OT Engineer

Top Skills' Details
Operational Technology (OT/IoT) fluency - Building Automation Systems (BAS), Building Controls, Process Alarms, Sensor Technologies
System Lifecycle (SLC) and Change Management
Network & infrastructure literacy (VLANs, segmentation, firewalls)
Delivery leadership & cross-functional collaboration
Hands-on technical troubleshooting and upgrade execution
Description
Our client is seeking an Engineer III to serve as a delivery lead across a broad portfolio of operational technologies (OT), facility systems, and instrumentation deployed throughout our U.S. campuses. This role sits at the intersection of traditional IT and IoT/OT-encompassing building automation, process alarms, metrology, environmental controls, and other cyber-physical platforms-while owning the rigorous IT System Lifecycle (SLC) and change management artifacts that sustain audit-ready operations in a GxP-aware environment.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical fluency with disciplined program execution: independently planning and performing upgrades; orchestrating infrastructure integrations; troubleshooting OT connectivity; and ensuring that all changes align with IT, cybersecurity, and quality expectations. You will both "do" and "lead"-owning end-to-end outcomes, coordinating with Infrastructure, Security, and Facilities, and translating business needs into precise technical actions without introducing undue risk or operational disruption.
Core Responsibilities
Delivery Leadership & Program Execution
Serve as the delivery lead for site operations technologies across U.S. mixed campuses, ensuring end-to-end outcomes (scoping, planning, delivery, validation, and operationalization) for assigned platforms and projects.
Translate business and technical needs into actionable plans, structured documentation, and clear stakeholder communications; proactively manage dependencies, risks, and decision logs.
Coordinate cross-functional work with Infrastructure, Cybersecurity/InfoSec, Facilities, and external vendors; align execution to internal standards while meeting timelines and budgets.
Technical Execution & Platform Support
Independently plan and execute OS, database, and application upgrades for diverse OT and instrumentation platforms (e.g., Windows Server, Windows 11 migrations), including associated integrations and monitoring enablement.
Build and manage testbeds/PoC environments to evaluate system compatibility with existing infrastructure; design and execute comprehensive test protocols prior to production changes.
Maintain accurate infrastructure/architecture references; manage service and administrative accounts in accordance with security and audit expectations.
Provide hands-on support for installations and updates across facility technologies (e.g., building automation, process alarm systems, chart recorders, sensors).
System Lifecycle, Change Management & GxP Documentation
Own the creation, maintenance, and closure of SLC artifacts and application support playbooks (requirements, design specifications, risk assessments, traceability, test plans/results, change controls, and runbooks).
Execute work within formal IT change frameworks; ensure timely, accurate documentation and JIRA updates so that all activities are inspection- and audit-ready.
Uphold IT, cybersecurity, and quality standards; articulate the "how" and "why" behind process rigor to minimize business disruption and downstream audit issues.
OT Connectivity, Networking & Infrastructure Integration
Troubleshoot OT communication paths, protocol issues, and firewall rules in partnership with Network and Cybersecurity teams.
Support network segmentation and VLAN migrations (e.g., moving campus facility devices off corporate networks into protected control networks), documenting related changes as part of lifecycle deliverables.
Assist with cloud ? on-prem transitions where applicable; ensure appropriate controls and monitoring remain intact throughout migrations.
Cross-Functional & Vendor Collaboration
Engage external vendors and facilities partners to deploy, upgrade, and sustain systems in compliance with cybersecurity and quality baselines.
Foster a culture of open knowledge-sharing, leveraging the team's diverse expertise to solve complex problems rapidly and safely.
Representative Platforms & Ecosystem Exposure
Building & Facility Systems: Building Management/Automation Systems (BMS/BAS), HVAC, lighting controls, campus HMI for lockers, pest control platforms.
Process & Metrology: Process alarm systems (command-center alerting/dispatch), chart recorders, pipette calibration systems, sensor networks.
