Operational Technology Network Enigneer

At Sword, we help power, secure and transform the organisations that keep the UK running. Supporting customers across Critical National Infrastructure, energy, public sector and enterprise markets, we combine deep industry expertise with leading technology services spanning managed services, cyber security, cloud, data, AI and digital transformation.

Join Sword and you'll be part of a team solving complex challenges, delivering real-world impact and working alongside talented colleagues who care deeply about quality, collaboration and customer success.

Combining a high level of technical expertise with hands-on delivery and regular client interaction, this role offers the opportunity to work on complex OT Infrastructure Integration projects.

This role could also offer the opportunity for global travel, with the chance to work on projects in international locations, providing valuable exposure to diverse client environments and large-scale delivery programmes.

About the Role:

• Design and implement secure OT network architectures. Configure and manage firewalls, switches, routers and secure remote access solutions.
• Develop and implement network segmentation between IT, OT and safety-critical environments.
• Support deployment of industrial DMZs, security zones and conduits.
• Configure VLANs, routing, access controls and network security policies.
• Support firewall policy design, rule reviews and optimisation.
• Implement secure connectivity for OT applications, servers, engineering workstations and industrial systems.
• Support network migrations, upgrades and infrastructure refresh programmes. Undertake network testing, validation and performance analysis. Support FAT, SAT, commissioning and production go-live activities.
• Troubleshoot complex network, connectivity and firewall issues.
• Support network hardening, vulnerability remediation and security improvement activities.
• Produce HLDs, LLDs, network diagrams, firewall rule sets, test plans and as-built documentation.
• Work alongside OT, cyber security, infrastructure, application and engineering teams.
• Provide technical consultancy and guidance to customers on OT network security and resilience.

Requirements

• Strong hands-on experience with enterprise and industrial networking. Strong experience configuring and managing next-generation firewalls.
• Experience with platforms such as Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Cisco or Check Point. Strong understanding of firewall policies, NAT, VPNs, IPS/IDS and application-based security controls.
• Experience designing and implementing OT network segmentation and industrial DMZs. Strong knowledge of VLANs, routing, switching, TCP/IP, DNS and network services.
• Experience with Cisco switching and routing technologies.
• Experience supporting secure remote access and privileged connectivity into OT environments.
• Understanding of industrial protocols. Experience with network monitoring, packet analysis and troubleshooting tools.
• Experience with high availability, redundant networking and resilient network architectures.
• Knowledge of network access control, identity-based access and zero trust principles.
• Experience with network testing, validation and acceptance activities.
• Experience producing technical network and security documentation.
• Experience within OT, industrial, energy, utilities or CNI environments would be highly desirable.
• Knowledge of IEC 62443, Purdue Model, NCSC CAF, NIST or other OT security frameworks would be advantageous.

Benefits

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can't promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes.