Operational Technology Engineer is responsible for supporting the implementation, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Operational Technology systems across the manufacturing ...

AHEAD

Operational Technology Engineer

Reading, PA · On-site

The Opportunity As an Operational Technology Engineer based at our UK Foundry, you will help operate and evolve the Foundry's operational technology environment that powers our industrial-scale ...

Agilent

Operational Technology Engineer (OTE)

Frederick, CO · On-site

$103K - $161K/yr

As an Operational Technology Engineer (OTE), you will play a vital role on the Automation Engineering team by working closely with Information Technology (IT) to ensure optimization of commercial GMP ...

IPL (Indiana)

Operational Technology Engineer

Dayton, OH

$67K - $91K/yr

... operations, networking, and cybersecurity, with exposure to power system modeling and remote field devices. The engineer will work with both modern and legacy technologies while supporting the AES ...

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Freelance Operational Technology Engineer information

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$132

How much do freelance operational technology engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance operational technology engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Operational Technology Engineer vs Freelance Industrial Automation Engineer?

AspectFreelance Operational Technology EngineerFreelance Industrial Automation Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications in OT, cybersecurity, and networkingCertifications in PLC programming, control systems, and automation
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, control rooms, and remote sitesManufacturing plants, factories, and automation systems
Industry UsageUtilities, energy, manufacturing, and process industriesManufacturing, robotics, and process automation
Search & Comparison IntentSeeking OT-specific freelance roles, cybersecurity, or network integrationLooking for automation system design, programming, or troubleshooting

Both roles involve working with industrial systems, but the Freelance Operational Technology Engineer focuses on the integration and security of operational networks, while the Freelance Industrial Automation Engineer specializes in designing and programming automation systems. Understanding these distinctions helps clients find the right expertise for their industrial projects.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Operational Technology Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance 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 Freelance Operational Technology Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Operational Technology Engineer jobs include:
Freelance Operational Technology Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Operational Technology Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Operational Technology Engineer

Novaspect Holdings, Inc.

Schaumburg, IL

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 hours ago

Job description

Novaspect, Inc., an Emerson Impact Partner, the global leader of automation systems and solutions, is currently offering an opportunity for an Operational Technology (OT) Engineer. This role will assist our automation and Distributed Control Systems (DCS) customers in developing, delivering, maintaining, and optimizing state-of-the-art automation and advanced controls solutions.

Operational Technology Engineer Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Work with our customers to become a Trusted Advisor by:

  • Actively listening, communicating, and developing solutions to accomplish customer's objectives.
  • Taking an active leading role in cooperatively working with internal and external customers to develop effective and innovative solutions to customer issues.
  • Collaborating with Novaspect's control system engineering and project teams in the development, delivery, on-going maintenance, and optimization of Novaspect's state of the art process control solutions for its industrial customers.
  • Setting up and installing electronic systems in industrial settings to control industrial processes.
  • Executing Distributed Control System Computer and Network commissioning and startup.
  • Providing improvements and modifications to Distributed Control Systems to meet changing customer needs.
  • Providing technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards.
  • Installing and troubleshooting Microsoft operating systems, Symantec, McAfee, Acronis and wireless network systems.
  • Analyzing system requirements and troubleshooting issues related to computers in the system.
  • Setting up Microsoft Active Directories, DNS, Terminal Services, and Group Policy according to customer specifications and needs within an industrial control system.
  • Installing and troubleshooting TCP/IP communication networks for industrial process control.
  • Performing Power and Grounding Audits on networks and systems in an industrial setting.
  • Installing, upgrading and supporting a wide offering of software and hardware solutions.
  • Travelling to customer facilities primarily in IL/IN/WI but could be other states within our upper midwest territory subject to the active projects we have at any given time.. This is approximately 30-40% of which approximately 20% of the travel days could be overnights depending on location.

Provide clear and frequent communications by:

  • Performing moderate to advanced diagnostic and troubleshooting over the phone or video and in person.
  • Creating detailed and professional engineering reports and proposals offering clear recommendations and guidance to customers.

Work as a team by:

  • Leading roll out of new technology and product solutions as they align with organizational objectives.
  • Helping colleagues as they encounter situations.
  • Participating in and supporting the Novaspect's technical access line (NTA).
  • Mentoring other Control System Engineers.
  • Developing and delivering training to teams and customers.
  • Working closely with sales to bring in any opportunities.

Work to grow Novaspect as an employee-owner by:

  • Representing Novaspect's core behaviors, quality, customer service and brand.
  • Developing technical expertise in one or more controls systems, infrastructure, and operational technology areas.
  • Complying with internal and customer safety programs.
  • Capturing leads for additional product or service opportunities.
  • Developing customer relationships and engaging as a trusted advisor to address medium to short-term customer needs.
  • Identifying business development opportunities.
  • Representing Novaspect at Industry and Trade events.

Operational Technology Engineer Education, Skills and/or Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology field or technical work experience.
  • 4-6 years of experience in the control system engineering field.
  • 2-5 years of experience with Windows operating systems preferred. Includes Windows Workstation and Server Operating Systems. Experience with virtualization technology (Hyper-V or VMware), and experience with cyber security fundamentals.
  • Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert within Novaspect in one or more areas.
  • Ability to lead projects and/or Site engagements individually as an SME.
  • Ability to provide guidance and training to the Engineering team / Engineering Development Program employees.
  • Demonstrates ability to innovate and create solutions using existing and new technology.
  • Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert within Emerson / EIP Network.

Operational Technology Engineer Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift up to 30lbs (i.e., Workstation Monitors and Laptop Computers).
  • Ability to work extended hours on a computer.
  • Ability to work in a loud industrial environment.
  • For Field based roles: Must be willing to work at customer sites which includes, but not limited to oil & gas sites, refineries, nuclear and chemical plants, paper, and steel mills.
  • For Field based roles: Ability to be clean shaven to accommodate required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage (e.g., respirator) as needed at customer sites.

Operational Technology Engineer Location:Schaumburg, IL

Operational Technology Engineer Pay:

  • Base Salary: $105K-$125K
  • Overtime Eligible
  • Bonus Potential: 5%
  • The final offer will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to the candidate's depth of experience, skill set, qualifications, and internal pay equity. Hiring at the top end of the range would not be typical, to allow for future meaningful salary growth in the position.

Operational Technology Engineer Benefits:

Recognized with a Top Employee Benefit Plan Award, below you will find our outstanding total rewards package when you join our team including:

  • Generous paid time off; starting at 15 vacation days, 10 holidays, and 10 days of Paid Sick & Safety Time (PSST)
  • 401K with 6% company match
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Excellent health & wellness benefits
  • Student debt & tuition reimbursement
  • Referral bonus
  • Novaspect is a 2025 Great Place to Work Certified company

Who We Are:

Novaspect, Inc., is an employee-owned company that engineers, sells, and services industrial process controls. Our Core Purpose is to improve our customer's performance through the innovative application of technology. We are passionate about creating effective processes and building customer relationships. We position ourselves to attract the best talent, and ensure we are delivering local services with proven technologies.

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