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Temporary Operational Technology Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... 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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Temporary Operational Technology Engineer information

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

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary operational technology engineer in the United States is $32.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Temporary Operational Technology Engineer?

A Temporary Operational Technology (OT) Engineer is a professional hired on a short-term basis to manage, maintain, and troubleshoot the technology systems that control industrial operations, such as manufacturing equipment and industrial networks. Their primary focus is on the hardware and software that interact directly with industrial machinery, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and security. These engineers often help implement new OT solutions, support ongoing projects, or fill in during peak workloads or staff shortages. Temporary roles may last from a few weeks to several months, depending on project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Operational Technology Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Operational Technology Engineer, you need a strong background in industrial automation, control systems, and network infrastructure, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, cybersecurity protocols, and relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or ISA/IEC 62443 is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are vital for diagnosing issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure the reliable and secure operation of industrial systems, minimizing downtime and supporting organizational efficiency.

What is the difference between Temporary Operational Technology Engineer vs Operational Technology Technician?

AspectTemporary Operational Technology EngineerOperational Technology Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like Cisco or ICS securityAssociate degree or technical certification in industrial systems or electronics
Work EnvironmentProject-based, on-site industrial facilities, manufacturing plantsMaintenance and troubleshooting in industrial settings, often on-site
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, utilities, often contracted or temporary rolesIndustrial facilities, utilities, manufacturing companies

The Temporary Operational Technology Engineer typically focuses on project-based tasks, system design, and implementation, often requiring a bachelor's degree and specialized certifications. In contrast, the Operational Technology Technician handles routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs, usually with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in industrial environments but differ mainly in scope, responsibilities, and qualifications.

What are some common challenges a Temporary Operational Technology Engineer might face when joining a new project?

As a Temporary Operational Technology (OT) Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as quickly getting up to speed with existing OT systems, understanding unique site-specific protocols, and integrating with established teams. Adapting to varying cybersecurity standards and documentation practices can also require extra attention. Since the role is temporary, effective communication and rapid relationship-building with plant operators, IT staff, and management are essential to ensure smooth project execution.
More about Temporary Operational Technology Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Operational Technology Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Temporary 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 Temporary Operational Technology Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Operational Technology Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Temporary Operational Technology Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,400 per year, or $32.9 per hour.
Operational Technology Engineer

Operational Technology Engineer

AHEAD

Reading, PA

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.
 
At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD. 
 
We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived. 
 
We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD. 

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 integration engine. You will support and maintain operational networks, security platforms, and automation systems that enable high throughput, high reliability manufacturing and integration workflows. 

AHEAD Foundry operates like a continuously changing data centre, with thousands of devices, ports, and systems in motion. This is the first OT Engineer hire in the UK which is growing fast, so you'd need to be comfortable operating in a high-impact role where you will operate with significant autonomy while working closely with peers in Foundry, Operations, Product, Software, and Corporate IT to ensure the environment remains secure, observable, and scalable as the business grows.

To be considered for this role, you must have the right to work in the UK.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Technology Platforms

  • Operate and maintain the Foundry operational networks and supporting platforms.
  • Support the automation tooling and systems used for imaging, testing, and validation.
  • Assist with Linux-based system builds, OS imaging, and test tooling (Python-based).
  • Participate in maintaining cross-site file synchronisation and golden image governance.

Network, Compute, and Access

  • Support a network environment with hundreds of switches and thousands of ports.
  • Assist with VPN's, remote access platforms, and secure client connectivity for staging and testing.
  • Operate and maintain on-prem Nutanix clusters hosting production tooling and remote access services.
  • Administer Jira and Confluence environments used by the Foundry team.

Security, Compliance, Backup, and DR

  • Support network and platform hardening using segmentation, firewalls, and access controls.
  • Assist with Palo Alto firewall operations, Panorama management, licensing and updates.
  • Support GitLab operations for CI and source control availability.
  • Participate in backup operations and disaster recovery testing to meet RPO/RTO objectives.
  • Operate within ISO certified environments (ISO 9001).

Reliability and Observability

  • Monitor and respond to alerts across network, compute, backup, UPS, and facility systems.
  • Participate in change control processes, patching windows, and configuration management.
  • Assist with diagnosing and resolving complex, multi-layer operational issues.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Foundry Operations on capacity planning and facility optimisation.
  • Collaborate with Product and Software teams to extend automation and integrate new technologies.
  • Coordinate with telecoms providers, vendors, and internal teams for connectivity and infrastructure delivery.
  • Support testing standards and new hardware introduction with engineering and verification teams.

Health, Safety and Environment

  • Work in accordance with the company health and safety policies.
  • Reporting of hazards, incidents, or unsafe working conditions.
  • Using equipment and tools in accordance with safety guidance and training.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

  • Comply with all company information security, confidentiality, and data protection policies when handling company systems, customer data, or proprietary information.

Technology Environment

Networking and security (Palo Alto, Panorama, EVPN/BGP), Linux, Nutanix, GitLab, Puppet/Ansible, automation tooling, telemetry and alerting platforms.

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work expected in the role.  It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.  Duties and responsibilities may change from time to time in line with business needs.

Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Strong networking fundamentals: routing, switching, VPN's, segmentation, and firewall concepts.
  • Solid Linux experience and familiarity with virtualisation (KVM, Nutanix).
  • Experience supporting automation or imaging platforms in production environments.
  • Familiarity with configuration management or automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, CI/CD).
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware, network, and software layers.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

  • Exposure to ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 environments.
  • Experience with Palo Alto firewalls, Panorama, or Cisco DNA.
  • Familiarity with AI/HPC hardware, or high-density rack environments.
  • GitLab administration experience.

Qualifications
Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical discipline

Or

Equivalent professional experience in operational infrastructure, network engineering, or systems engineering.

Additional Information

Line Management

This role has no line management responsibilities.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office environment, a computer integration facility, and server rooms. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and conferencing equipment.

Physical demands

The role may require periods of standing, walking, and working with computer hardware.  Occasional lifting and handling of equipment may be required.  Where required, appropriate training and equipment will be provided.

AHEAD is committed to supporting employees through reasonable adjustments where in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Work Hours

Standard hours of work are typically 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary.

Travel

This role may require up to 10% travel, which may include international.

70,000 - 80,000 a year
Depending on experience.
The compensation range indicated in this posting reflects the On-Target Earnings ("OTE") for this role, which includes a base salary and any applicable target bonus amount. This OTE range may vary based on the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, and geographic location.  
 
Why AHEAD:
 
Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.
 
We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.
 
Use of AI:
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, assessing responses, or to capture recordings and create transcriptions or summaries during interviews. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.
 
If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice or contact us at [email protected]. 
 
You may opt-out of the review or analysis of your application and resume by AI tools by using the General Application. Please include the role you wish to apply for in the Additional Information field. You may also choose to opt-out of recording and transcription at any time, including after joining an interview.  Candidates will not be penalized for choosing to opt-out.
 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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