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Operational Technology Specialist Jobs in Indiana

Novartis

ITOT Specialist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$84K - $126K/yr

Summary As an IT OT Specialist, you will play a crucial role in supporting our 24/7 plant operations and maintaining the integrity of our IT services. At Advanced Accelerator Applications, a Novartis ...

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Operational Technology Specialist information

What is an operational technology specialist?

Operational Technology (OT) Specialists are professionals who manage, maintain, and secure the hardware and software systems that control industrial equipment, processes, and infrastructure. They work with technologies such as SCADA systems, PLCs, and industrial networks to ensure that operations run smoothly and securely. OT Specialists often collaborate with IT departments to integrate and protect critical operational systems from cyber threats, while also troubleshooting and optimizing industrial processes. Their expertise is essential in sectors like manufacturing, energy, utilities, and transportation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational technology specialist?

To thrive as an Operational Technology Specialist, you need a solid background in industrial automation, control systems, and network security, typically supported by a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, PLC programming, industrial protocols, and relevant cybersecurity certifications is highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient industrial operations in increasingly digital environments.

What are some common challenges operational technology specialists face when integrating new systems with legacy infrastructure?

Operational Technology Specialists often encounter challenges when integrating modern systems with existing legacy equipment, such as compatibility issues, data communication gaps, and security vulnerabilities. These environments may have outdated protocols or hardware, requiring creative solutions and careful planning to ensure seamless operation. Collaborating closely with IT teams, engineers, and vendors is essential to address these issues while minimizing downtime and maintaining system reliability.

What is the difference between Operational Technology Specialist vs Industrial Automation Technician?

AspectOperational Technology SpecialistIndustrial Automation Technician
CredentialsCertifications in OT, cybersecurity, networkingCertifications in PLCs, control systems, automation
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, control rooms, cybersecurity settingsManufacturing plants, automation equipment, control panels
Employer & IndustryUtilities, manufacturing, energy sectorsFactories, production lines, automation service providers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, job dutiesTechnical skills, certifications, daily tasks

Operational Technology Specialists focus on managing and securing industrial control systems and OT networks, often requiring cybersecurity and networking skills. Industrial Automation Technicians primarily handle installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting automation equipment like PLCs and control systems. While both roles work in industrial environments, the Specialist has a broader focus on OT security and systems integration, whereas the Technician emphasizes hands-on equipment maintenance.

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Operational Technology Specialist jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Operational Technology Specialist job openings:

Operational Technology Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Technology Specialist job openings in Indiana as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Manufacturing Operational Technology (OT) Specialist

Warsaw, IN

CrossFire Group
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about CrossFire Groupexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Manufacturing Operational Technology (OT) Specialist

Position Summary
The Operational Technology (OT) Specialist is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and security of industrial control systems and automation infrastructure within a manufacturing environment. This role serves as a key link between Information Technology (IT) and plant-floor Operations Technology (OT), helping ensure production systems remain reliable, secure, and efficient across multiple manufacturing operations.
The OT Specialist supports automation platforms, industrial networks, cybersecurity initiatives, and system integration efforts while working closely with engineering, maintenance, operations, and IT teams. This individual plays a critical role in maximizing uptime, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and enabling digital manufacturing technologies.

Key Responsibilities
Systems Management & Maintenance
  • Install, configure, maintain, and support OT systems, including: 
    • PLCs
    • HMIs
    • SCADA platforms
    • Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
    • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
    • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integrations
    • Industrial networking infrastructure
  • Monitor automation system performance and proactively address issues to minimize production downtime.
  • Perform preventive maintenance, firmware updates, and patch management in accordance with established change-control procedures.
  • Maintain accurate documentation, including asset inventories, network diagrams, and system configurations.
  • Support system backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity initiatives.
IT/OT Integration
  • Design and implement secure connectivity between enterprise systems and manufacturing control environments.
  • Collaborate with engineering, operations, and IT teams to support digital transformation initiatives, including Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0 technologies, and real-time manufacturing analytics.
  • Develop and maintain network segmentation strategies aligned with industry best practices such as ISA-95 and Purdue architecture principles.
  • Support data collection, visualization, and reporting solutions to improve operational performance.
Cybersecurity & Compliance
  • Implement and maintain OT cybersecurity practices aligned with recognized frameworks and standards.
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments, risk evaluations, and remediation planning for industrial systems and connected devices.
  • Respond to OT cybersecurity incidents and support investigations, corrective actions, and recovery activities.
  • Develop, test, and maintain OT incident response and recovery procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, cybersecurity requirements, and applicable industry regulations.
Troubleshooting & Technical Support
  • Serve as an escalation resource for complex OT-related issues affecting production operations.
  • Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, communication, and network failures across industrial control systems.
  • Coordinate with vendors, engineers, and maintenance personnel to restore production-critical systems.
  • Participate in on-call support rotations and provide assistance during critical system outages.
Projects & Continuous Improvement
  • Lead or support automation and infrastructure projects involving new equipment installations, facility expansions, line launches, and equipment upgrades.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements that enhance reliability, performance, security, and maintainability.
  • Develop technical documentation, standard operating procedures, and support materials.
  • Provide training and mentorship to maintenance technicians and operations personnel on OT systems and best practices.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and manufacturing optimization initiatives.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Automation, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum of: 
    • 8 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, or
    • 6 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree, or
    • 3 years of relevant experience with a PhD.
  • Experience supporting industrial automation and control systems in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong understanding of industrial networking, automation architecture, and system integration.
  • Experience troubleshooting complex control system and communication issues.
Technical Skills
  • Proficiency with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell and Fanuc.
  • Experience with SCADA and HMI platforms including FactoryTalk, Wonderware, and Ignition.
  • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols, including: 
    • EtherNet/IP
    • PROFINET
    • Modbus
    • OPC-UA
  • Experience with industrial network architecture and managed switch technologies.
  • Understanding of OT cybersecurity concepts, tools, and best practices.
  • Ability to support OT system lifecycle management, patching, upgrades, and change control processes.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 3–5+ years of hands-on OT or Industrial Control Systems (ICS) experience within a manufacturing environment.
  • Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience supporting robotic automation systems, including Fanuc and Kawasaki platforms.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing operations such as: 
    • Production control
    • Body shop operations
    • Paint and coatings processes
    • General assembly
  • Experience with MES platforms such as Apriso, SAP ME, Plex, Ignition, or Fuuz.
  • Professional certifications such as: 
    • GICSP
    • CompTIA Security+
    • CCNA Industrial
    • ISA/IEC 62443 certifications
  • Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement environments.

Core Competencies

Problem Solving
Ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues involving automation, networking, cybersecurity, and manufacturing systems in a fast-paced production environment.

Communication
Effectively communicates technical information to maintenance teams, operators, engineers, leadership, and IT stakeholders.

Collaboration
Works effectively across engineering, maintenance, operations, IT, and external vendor teams to achieve business objectives.

Adaptability
Thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment with changing priorities and production demands.
Attention to Detail
Maintains high-quality documentation and consistently follows established standards, procedures, and change-management requirements.

Compensation
Compensation for this position will be determined based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, technical expertise, certifications, geographic location, and overall qualifications. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

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