Campus Operations Technologies: Cafeteria POS (e.g., Infor POS), digital postage meters, mail scanning technologies.
Protocols & Connectivity: BACnet (and comparable OT protocols), firewall rule coordination, VLAN/segmentation practices.
Selected Vendors/Technologies (examples): Yokogawa (industrial/measurement), Infor POS; additional IoT/OT devices common to lab, safety, and accessibility solutions.
Portfolio scale: exposure to a landscape of ~110 applications supported
Illustrative Projects You May Lead
Coordinated upgrades of key facility/OT applications to new Windows Server/Windows 11 versions with comprehensive pre-prod validation.
Lifecycle replacement of a critical process alarm solution approaching end-of-life, including architecture, migration sequencing, and change control.
Design and execution of PoCs for new laboratory, safety, and accessibility technologies; structured test plans and staged rollouts aligned to IT standards.
Participation in campus network segmentation initiatives to place facility devices onto protected control networks, with full documentation and operational playbooks.
Representative Responsibilities
(Examples may include metrology, building automation systems, building controls, chart recorders, process alarms, sensor technologies, and similar OT platforms.)
Technical Execution & Platform Support
Independently plan and carry out OS, database, and application upgrades across diverse OT and instrument systems in partnership with infrastructure and application teams.
Support installations, updates, and integrations for various facility related technologies and monitoring platforms.
Build and manage test/PoC environments and validate system compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Manage service and admin accounts for assets, as well as accurate infrastructure mapping and architecture references
System Lifecycle & GxP Documentation
Own creation, maintenance, and closure of SLC deliverables and application support playbooks, including requirements, design docs, risk assessments, testing, and change controls.
Execute work in alignment with GxP change management expectations, ensuring timely and accurate documentation and JIRA updates.
Communicate status, risks, and decisions proactively and clearly to stakeholders.
OT Connectivity, Networking & Infrastructure Integration
Troubleshoot OT communication paths, firewall rules, and protocol issues in partnership with Network and Cybersecurity.
Support network segmentation/VLAN efforts and document related changes as part of lifecycle deliverables.
Assist with cloud ? on prem technology transitions where needed.
Cross Functional & Vendor Collaboration
Work directly with external vendors and facilities partners to deploy and support systems while ensuring compliance and cybersecurity alignment.
Translate business and technical needs into actionable tasks and documentation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Required Qualifications
5-7+ years of experience executing IT System Lifecycle (SLC) activities and operating within formal change management frameworks in regulated or quality-sensitive environments.
Prior hands-on support for OT, instrumentation, or facilities technologies (e.g., metrology, BAS, controls, alarms, sensor systems).
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional delivery team; consistently delivers outcomes on time and within scope.
Proven ability to scope and estimate work, anticipate complexities, and communicate statrisks/decisions with clarity.
Ability to be on-site in North Chicago regularly (local presence ~3 days/week, with flexibility for campus needs).
Additional Preferred Experience
Practical understanding of network segmentation/VLANs, OT protocols (e.g., BACnet), and firewall troubleshooting, with the ability to partner effectively with Infrastructure and Security teams.
Familiarity with IT security expectations for OT environments and the rationale behind process rigor (reducing operational and audit risk).
Experience managing vendors and collaborating with Facilities, Infrastructure, and Security on complex, cross-domain changes.
Exposure to cloud ? on-prem integration patterns relevant to OT data flows and monitoring.
Additional Useful Experience
Exposure to network segmentation, VLANs, firewall troubleshooting, and OT connectivity.
Familiarity with IT security expectations for OT systems.
Experience managing vendors and collaborating with Facilities, Infrastructure, and Security teams.
Success Traits
Operates effectively as a hybrid business/technology resource-directed, organized, effective communications, and accountability.
Strong communicator who provides clear updates without prompting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Libertyville, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $72.20 - $72.20/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Libertyville,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Feb 6, 2026.
>About TEKsystems:
We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.