Network Engineer - Manufacturing & OT Network Modernization
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Network Engineer with deep experience supporting manufacturing and industrial environments to help modernize and standardize network operations across multiple production facilities. This role will focus on transforming and securing plant-level IT/OT (Information Technology / Operational Technology) networks, improving network segmentation, resiliency, performance, and cybersecurity while supporting ongoing manufacturing operations.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience designing and implementing network infrastructure within manufacturing plants, heavy industrial operations, energy environments, or similar operational settings. This is not a purely architectural role. The selected consultant will be actively involved in planning, configuring, deploying, and optimizing network solutions within live plant environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess current-state IT/OT network environments across multiple manufacturing facilities.
- Design and implement network segmentation strategies to improve security and operational resilience.
- Modernize plant-level network infrastructure, including routing, switching, wireless, and firewall environments.
- Work closely with process engineering, manufacturing operations, infrastructure, and security teams to support plant-floor systems.
- Develop and deploy future-state network architectures that align with operational and cybersecurity standards.
- Configure and support Cisco network infrastructure including switches, routers, wireless access points, and related technologies.
- Implement and support Palo Alto firewall solutions within industrial environments.
- Troubleshoot complex network issues affecting manufacturing operations and critical production systems.
- Establish network standards, governance, and best practices across multiple facilities.
- Perform network assessments, documentation, and remediation planning.
- Support network monitoring and performance optimization initiatives.
- Participate in change management, implementation planning, and cutover activities.
- Travel periodically to manufacturing facilities for assessments, implementations, and stakeholder engagement.
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of network engineering experience.
- Significant experience supporting manufacturing, industrial, energy, or heavy manufacturing environments.
- Hands-on experience with IT/OT network design and segmentation.
- Strong knowledge of:
- VLAN design and implementation
- Routing and switching
- Industrial networking
- Network security architecture
- Firewall administration
- Wireless networking
- Experience working directly with plant floor systems and process engineering teams.
- Advanced knowledge of the Cisco networking ecosystem, including:
- Cisco switches
- Cisco routers
- Cisco wireless infrastructure
- Cisco access points
- Strong experience with Palo Alto Firewalls.
- Proven ability to execute network modernization initiatives within operational manufacturing facilities.
- Ability to work independently and bring structure and standards to complex environments.
- Excellent troubleshooting and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with SolarWinds monitoring and network management tools.
- Experience supporting AWS Direct Connect environments.
- Exposure to Cisco AI and automation capabilities.
- Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing organizations.
- Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity frameworks and OT security best practices.
Travel Requirements
- Up to 25% travel.
- Travel may include manufacturing facilities located throughout the United States and Mexico.
About Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at www.Kornferry.com
