At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead OT cybersecurity efforts and safeguard energy systems for a sustainable future.
- Company: Join a revolutionary energy company committed to positive change and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible rewards, support for your well-being, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in securing energy infrastructure while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in OT systems and cybersecurity; relevant degree or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Join us, be part of more. We’re so much more than an energy company. We’re a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That’s why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.
As part of the new transformation, an opportunity to play your part - Operational Technology is the core of how we generate, store and deliver energy - and the OT Lead / Engineer plays a pivotal role in protecting that core. You’ll safeguard the industrial systems that keep our sites running, leading OT incident response, strengthening cyber defences, and ensuring our control environments remain resilient, compliant and ready for tomorrow’s challenges. This is a hands‐on, high‐impact role where you’ll drive security operations, influence strategic decisions, and shape the future of secure energy infrastructure across Centrica Power’s portfolio, and you’ll embrace opportunities to use automation and data‐enabled tools to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security operations.
Day to day
- Monitor and manage OT cybersecurity incidents, working with CSIRT and GSOC to investigate events, assess impact, and coordinate containment and remediation actions.
- Oversee the day‐to‐day operation of OT cybersecurity controls, ensuring effective monitoring, patching, backups, recovery validation, and secure remote access across Power sites.
- Maintain OT risk and compliance activities, including risk assessments, control validation, asset inventory updates, and support for regulatory and internal assurance requirements.
- Plan and support testing activities such as penetration tests, resilience and failover testing, and security validation during commissioning and operational handover.
- Manage OT security changes across the asset lifecycle, including configuration baselines, obsolescence reviews, technology refresh planning, and change control.
- Support projects and suppliers by providing OT security input to designs, reviewing vendor solutions and contractual security requirements, and identifying continuous improvements to strengthen OT security and resilience.
What we need from you
- Ability to analyse complex, often incomplete information and apply sound judgement to balance security risk, operational impact, and business priorities in time‐sensitive situations.
- Confidence working with ambiguity, interpreting policies and standards, validating data and tool outputs, and making pragmatic, defensible decisions.
- Strong experience with OT systems and industrial control systems (SCADA, DCS, PLCs) within energy, power generation, or other critical infrastructure environments.
- Proven background in OT cybersecurity, including incident response, security monitoring, OT networking, and use of tools such as firewalls, NDR, and IDS/IPS.
- Solid understanding of OT cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and regulations (e.g. IEC 62443, NIS/NIS2, ISO 27001), and how they apply in a regulated energy environment.
- Strong stakeholder skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, cyber, operations, vendors, and wider business teams to deliver secure, practical outcomes.
- Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, ICT, IT, or a related field (or equivalent experience in OT, IT, or Cybersecurity).
- Professional certifications such as CISSP, GICSP, or equivalent (preferred).
AI / Digital fluency skills
- Demonstrates the safe and responsible use of AI tools, with clear knowledge of when AI use is appropriate and strong awareness of accuracy, bias and compliance. Bringing the ability to design and reuse prompt templates to support consistent, high-quality workflow outputs, and skilled in using AI to triage, classify and analyse information within Centrica policy guardrails.
- Strong ability to recognise higher-risk scenarios and escalate to governance or security as needed. Alongside this, showing proficiency in enterprise AI co-pilots, knowledge assistants and AI-enhanced productivity tools.
Why should you apply?
We’re not a perfect place – but we’re a people place. Our priority is supporting all of the different realities our people face. Life is about so much more than work. We get it. That’s why we’ve designed our total rewards to give you the flexibility to choose what you need, when you need it, making sure that you and your family are supported not only financially, but physically and emotionally too. Visit the link below to discover why we’re a great place to work and what being part of more means for you.
If you're full of energy, fired up about sustainability, and ready to craft not only a better tomorrow, but a better you, then come and find your purpose in a team where your voice matters, your growth is non-negotiable, and your ambitions are our priority. Help us, help you. We would love for you to share any information about yourself throughout our recruitment process so that we can better understand you and help shape your journey.
OT Lead / Engineer employer: Centrica Plc
Centrica Power is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and personal development. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, employees in the OT Lead / Engineer role will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the energy sector while enjoying comprehensive benefits that support their financial, physical, and emotional needs. Join a diverse team where your contributions are valued, and your career aspirations are nurtured in a dynamic environment focused on creating a greener future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OT Lead / Engineer
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Centrica Plc, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Centrica Plc
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Centrica Plc. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace OT Lead / Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Centrica Plc insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Centrica Plc that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Centrica Plc
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Centrica Plc to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Centrica Plc.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.