I&C OT Network Support & Data Acquisition Engineer/Analyst
Southern Company Services, I&C Systems & Field Support

WORK LOCATION & TRAVEL

• This position will be based out of either Birmingham, AL (preferred) or Atlanta, GA.
• Successful candidates are expected to be in the office or at a field location four days per week and can work remotely the remaining day of the week.
• Travel expectations – approximately 25% per year, to include both office and field locations as dictated by business need.
• Majority of work can be performed remotely based on customers’ needs but may require occasional travel to project sites primarily within the traditional Southern Company footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi), but may include other locations in the continental US.
• Some relocation assistance may be available if the successful candidate does not already live within a reasonable commute distance.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the Data Acquisition and Real Time Systems group within the Technical Services I&C Systems and Field Support Organization of Technical Shared Services. This position will focus on supporting generation plants for OT connectivity and data acquisition duties. This role will perform duties including OT Network configuration and troubleshooting, data acquisition interface installations, data diode implementations, patching and management of data acquisition equipment, and onsite work at plant sites focusing on OT networks and data acquisition. 

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

OT Networks

• Design, implement, and maintain network architecture for OT systems, including switches and firewalls
• Conduct regular network assessments to identify and mitigate potential problems
• Configure and manage firewalls to protect OT systems from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
• Implement and maintain security controls and policies to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to network security and access controls.
• Install, configure, and manage network switches to ensure efficient data flow within the OT environment.
• Perform routine maintenance and updates to switch firmware and configurations.
• Collaborate with other teams to integrate network switches with existing infrastructure.
• Conduct lifecycle upgrades of OT networks including switches and firewalls
• Perform backups of OT network equipment including switches and firewalls
• Read single line drawings and network diagrams related to OT Network tasks.
• Perform redlines of drawings, single line diagrams, and network diagrams.
• Participate on project teams as needed to implement OT Network tasks.

Data Acquisition

• Understand the Generation Data Acquisition principles that apply to all Generation facilities.
• Perform data acquisition interface installations, configuration, and troubleshooting for Aspen IP.21 (OIS) and Aveva PI plant historians.
• Perform work on data diode systems including installations, configuration, and troubleshooting for all protocols to secure outbound data communications.
• Perform work on SEL data aggregators to enable relay to DCS communications.
• Perform troubleshooting for data acquisition problems using network skills.
• Read single line drawings and network diagrams related to data acquisition.
• Perform redlines of drawings, single line diagrams, and network diagrams.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation such as reports, network diagrams, etc.
• Participate on project teams as needed to implement data acquisition tasks.
• Perform password changes, patching, and AV updates on data acquisition equipment.
• Assist generation sites as part of a 24/7 on-call rotation.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Systems is preferred. 
• Technical Certifications and/or work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience:

• Knowledge of network security principles, including firewall management and managing network switches and routers is required.
• Proven experience in network administration, with a focus on OT environments strongly preferred.
• I&C field and/or plant experience is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Detail oriented. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to draft technical reports based on assessment findings.
• Experience working with audit documentation and processes. 
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to create and maintain positive working relationships.
• Strong teamwork and customer focus.
• Working knowledge of Industrial Control System (ICS) communications and SCADA principles.
• Ability to classify priorities and escalate issues based on severity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.
• Ability to work with limited direction and contribute individually.