OT Network Engineer

Job Summary

International Fragrances & Flavors Inc (IFF) is looking for an OT Network Engineer, experienced in both Process Control technology and Network engineering. In this position, the OT Network Engineer role will lead efforts to increase the cybersecurity, data availability, digitalization and productivity of our manufacturing systems while optimizing production efficiency through process control and technology improvements. The OT Network Engineer will be part of the Shopfloor Improvement Organization and support manufacturing operations, continuous improvement and capital projects. This person will be the interface between Manufacturing Systems team, the various support functions and IT services within the Taste Business Unit.

Core responsibilities – Operations & Project Support (70-100%)

• Accountable for the Operations Management Network (OMN) and Process Control Network (PCN)
• Lead and support network segmentation projects
  • OT Network design: architecture definition and hardware selection (servers, switches, routers, NAS, etc.) in close collaboration with global IT
  • Firewall rules definition: Remote access (RDP), data extraction
  • Build the associated documentation (software and hardware design specifications, diagrams, firewall rules tables, test protocols, etc.), identify gaps in existing documentation (missing or outdated)
  • Build and keep up to date a reference table listing the suppliers, software name and version, used ports, etc. (knowledge base, improved efficiency)
  • Participate in commissioning/testing/validation (FAT/SAT) of OT network assets
• Troubleshooting support of OT devices
• IT ticket workflow management (request follow-up)
• Responsible for coordinating software patching of primary control machines on the OMN and PCN
• Operation continuity: evaluate obsolescence/define upgrade plan, risk mitigation (spare part management, disaster recovery procedures, etc.)
• Provide guidance/recommendations regarding hardware & software evolution, manage hardware lifecycle
• Train Site and support function Engineers in their usage of OT networks, establish system monitoring guideline

Other responsibilities – Continuous improvement & Digitalization (0-30%)

• Stay informed on cybersecurity regulation, best practices and new threats
• Support digitalization efforts at the sites
  • Implement digital architecture guidelines and system requirements for site digital strategies.
  • Determine data connection requirements for multiple data sources across manufacturing sites.
  • Trouble shoots software and processes for data consistency and integrity. Integrates large scale data from a variety of sources for business partner to generate insight and make decisions.
  • Support IT/OT assessments at manufacturing sites and close gaps for digital projects.
• Maintain and proactively propose improvement solutions for OT networks to increase efficiency and operations continuity

Qualifications

• Master or bachelor’s degree in information technology with preferably a minimum of 5 years of experience in network engineering, with a focus on IT/OT integration.
• Experience with industrial control systems (ICS) and SCADA systems.
• Proficiency in network monitoring and management tools. Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, CISSP) are a plus.
• Hardware design and management -- experience with or at least good understanding of:
  • industrial servers, control systems and SCADA systems
  • firewalls, switches & routers
  • storage solutions (SAN, NAS)
• Software -- experience with or at least good understanding of:
  • Microsoft Operating Systems (Win10/11, Win Server 20XX),
  • Virtual Machine management (HyperV, VMWare/ESXi)
  • Database applications (SQL, OLE DB, ODBC)
  • Firewall management
  • User Access Management
  • Virtual Local Area Network (vLAN) configuration and monitoring
  • Remote Desktop application (RDP)
  • Remote access controllers
  • Storage solutions management
  • Automatic backup tools
• Experience in project execution: user requirements definition, scope of work, specifications, testing & commissioning
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and standards such as ISA-95 (automation levels), ISA-99 (Cybersecurity), IEC 62443 (Secure industrial automation and control systems - IACS), 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records & signatures) implementation
• Experience with historians (IP21/OSI PI/Aveva) and OPC-UA / Kepware is a plus
• Regular global travel might be required up to 25% of the time

Soft skills

• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Strong affinity for process engineering in a production environment
• Demonstrated English language verbal, written, analytical skills as well as ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management
• Experience teaching and presenting technical designs, solutions, and skills to employees at all levels of the organization
• Project organizational skills e.g. Prince II

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more