At a Glance
- Tasks: Design secure cyber security architectures for critical infrastructure and operational technologies.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in innovative solutions for global challenges.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for career growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while collaborating with top experts.
- Qualifications: Experience in OT cyber security and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your impact
As part of Jacobs' growing Cyber & Digital team, you'll play a key role in helping critical national infrastructure organisations strengthen their cyber resilience and secure the operational technologies that underpin essential services.
Working across sectors including energy, transport, utilities and manufacturing, you'll help clients navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape while maintaining the safety, reliability and performance of their operational environments.
This is an opportunity to work on complex and high-impact programmes where cyber security, engineering and operational resilience come together.
You'll lead the design of secure OT environments, advise senior client stakeholders and help shape the future of industrial cyber security across some of the UK's most critical systems.
Whether your background is in cyber security architecture, industrial control systems, operational technology engineering or critical infrastructure consulting, you'll be supported by a collaborative team of experts while delivering solutions that create safer, more secure and more resilient operations.
- Day to Day
- Design and develop OT cyber security architectures aligned to industry frameworks and regulatory requirements including IEC 62443, NIS/NIS2 and Zero Trust principles
- Define secure network segmentation, access control and monitoring strategies across complex industrial and operational environments
- Develop secure integration patterns between IT and OT systems while maintaining operational performance and resilience
- Translate cyber security risk assessments into practical target-state architectures, security controls and implementation roadmaps
- Embed secure-by-design principles throughout the asset lifecycle from design and deployment through to operation and maintenance
- Lead the delivery of OT cyber security initiatives including monitoring, vulnerability management, secure remote access and resilience improvement programmes
- Develop reference architectures, standards and security patterns that support long-term cyber security maturity
- Support the evaluation, selection and deployment of OT security technologies and platforms
- Advise senior stakeholders including CISOs, CIOs, operational leaders and engineering teams on cyber risk, resilience and investment priorities
- Facilitate collaboration across cyber security, engineering, operational and technology teams to achieve secure business outcomes
- Support organisations operating within regulated environments and contribute to compliance activities where required
- Communicate technical concepts, risks and recommendations effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
- What's In It For You
- Work on nationally significant cyber security programmes across critical infrastructure sectors
- Help shape and deliver innovative OT and industrial cyber security solutions for some of the world's most complex challenges
- Collaborate with leading cyber security professionals, engineers and digital specialists across the Jacobs global network
- Gain exposure to a broad range of OT environments including industrial control systems, SCADA platforms and connected operational technologies
- Develop expertise across modern OT security architectures, Zero Trust principles and emerging industrial cyber security technologies
- Access mentoring, professional development and certification opportunities to support your career growth
- Contribute to thought leadership, innovation initiatives and industry-leading cyber resilience programmes
- Progress through clear technical, consulting and leadership development pathways
Benefits
- A global network of expertise and opportunity
- A culture founded on safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging
- Flexible working arrangements that support your well-being and potential
- Investment in your development, including certifications, learning time and access to mentors
- Opportunities to contribute to communities of practice, innovation programmes and technical leadership initiatives
- Exposure to complex projects that help protect critical national infrastructure and essential services
- Competitive benefits package including pension, holiday allowance and additional perks
- An inclusive environment where diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences are valued and encouraged
- Here’s what you’ll need
- Experience designing and delivering OT cyber security architectures within critical infrastructure, industrial or highly regulated environments
- Strong understanding of industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA environments and OT networking principles
- Experience implementing network segmentation, secure remote access and OT monitoring solutions
- Knowledge of OT security platforms such as Nozomi, Claroty, Dragos, OPSWAT or similar technologies
- Experience developing logging, telemetry and detection capabilities within operational environments
- Understanding of operational risk, asset criticality and the balance between security, safety and operational performance
- Familiarity with frameworks and standards including IEC 62443, NIST CSF, NIS CAF, ISO 27001 and NIS/NIS2
- Experience working within sectors such as energy, utilities, transport, manufacturing or other critical infrastructure environments
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence audiences from operational teams through to executive leadership
- Experience leading technical workstreams, cyber security programmes or multidisciplinary delivery teams
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally.
Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging.
We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed.
We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential.
You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.
No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.
Find out more about life at Jacobs.
We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do.
We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative.
We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation.
We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.
Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit to view and access our roles.
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria.
We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery.
We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better.
If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
Cyber Security Architect Operational Technology (OT) in Manchester employer: Jacobs
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises safety, integrity, and collaboration. Our Glasgow office provides flexible working arrangements and a wealth of opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to contribute to innovative maritime projects while being part of a supportive team that values diverse perspectives. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the world of civil and structural engineering, all while enjoying the benefits of a global network and a commitment to employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Security Architect Operational Technology (OT) in Manchester
✨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 Jacobs, 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 Jacobs
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Jacobs. 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 Cyber Security Architect Operational Technology (OT) in Manchester
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 Jacobs 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 Jacobs that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨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 Jacobs 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 Jacobs.
✨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.
