Systems Engineer Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

Operational Technology Network Engineer
Location: Monroe, LA – This position requires traveling 40% of the time.

Ready to be at the heart of a zero-carbon energy future?

As an Operational Technology (OT) Network Engineer at Drax, you will specialize in designing, maintaining, and securing the networks that connect our industrial control systems (ICS), machinery, and monitoring platforms. Your role will be pivotal as you work closely with essential physical processes, including manufacturing lines and energy systems, where uptime, safety, and reliability are of utmost importance.

In this position, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and security of the industrial network infrastructure supporting control systems such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). You will ensure that these network systems provide high availability, predictable performance, and robust cybersecurity for our plant-floor operations.

Why join Drax?

At Drax, we’re not just generating power; we’re transforming it. We’re a diverse and committed team, working together to create a brighter, more sustainable future. When you join us, you’ll find:

• A Clear Purpose: Be part of a company at the forefront of sustainable energy, making a real difference for the planet and our communities.
• Growth Opportunities: We believe in developing our people.
• Comprehensive Benefits: From day one, you’ll receive competitive wages, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and an RRSP matching plan to support your financial goals. You’ll also participate in a company bonus plan that rewards overall Drax performance and safety.
• A Supportive Team: Work in an environment where continuous learning is encouraged, and your contributions are valued. We’re a ‘can-do’ kind of place, empowering you to make informed decisions and do the right thing.

Your Day-to-Day as an OT Network Engineer, You’ll:

Network Design & Implementation

• Design and maintain industrial Ethernet networks, including Layer 2/3 switching and VLANs.
• Configure industrial protocols such as Modbus TCP, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP.
• Integrate OT networks with enterprise IT while ensuring proper segmentation. 

System Support & Maintenance

• Monitor and troubleshoot network performance and outages.
• Support connectivity for PLCs, HMIs, historians, and control servers.
• Manage firmware upgrades and patching with operational teams. 

Cybersecurity

• Implement OT security frameworks per Drax Cybersecurity Policies. 
• Manage firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and incident responses in OT environments. 

Collaboration

• Work with automation engineers, maintenance teams, and IT staff.
• Support vendors and system integrators during commissioning and upgrades.
• Document network architecture and procedures. 

Data Visualization

• Assist in generating management production and consumption reports.
• Create detailed analytics and interactive dashboards. 

Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE)

• Foster a proactive HSSE culture and develop related leadership skills.
• Ensure compliance with HSSE systems, procedures, and audits.
• Provide support in developing safe operational guidelines and ensure risk management aligns with regulations. 

What you’ll bring:
To excel in this vital role, you’ll need:

•  Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or a related field, with experience in an industrial plant environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial networking or Operational Technology (OT) environments.
• Understanding of industrial control systems (SCADA, DCS, PLCs).
• Fundamentals of networking (TCP/IP, routing, switching).
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (Power BI, DataParc) and industrial cybersecurity.
• Experience with firewalls, segmentation appliances, and remote access solutions for OT environments.
• Familiarity with process control communications (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, etc.) and managing Cisco industrial switches.
• Skills in HMI programming and PLC software (Siemens, Allen Bradley).
• Experience with VFDs (Allen Bradley Powerflex, Siemens G120) and Smart MCCs (Siemens SIMOCODE, Allen Bradley IntelliCenter).
• Hands-on experience with industrial network hardware.
• Understanding of relevant codes, standards, and regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

How we act at Drax:

Our culture is built on a few core beliefs that guide everything we do:

• We care about what matters: We support each other to achieve important goals.
• We’re a can-do kind of place: We’re empowered to make informed decisions and do what’s right.
• We see things differently: We share insights, search for new ideas, and innovate.
• We listen carefully: We ensure everyone feels heard and valued.
• We do what we say we’ll do: We are proactive, committed, and reliable.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply today to help Drax discover the talented individuals we need to drive this change. A career at Drax is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a difference.

Curious to learn more about us? We recommend you connect with us on LinkedIn for more insights.

The Drax Resourcing team will never use third-party apps to make job offers. The recruitment process with Drax will always include at least one face-to-face interview, either in person or via an online video call, as well as several phone conversations. Drax will never ask you to download apps to enter timesheet details or ask you to purchase your own IT equipment.  If you have any concerns during your recruitment process or suspect something isn’t right, please contact us via careers@drax.com to verify the application or details of the person you have been speaking to.