Senior OT Security Engineer

Job Title: Senior OT Security Engineer

Job Location: Dallas, TX

Job Type: Contract

Pay Range: $60.00hr - $65.00hr

Job Overview:

The OT Security Engineer will oversee SOC operations during assigned shifts, ensure efficient workflow, adhere to SLAs, and lead investigations and response to complex security incidents impacting OT systems, networks, and applications.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee SOC operations during assigned shifts, ensuring efficient workflow, proper escalation procedures, adherence to SLAs, and effective communication between analysts.
• Lead investigations and response to complex security incidents impacting OT systems, networks, and applications, coordinating efforts with other teams and business units.
• Perform in-depth analysis of security alerts and logs common in ICS/SCADA systems to identify indicators of compromise (IOCs).
• Make real-time decisions on incident severity, containment strategies, and escalation paths and actions taken by Tier 1 & 2 analysts for incidents.
• Evaluate and provide feedback on the performance of security technologies (e.g., SIEM, SOAR, IIDS/IPS) used in the SOC and oversee the optimization of detection rules to reduce false positives.
• Develop, test, and implement custom detection rules, correlation searches, baseline drift, and use cases within the toolset to improve threat detection capabilities specifically tailored to OT protocols and environments.
• Proactively search for IOCs and misconfigurations within the OT environment using threat intelligence, anomaly detection techniques, and knowledge of attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) relevant to ICS/SCADA systems.
• Create, maintain, and refine incident response playbooks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and runbooks based on lessons learned from incidents, threat intelligence, and industry best practices.
• Ensure all actions, findings, and decisions made during incident handling are thoroughly documented in the SOC s ticketing system, preparing clear and concise reports for management.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to Tier 1 & 2 analysts on incident handling, analysis techniques, tools, and OT security concepts.
• Participate in training sessions and simulations to stay current on cyber threats, OT security best practices, and monitoring tools.
• Stay current on NERC-CIP standards (specifically 2/3), NIST CSF, Purdue Model for Industrial Control Systems, ISO 27001 frameworks, and other relevant OT security regulations.

Education, Experience, & Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field required; Master s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a cybersecurity-focused role with SOC experience strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of direct experience working with Operational Technology (OT) / Industrial Control Systems (ICS) environments, including hands-on knowledge of SCADA systems, PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Advanced certifications strongly desired, such as CySA+, CEH, OSCP, GICSP, CCNA Security, or relevant OT security certifications (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals such as networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS), operating systems (Windows, Linux), and security architecture principles.
• Strong knowledge of OT Protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, IEC 104, OPC UA, including packet analysis and understanding protocol vulnerabilities.
• Experienced with Security Technologies such as SIEM, SOAR, IIDS/IPS, endpoint detection solutions, and network traffic analysis tools.
• Exceptional analytical mindset and attention to detail with the ability to analyze complex data sets, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, as well as the ability to create clear and concise reports.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior analysts.
• Ability to work in a 24/7 shift-based SOC environment, including covering for teammates and occasional after-hours support.

Measures of Success:

• Demonstrates leadership in handling complex security incidents and coordinating response efforts.
• Significant improvement in key performance indicators (e.g., reduction in mean time to detect (MTTD), mean time to respond (MTTR), false positive rate).
• Successful development and implementation of new detection rules and use cases that improve threat coverage.
• Ensures project timelines, budgets, and deliverable objectives are met.
• Ensures SOC SLAs are met or exceeded.
• Works closely with multiple business units to improve cross-functional communication and efficiencies.
• Demonstrates skills in prioritization and multi-tasking, and success in adapting to change in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates ability to interface with internal and external business partners in a professional manner.

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• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability Insurance (Short-Term and Long-Term)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave (where required by applicable state or local law)
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Growth and Professional Development Opportunities