Principal - Operational Technology Security

TITLE:  Principal – Operational Technology Security

LOCATION:  Westchester, IL       

REPORTS TO:  Sr. Manager Security Operations               

Primary Function:

The Principal-Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security role is responsible for protecting the OT systems and networks from cyber threats and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations. The OT Cyber Security role will perform risk assessments, vulnerability scans, penetration tests, incident response, and security awareness training for the OT staff and stakeholders. The OT Cyber Security Specialist will also collaborate with the IT security team and other departments to ensure the alignment of security policies and best practices across the organization. 

Core Responsibilities:

•Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive OT security program aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

•Conduct regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and threats to OT systems.

•Design, implement, and manage OT security controls, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and access control measures.

•Monitor OT network activity for suspicious behavior and investigate potential security incidents.

•Develop and implement an OT incident response plan and lead incident response activities.

•Respond to and investigate cyber incidents and breaches affecting the OT systems and networks.

•Implement and maintain security controls, tools, and procedures for the OT systems and networks.

•Build and maintain strong relationships with plant managers to ensure alignment between OT security initiatives and operational needs.

•Clearly communicate OT security risks and mitigation strategies to plant managers and stakeholders in a way that is understandable and actionable.

•Provide security awareness training to plant personnel on best practices for protecting OT systems.

•Coordinate with the IT security team and other departments to ensure the alignment of security policies and best practices across the organization.

•Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in OT cyber security and relevant standards and regulations.

Qualified candidates will have:

•Minimum 5 years of experience in OT security or a related field.

•Strong understanding of OT systems, protocols, and vulnerabilities.

•Experience with OT security best practices and frameworks (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).

•Experience with conducting OT risk assessments and vulnerability assessments.

•Experience with OT security controls and mitigation strategies.

•Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

•Ability to build trust and rapport with plant managers from diverse technical backgrounds.

•Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

•CISSP, GSEC, or other relevant security certification preferred.

•Experience in planning, organizing, and developing information technology policies, procedures and practices.

•Strong communication skills (written and oral), particularly with government/legal agencies and external/internal auditors.

•Demonstrated ability to apply IT-related knowledge and experience in solving compliance issues.

•Excellent knowledge of technology environments, including information security, encryption methods and privacy-based solutions.

•Ability to translate understanding of the organization's goals and objectives into compliance requirements.

•Ability to establish credibility and working relationships with a wide range of corporate personnel, including operations, management, executive, finance, audit and legal staff as well as external personnel, including auditors and regulators.

•Proven leadership ability.

•Ability to set and manage priorities judiciously.

•Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.

•Exceptionally self-motivated, directed and detail oriented. Superior analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities.

•Ability to motivate and lead control owners in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

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Relocation Available:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.