Operational Technology Engineer

Location: Zug (Corp) - Switzerland

Job Req ID: 19418

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Operational Technology Engineer

 

Role Overview

The Operational Technology Engineer is a specialized strategic role focused on the design, deployment, standardisation, and governance of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) - internally identified as Technical Information Systems (TIS). Acting as the critical bridge between TIS, ICS and the ERP, this role ensures the integrity, cyber-resilience and continuous availability of operational data across the global organization.

This role requires an innovative engineer to drive automation and digital transformation by serving high-fidelity data to advanced analytics, IIoT platforms, and optimization tools. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-performance culture, demonstrates a strong commitment to operational sustainability, and acts as a catalyst for continuous learning and technology adoption.

Main Responsibilities

The Operational Technology Engineer plays a critical role in standardizing and optimizing automation systems to capture, analyse, and leverage production data, driving operational efficiency across all industrial processes.

1. Strategy & Standardization

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  Collaborate in define and implement corporate-wide ICS/TIS standards to ensure global consistency in KPIs, reporting structures, and data architecture across 100+ plants

  
  

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  Align OT strategy in line with corporate guidance with business goals, identifying emerging technology needs and establishing multi-year technical roadmaps.

  
  

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  Drive innovation and industrial transformation: implement Plant of Tomorrow (PoT) solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.

  
  

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  Train and mentor the OT plant teams: build high-performing operational plant teams through training and development, focusing on ICS and TIS systems.

  
  

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  Educate and advise plant OT related risks and opportunities

  
  

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  Support the product roadmap for new functionalities and features within the PCS/MES ecosystem.

  
  

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  Design and maintain robust interfaces between the shop floor (PCS/DCS), laboratory (LIMS), and business layers (SAP).

  
  

2. Global Deployment & Operations

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  Support the full lifecycle of ICS/MES deployments, from initial site assessment and vendor coordination to post-go-live support and version upgrades.

  
  

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  Ensure reliability of the ICS/TIS environment, coordinating with IT and external vendors.

  
  

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  Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot industrial data communication protocols and networking standards (e.g., Modbus, OPC UA/DA/HDA).  

  
  

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  Optimize production data streams to improve overall process efficiency and support decarbonization/sustainability goals.

  
  

3. Data Governance & Security

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  Uphold the highest standards of data quality, integrity, and confidentiality to support "Smart Operations" and advanced analytics.

  
  

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  Collaborate with the Cybersecurity team to implement robust protective measures for OT data systems against evolving cyber threats.

  
  

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  Maintain comprehensive documentation for data architecture and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

  
  

4. Leadership & Knowledge Management

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  Design and execute global training programs to upskill plant-level PCS, TIS, PIMS, and LIMS champions. 

  
  

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  Manage a centralized corporate knowledge base, including engineering standards, operational manuals and troubleshooting guides.

  
  

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  Influence senior stakeholders and plant management to ensure buy-in for digital initiatives and technical standards.

  
  

5. Collaboration & Communication:

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  Work cross-functionally with Maintenance, Process/Production, Quality Control, Corporate IT, and PM&E to ensure end-to-end system integration and alignment.

  
  

6. Operational Management

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  Oversee site-level OT performance, ensuring smooth, secure, and efficient multi-plant operations. Implement and enforce cybersecurity measures: protect OT systems from cyber threats and vulnerabilities through OT cybersecurity controls.

  
  

Your Profile

Level of education/qualifications normally required: 

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  MS or PhD in Electrical, Electronic, or Automation Engineering.

  
  

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  (preferred) ISA/IEC 62443 OT cybersecurity certificate

  
  

Experience

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  3 years’ experience as plant automation/systems engineer for process industry

  
  

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  3 years’ in managing industrial data systems (Historians, MES) and industrial networking.

  
  

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  3 years’ experience in cement (advantage)

  
  

Technical / functional skills: 

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  Deep understanding of OT systems in the process industry: This includes industrial control systems, SCADA systems, distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and manufacturing execution systems.

  
  

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  Understanding of OT security threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies. Familiarity with security frameworks and standards like IEC 62443. 

  
  

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  Knowledge of industrial networking protocols like Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and OPC UA. 

  
  

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  Knowledge of cloud platforms and IoT technologies relevant to industrial environments, JavaScript and prototyping languages such as Python

  
  

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  In-depth understanding of continuous cement manufacturing processes, instrumentation, and sensor technologies.

  
  

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Language skills: 

● English (technical fluency critical)

● Spanish, German and French are an advantage

Mobility requirements:

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  30% international traveling worldwide 

  
  

Benefits 

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  Hybrid work contract
  
  

  
  


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  Family Support: Subsidized child care and paid maternity/paternity leave
  
  

  
  


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  Professional Growth: Company-sponsored training and professional development.
  
  

  
  


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  Discounts and Perks: Subsidized meals, exclusive discounts, and company gifts for special occasions.
  
  

  
  


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  Long-service awards
  
  

  
  


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  Employee referral bonus
  
  

  
  


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  Pension and Savings: Access to a comprehensive pension fund and an employee savings scheme.
  
  

  
  

Holcim is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We support equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, national origin, gender, sexuality, disability, or age. 

Important Notice: Holcim recruiters only contact candidates via official @[holcim.com] email addresses. We do not use Gmail or any other non-Holcim domains to conduct recruitment processes. Please verify the sender address before responding." 

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HR Contact: Faraz MOHAMMED