Role: Senior Network Engineer – Industrial I/OT & Communications
Duration: expected 12-month contract (possible conversion)
Location: Etobicoke, ON (3 days onsite)
Job SummaryThe Senior Network Engineer – Industrial OT & Communications is responsible for the design, implementation, security, and lifecycle management of highly available and resilient network infrastructures supporting industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, OT platforms, and mission?critical communications environments.
This role bridges enterprise IT networking and industrial operational environments, ensuring safe, secure, and reliable connectivity across industrial sites, control centers, and field operations. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on experience with industrial networking technologies, OT cybersecurity considerations, and real?time communications in regulated or safety?critical environments.
Key ResponsibilitiesNetwork Architecture & Engineering- Design, implement, and maintain industrial-grade network architectures supporting OT systems, including SCADA, DCS, PLCs, RTUs, and IoT platforms.
- Architect high-availability, fault-tolerant, and segmented networks for industrial environments (ring, mesh, redundant topologies).
- Lead network modernization initiatives, including legacy OT network upgrades, convergence, and migration strategies.
Industrial OT & Communications- Support industrial communications protocols and environments, including:
- Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, DNP3, IEC 61850, OPC UA
- Serial-to-IP, wireless industrial links, radio, microwave, LTE/5G (private or carrier)
- Engineer robust connectivity between control systems, substations, plants, field devices, and data centers.
- Collaborate with OT engineers, automation teams, and system integrators to ensure network designs align with operational and safety requirements.
Security & Compliance- Implement OT network segmentation, zoning, and conduits in alignment with standards such as IEC 62443.
- Design and manage firewalls, secure remote access, VPNs, and intrusion detection in OT environments.
- Support risk assessments, audits, and incident response related to OT network security.
- Ensure networks meet regulatory and safety requirements for industrial and critical infrastructure environments.
Operations & Support- Provide senior-tier troubleshooting and root cause analysis for network incidents affecting OT operations.
- Develop and maintain network documentation, diagrams, standards, and operational procedures.
- Monitor performance, availability, and health of OT communications infrastructure.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the network team.
Collaboration & Leadership- Act as a trusted technical advisor to engineering, operations, cybersecurity, and leadership teams.
- Participate in capital planning, vendor evaluations, and technology roadmaps.
- Lead or contribute to cross-functional projects involving OT, IT, and business stakeholders.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields (or equivalent practical experience):
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Network Engineering
- Computer Science
- Industrial Automation / Control Systems Engineering
- 8+ years of experience in network engineering, with significant focus on industrial OT or