Lead OT Security Engineer

Lead OT Security Engineer

Full-Time 61000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
National Grid

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of cyber security monitoring for critical operational technology.
  • Company: Join National Grid Electricity Transmission, a key player in the UK's energy sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and a strong pension scheme.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on national energy security while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in cyber security within Operational Technology is essential.

The predicted salary is between 61000 - 77000 £ per year.

About Us National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is at the heart of energy in the UK. The electricity that our network provides gets the nation to work, powers schools and brings energy to life. Our network connects the nation, so it’s essential that it’s continually evolving, advancing, and improving. In NGET we are passionate about both operating safely and providing highly reliable quality of supply for our customers.

We are seeking a Lead OT Security Engineer to strengthen the cyber security monitoring capability across National Grid Electricity Transmission's OT environment. You will provide technical leadership to enhance OT cyber detection, monitoring and alerting capabilities, working closely with the CSOC, CSIRT, operational teams, engineering stakeholders and strategic suppliers to improve visibility of cyber risk across critical operational systems. This role is based in Warwick for 2 days per week and can be combined with hybrid working from home.

Job Purpose We're passionate about operating our network safely and providing highly reliable quality of supply for our customers. At the heart of achieving these outcomes is the effective monitoring, detection and response to cyber threats across our Operational Technology (OT) estate. The role acts as the OT subject matter expert for monitoring and alerting activities, providing operational context, asset knowledge and engineering insight to help enterprise cyber security teams assess, prioritise and respond to security events affecting OT environments. Working across both OT and cyber security communities, the role will help shape detection capabilities, improve monitoring effectiveness and strengthen cyber resilience across the electricity transmission network. The role will also support the development of OT monitoring strategy, detection engineering, security roadmaps and incident response readiness, ensuring monitoring solutions and longer-term capability plans remain effective against evolving threats while supporting the safe and reliable operation of critical operational systems.

What You'll Do

  • Lead the development and continuous improvement of OT cyber monitoring, detection, and alerting capabilities across operational environments.
  • Develop and influence OT security strategies, roadmaps, and capability plans, aligning operational risks, threat intelligence, regulatory requirements, and engineering priorities.
  • Provide expert OT cyber security guidance and risk-based recommendations to engineering, operational, cyber security, and supplier stakeholders.
  • Act as the key liaison between OT operations and enterprise cyber security teams, ensuring OT-specific risks and operational considerations are reflected in security processes.
  • Apply specialist knowledge of OT monitoring technologies, industrial control systems, and cyber threat detection to improve visibility and resilience across critical assets.
  • Drive the development of detection use cases, alert tuning, monitoring enhancements, reporting, and performance metrics to strengthen security assurance and effectiveness.
  • Support cyber incident response and preparedness activities, providing OT expertise for investigations, recovery, exercises, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Coach and mentor colleagues, promoting knowledge sharing and consistency across OT cyber security and engineering teams.
  • Collaborate with industry partners and suppliers to enhance monitoring, detection, incident response, and long-term cyber resilience capabilities.

About You

  • Proven experience in cyber security operations, threat detection, and incident response within Operational Technology (OT), industrial control systems, or regulated Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) environments.
  • Strong understanding of OT environments, incident response lifecycles, cyber threats, and the challenges of securing critical infrastructure.
  • Experience investigating cyber security incidents and supporting response, recovery, and resilience activities in OT or industrial environments.
  • Knowledge of security monitoring, intrusion detection, network monitoring, and OT security platforms such as Dragos or equivalent.
  • Understanding of cyber threat frameworks and methodologies, including MITRE ATT&CK for ICS and industrial communication protocols.
  • Ability to work independently, lead complex technical activities, manage ambiguity, and influence stakeholders across operational, engineering, and cyber security teams.
  • Strong collaboration, stakeholder management, and supplier engagement skills, with experience working across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience contributing to cyber security strategies, capability roadmaps, assurance activities, regulatory compliance, or continuous improvement initiatives is desirable.
  • Experience within electricity transmission, distribution, utilities, or other Critical National Infrastructure sectors is highly desirable.
  • Relevant cyber security or OT security certifications (e.g. CISSP, GCIH, GCIA, GICSP, Security+, ISA/IEC 62443, SANS ICS) are advantageous.

What You'll Get

  • A competitive salary between £61,000 – £77,000 dependent on capability plus £3,000 Market Supplement.
  • 26 days holiday, plus eight statutory days, an option to buy extra holiday days, and the option to holiday swap up to 3 bank holiday days.
  • An annual performance incentive.
  • A generous pension scheme, double matched up to 6% of your salary each month.
  • Life insurance at 10 times basic salary.
  • Employer funding towards a portion of your Private Medical Insurance.
  • Access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving.

More Information The closing date for this vacancy is 21st April. However, we encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date. National Grid’s recruitment periods can and may vary. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.

In NGET we are passionate about both operating our network safely and providing highly reliable quality of supply for our customers. At the heart of achieving these outcomes is the effective control and operation of our network.

To find out more about us, please follow the link below: National Grid Electricity Transmission

DE & I statement At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

Lead OT Security Engineer employer: National Grid

Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration in the telecoms sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while providing opportunities for professional growth within the dynamic environment of the South West and South Wales. Our supportive culture encourages teamwork and ensures that you play a vital role in delivering secure and resilient communication solutions for the high-voltage electricity network.

National Grid

Contact Details:

National Grid Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead OT Security 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 National Grid, 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 National Grid

Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at National Grid. 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 Lead OT Security Engineer

Cyber Security Operations
Threat Detection
Incident Response
Operational Technology (OT) Expertise
Industrial Control Systems Knowledge
Security Monitoring
Intrusion Detection

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 National Grid 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 National Grid that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.

How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid

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 National Grid 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 National Grid.

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.