Principal, Automation Engineer OT, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Vantage is looking for an ambitious, diligent, hands-on Principal Automation Engineer for our Operational Technology (OT) team who will be responsible for developing, planning, and executing OT networks and infrastructure, including technical influence and program ownership. This role involves providing cybersecurity and network services for OT systems within the company's Automation production environments. This critical position will shape the future of compliant and secure OT systems, involving the evaluation, testing, and remediation of ICS/SCADA OT systems. You will help develop standardization and continuous improvement of OT systems across the Vantage NA portfolio. You could also be called on to troubleshoot existing automation systems in a live, mission-critical environment, and complete startup, commissioning, and validation procedures on new and existing mission critical data center infrastructure.

Essential Job Functions

• Design, configure, and maintain OT networks using Cisco Stratix switches and industrial firewalls.

• Configure and maintain OT network switches, firewalls and security solutions to include troubleshooting, upgrading, and maintaining.

• Implement and troubleshoot DLR and REP topologies for high availability and fault tolerance.

• Implement and manage security controls and technologies specific to OT environments, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, and network monitoring tools.

• Develop and support automation solutions using Rockwell Automation PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, etc.).

• Build and maintain SCADA systems using Inductive Automation Ignition, including tag configuration, scripting, and dashboard development.

• Collaborate with IT and OT teams to ensure secure and reliable integration between enterprise and plant-floor systems.

• Collaborate with compliance teams to conduct assessments and audits.

• Perform network diagnostics, monitoring, and performance tuning.

• Maintain documentation for network architecture, PLC programs, and SCADA configurations.

• Support commissioning and startup activities for new automation systems.

• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards and best practices in OT environments.

• Experienced in IEC-62443, NIST 800-82, and all other industrial cybersecurity standards

• Support the start-up and testing of complex control systems that are tied to the OT network.

• Collaborate with members of the Design, Engineering, and Construction team during projects, as well as members of the Reliability Engineering team

• Provide 24/7/365 tier 2 support to the Automation Services team on a rotating basis for network issues

Job Requirements

• Degree in Industrial Engineering, electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Automation or related field experience

• 7+ years of experience in OT automation engineering, preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments.

• Experienced in OT/ICS networks and security to include firewalls and switches.

• Strong knowledge of Rockwell Automation hardware and software platforms.

• Hands-on experience with Inductive Automation Ignition SCADA software.

• Proficiency in configuring and managing Stratix switches, industrial firewalls, and Ethernet/IP networks.

• Deep understanding of DLR, REP, and other industrial networking protocols.

• Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity principles and standards (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).

• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.

• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.

• Experience working with virtualization platforms, Active Directory, DNS, and Domain Controllers

• Knowledge of the Purdue Model Reference Architecture

• Travel is expected to be 25% but may increase over time as the business evolves

Preferred Skills

• Certifications in Rockwell Automation, Cisco Industrial Networking, or Ignition SCADA.

• Experience with virtualization, edge computing, and IIoT technologies.

• Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript) for SCADA customization.

• Experience with one or more of the following:

  • Building Management Systems (BMS)

  • Mobile

  • Architectures including Windows or Linux server software and technologies

  • HA and redundancy configurations

  • Cloud and virtualization software and services

  • Hyper scaling

• A working knowledge of industrial control systems (e.g., Distributed Control System (DCS), Programmable Logic Controller (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), etc.)

Physical Demands and Special Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

Additional Details 

• Salary Range: $160k - 170k + Bonus (this range is based on national market data and may vary in other locations)

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits. 

• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown. 

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We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!