At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect and enhance critical OT environments through hands-on security engineering and incident response.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on securing vital infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and offering support throughout the recruitment process.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding essential technology and systems.
- Qualifications: Experience in OT security and strong understanding of industrial control systems required.
Rate: £500 - £550 Inside IR35
Duration: 6 months
Location: South West (Bristol) - 2 days per week onsite
The Role:
We're hiring an experienced Security OT Engineer to support the protection and evolution of complex Operational Technology (OT) and industrial control system environments. This role sits within a Security Operations function but is heavily engineering focused, combining hands on OT security tooling, detection engineering and incident response to strengthen resilience across critical infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the OT security engineering SME, supporting both operational and project based activities
- Engineer, configure and optimise OT security platforms (e.g. OT NDR tools such as Claroty or equivalent)
- Develop and refine detection rules, alerting logic and monitoring coverage across OT and IT/OT convergence points
- Lead technical investigations and incident response for OT-related cyber events
- Analyse industrial network traffic to identify anomalies, threats and protocol misuse
- Integrate OT telemetry into SIEM and EDR platforms to enhance visibility and correlation
- Support secure by design initiatives for new OT systems, including segmentation and access control validation
- Assess vulnerabilities in OT systems and implement practical, risk-based remediation strategies
- Drive continuous improvement in OT security posture, tooling effectiveness and detection capability
- Maintain and enhance OT security documentation, playbooks and engineering standards
Experience Required:
- Proven experience in a Security OT Engineer / OT Cyber Security role
- Strong understanding of industrial control systems (ICS) - including SCADA, PLCs, DCS
- Hands-on experience with OT security tools (e.g. Claroty, Nozomi, Dragos or similar NDR platforms)
- Experience with SIEM, EDR and network traffic analysis
- Background in incident response, threat detection and security monitoring within OT or converged environments
- Understanding of network segmentation, secure remote access and OT architecture design
Desirable:
- Certifications such as GICSP, ISA/IEC 62443, Security+ or CEH
- Experience working in critical infrastructure or regulated environments
- Exposure to threat hunting and purple team activities within OT environments
Key Skills & Attributes:
- Strong engineering mindset with a focus on building and improving security capability
- Ability to balance security requirements with operational safety and uptime
- Analytical, detail-oriented and comfortable working with complex OT environments
- Confident communicator, able to engage across security, IT and engineering teams
- Proactive and solution-driven with a focus on continuous improvement
Reasonable Adjustments:
Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
OT Security Engineer in Bristol employer: Sanderson Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and security in the critical infrastructure sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous learning and growth, alongside competitive remuneration and flexible working arrangements. Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, you will benefit from a dynamic environment that fosters creativity and teamwork while making a meaningful impact on operational technology security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OT Security Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with folks in the OT security space. Attend industry meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. You never know who might have a lead on your next role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to OT security tools like Claroty or Nozomi. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common OT security scenarios. Be ready to discuss how you've handled incidents or improved security postures in past roles. Real-world examples will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace OT Security Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in OT security and engineering. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page about what you bring to the table.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share specific examples of your past work in OT environments and how you've tackled challenges. Let us see your personality and passion for the role.
Showcase Relevant Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your hands-on experience with OT security tools and incident response. We want to know how you’ve used these skills to improve security in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Recruitment
✨Know Your OT Security Tools
Familiarise yourself with the specific OT security tools mentioned in the job description, like Claroty or similar NDR platforms. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools and how you've used them to enhance security in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Engineering Mindset
Showcase your engineering mindset by discussing past projects where you’ve optimised security platforms or developed detection rules. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to balance security needs with operational safety and uptime.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to incident response, threat detection, and network traffic analysis. Brush up on your knowledge of industrial control systems (ICS) and be ready to explain how you would approach a cyber event in an OT environment.
✨Communicate Confidently
As a confident communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to engage with various teams, including security, IT, and engineering, demonstrating your ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
