At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect and enhance complex Operational Technology environments through hands-on security engineering.
- Company: Join a leading firm focused on critical infrastructure security.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in securing vital systems and technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in OT Cyber Security and strong knowledge 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)
- Solid knowledge of industrial protocols (e.g. Modbus, DNP3, OPC, Profinet)
- Experience with SIEM, EDR and network traffic analysis (e.g. Wireshark)
- 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
- Familiarity with frameworks such as ISA/IEC 62443 and MITRE ATT&CK for ICS
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
OT Security Engineer in Bristol employer: Sanderson
Join a forward-thinking company in the heart of Bristol, where we prioritise innovation and employee development. As an OT Security Engineer, you'll benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous learning and offers opportunities to enhance your skills in a rapidly evolving field. With a focus on critical infrastructure, you'll play a vital role in safeguarding essential systems while enjoying a flexible work arrangement that promotes work-life balance.
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 people in the OT security field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got hands-on experience with tools like Claroty or Nozomi, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Consider creating a portfolio or case studies of past projects to demonstrate your expertise in OT security engineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of industrial control systems and protocols. Be ready to discuss how you would handle real-world scenarios, like incident response or vulnerability assessments. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role you’re interested in.
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 with OT security tools and how you've tackled challenges in similar environments. Let us see your passion for the role!
Showcase Relevant Skills:Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with tools like Claroty or Nozomi. We want to know how you’ve used these in real-world scenarios, so be specific about your contributions and outcomes.
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
✨Know Your OT Security Tools
Familiarise yourself with the specific OT security tools mentioned in the job description, like Claroty or Nozomi. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools and how you've used them to enhance security in previous roles.
✨Understand Industrial Protocols
Brush up on your knowledge of industrial protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and OPC. During the interview, be prepared to explain how you’ve dealt with protocol misuse or anomalies in past experiences.
✨Showcase Your Incident Response Skills
Prepare examples of past incidents where you led investigations or responded to cyber events in OT environments. Highlight your analytical skills and how you approached threat detection and remediation.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a confident communicator, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will help you engage effectively with both security and engineering teams during the interview.