Lead Operational Technology (OT) Network Engineer

Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

The Lead Operational Technology (OT) Network Engineer will play a critical role in strengthening Thermo Fisher Scientific’s manufacturing, lab, and R&D operations by implementing secure, segmented and resilient network solutions, giving to an overall secure enterprise corporate network. Working hand-in-hand with various delivery teams, this role will focus on execution — ensuring that sites achieve the standards and architectures defined at the enterprise level, focusing on resilience and continuity of operations.
This is a visible, technical role requiring deep expertise in network engineering, familiarity with cyber security standards, and the ability to independently deliver high-quality solutions in a sophisticated, global environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate tight-knit collaboration across IT, OT, and lab/R&D teams, operate with curiosity and foresight into emerging technologies, and be willing to challenge the status quo to improve outcomes.
 

Network Engineering & Implementation

• Complete implementation of network and security designs across global manufacturing, lab, and R&D environments in alignment with defined security architectures.
• Configure, test, and optimize LAN/WAN, firewalls, switches, routers, and other network infrastructure.
• Investigate and resolve complex network and OT, R&D and lab connectivity issues, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
   

Cybersecurity Alignment

• Apply cyber security standards and protocols to network implementation and operation.
• Lead monitoring, segmentation, and access controls for OT, IT and lab/R&D network integration.
• Collaborate with cyber operations teams to develop and optimize threat detection within OT, lab and R&D environments.
• Assist in incident response, remediation and business continuity for network-related security issues.
   

Collaboration & Partner Engagement

• Partner closely with the OT Cyber Security Architect, IT, OT, and lab/R&D teams to complete projects effectively.
• Build strong, positive relationships with colleagues across functions and geographies.
• Chip in to a collaborative team culture and influence through domain expertise.
   

Leadership & Growth

• Operate independently, driving tasks and projects with limited oversight.
• Potential to evolve into a people management role; mentor peers and junior engineers as opportunities arise.
• Represent the network engineering function in multi-functional discussions and forums.

Continuous Learning & Innovation

• Stay ahead of with emerging network and security technologies, applying new knowledge to improve implementations.
• Proactively see opportunities to improve standards, processes, and architectures.
• Challenge the status quo constructively to drive better technical and business outcomes.

Travel

• Up to 50% travel to global manufacturing, lab, and R&D environments for implementation and support.
   

Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience in network engineering (LAN/WAN, firewalls, switches, routers, wireless, VPN).
• Familiarity with cyber security practices, standards, and tools relevant to OT/IT, lab and R&D environments.
• Strong problem-solving and investigative skills in complex operational settings, with a focus on minimizing downtime and ensuring operations continuity.
• Demonstrable ability to work independently on executional tasks and projects, with limited supervision.
• Effective communicator and great teammate, with experience working in global and matrixed organizations.
• Experience leading or mentoring technical staff a plus; willingness to grow into people management responsibilities.
• Curiosity and aim to stay on top of industry technology trends.
   

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Industry certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or equivalent) desirable.
• Equivalent work experience may substitute for formal education.
   

• Leadership: Own network implementation workstreams and act as primary SME for projects and processes.
• Execution: Independently deliver on daily and recurring tasks, informing leadership as needed.
• Partnership: Develop and maintain strong functional relationships across IT, OT, and lab/R&D teams.
• Mentorship: Train and mentor colleagues in functional areas; capable of leading team efforts on a short-term basis.
• Communication: Validate and challenge project priorities; develop materials and convey ideas to team leadership.
• Improvement Demeanor: Function as a SME in process improvements, ensuring lessons learned are integrated into future work.
   

• Hands-on experience with industrial networking technologies (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, DNP3, etc.) and lab/R&D instrumentation networks.
• Expertise in implementing network segmentation, VLANs, firewalls, and VPNs specifically in OT/ICS, lab, and R&D contexts.
• Familiarity with Zero Trust networking principles.
• Practical knowledge of monitoring and IDS/IPS solutions (e.g., Claroty, Darktrace for OT).
• Experience with network automation and scripting (Python, Ansible) for efficiency, scalability, and resilience.
• Deep documentation skills to ensure implemented changes are recorded for audits and regulatory inspections.
• Experience with using Generative AI for network deployment and management is desirable.
   

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, including competitive compensation, annual incentive opportunities, healthcare and retirement benefits, paid time off, employee stock purchase plan, and career development resources.

Compensation and Benefits

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

• Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards