OT Engineer I

As a 100% Employee-Owned company, Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. believes our Associates are the foundation of both our customers’ and our success. Our strong company culture, and belief in continued investment in our Associates, has helped us realize long Associate tenures, as well as long lasting relationships with our customers. Under the Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. umbrella there are two divisions: R.E. Mason and Apperture Solutions.

R.E. Mason is an Emerson Impact Partner covering North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Emerson is the global leader of process systems and solutions. R.E. Mason provides industry-leading process equipment and service for process control, automation, safety, and reliability. The industries served include Chemical, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, Power & Utilities, Food & Beverage, and Pulp & Paper.

Apperture Solutions is a technology independent, professional consulting, and implementation services firm. Apperture Solutions offers Data Enablement, Production Optimization, Operations Management, and Other Value-Added Services. Apperture Solutions partners with other providers to offer our customers the technologies and solutions that fit their needs.

What Apperture Offers Associates:

Apperture Solutions is a 100% employee-owned company that offers a comprehensive, industry leading benefits package to all eligible Associates:

• Participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Retirement plan, including a Safe Harbor contribution
• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Employer paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Generous paid leave options that include vacation time, sick leave, personal leave time, R.E. Mason Way Half Day, paid Jury Duty, and paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid company holidays
• Career Development Program
• Retirement and Financial Wellness program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Alternative/Hybrid Work Schedules

General Description

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative OT (Operational Technology) Engineer to join our IT/OT Services Team. This role is perfect for someone who has strong skills in operational technology and automation, and who is eager to expand their knowledge into networking, cybersecurity, and industrial software. As an OT Engineer, you will play a crucial role in implementing, troubleshooting, and maintaining OT systems, ensuring their reliability and security. You will be responsible for assessing, installing and maintaining secure networking, OT cybersecurity, and industrial software solutions as well as working closely with various teams to enhance and promote operational efficiency. This position offers the opportunity to work on exciting projects, develop your skills, with excellent room for growth all while making a significant impact to our company and its customers.

Specific Responsibilities

• System Maintenance: Execute routine maintenance tasks, updates, and patches on OT systems to uphold peak performance and security.
• Technical Support: Provide adept technical assistance and troubleshooting for OT systems, including hardware, software, networks, and industrial equipment.
• System Integration: Assist in the integration of new OT systems, applications, and technologies into existing infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and secure operation.
• Network Administration: Oversee and monitor OT networks, including LAN, WAN, and industrial networks, to guarantee stability, reliability, and security.
• Install and Maintain OT Networking and Cybersecurity Solutions: Installation of OT networks, cybersecurity hardware and software packages along with routine maintenance activities.
• Install and Maintain Industrial Software Solutions: Installation of Industrial Software for Reliability, Historians, Middleware, and Reporting. Enabling customers to connect plant floor data to on-premises and cloud based solutions.
• Asset Management: Maintain an inventory of OT assets, encompassing hardware, software licenses, and industrial equipment, ensuring proper documentation and tracking.
• ISA 62443 and NIST Based Assessments: Conduct in-depth assessments and vulnerability analyses of OT infrastructure, identifying potential weaknesses and the prioritization of mitigation efforts.
• Documentation: Develop and maintain documentation, procedures, and technical manuals relating to OT systems, configurations, and processes.
• 50% Regional travel to customer sites (10-25% overnight) within North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia

Required Competencies

• Experience (0-2 years) in OT technician or engineering roles, such as process automation, system integration, or process control.
• Familiar with OT software and hardware solutions.
• Familiar with OT systems, protocols, architectures, and technologies, including industrial control systems (SCADA, PLC, DCS).

Required Education and Experience

• Associates degree in Automation Technology, Industrial Automation or Mechatronics.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably Computer Engineering or Computer Science or a related field.

Preferred Experience/Competencies

• Experience with OT systems such as control systems, PLC, DCS, Historians, SCADA, ETC.
• Knowledge of Secure Network Architectures for critical infrastructure environments
• Experience with networking and cybersecurity hardware/software packages including:
  • Firewalls and network switches
  • Vulnerability Monitoring/Asset Management
  • Endpoint Security, Whitelisting, SIEM
  • Backup & Recovery
  • Windows Server
  • Virtualization
• Experience with industrial software packages including:
  • Plant Wireless Solutions
  • Vibration Monitoring
  • Asset Management Systems
  • Plant Historian Systems
  • Data Lakes
  • OPC UA Middleware
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security , CCNA, ISA CAP, etc. are highly desirable.
• OT Cybersecurity Assessment and Cybersecurity Program implementation and planning

Physical Requirements

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Kneeling
• Reaching Overhead
• Climbing
• Pushing and Pulling
• Lifting - 50 pounds
• Using a Computer
• Using a Telephone
• Driving

Apperture Solutions is a federal contractor and, as such, is required to solicit the race, gender, disability status and protected veteran status of candidates. Thus, you are required to answer self-identification questions as part of your application process. These questions are part of Apperture Solutions’ Affirmative Action Plan and the completion of these questions will not have any effect on any consideration of your application materials.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and need to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Apperture Solutions, please call our office at (704) 375-4465.