Network Engineer

IT/OT Network Architect

Permanent

Cork, On Site

My client, a multinational manufacturing company is on the lookout for an IT/OT Network Architect on an permanent basis in Cork.

The Job:

• Take technical ownership of the design, implementation, setup, and deployment of converged industrial and enterprise network environments for a major facility installation project.
• Establish the overarching network topology and connectivity framework to connect physical plant automation equipment (such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA) with operational management and business applications.
• Drive the physical installation, system configuration, software integration, and execution of Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) for network hardware and digital infrastructure.
• Deploy, integrate, and safeguard localized server environments, virtual machines, centralized storage, domain directory services, and proactive infrastructure monitoring utilities.
• Implement rigorous operational cybersecurity measures, incorporating protocol-level network segmentation, demilitarized zones (DMZs), firewall rulesets, access governance, routine patching, and secure off-site access.
• Collaborate directly with external engineering partners, automation system integrators, third-party software vendors, and internal corporate technology divisions to unify deliverables.
• Deliver active, hands-on engineering support during initial equipment startups, testing phases, production line validations, and early-stage industrial operations.
• Author and manage a comprehensive suite of architectural blueprints, IP addressing schemes, firewall configuration matrices, device registries, and operational validation protocols.
• Facilitate a seamless technical transition to production support teams by formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), recovery guides, preventative maintenance schedules, and asset database registries.
• Prepare regular technical readiness reports, risk logs, and strategic engineering insights to assist project leaders and automation steering committees with key operational decisions.

Have You:

• Earned a Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering, Automation & Control, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Accumulated 3+ years of progressive professional experience specializing in unified enterprise-industrial networking, systems integration, or operational technology engineering.
• Built a strong background operating within highly regulated manufacturing environments, such as Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), food/beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, or heavy industrial facilities.
• Developed deep technical proficiency in converged networking principles, encompassing LAN/WAN, industrial Ethernet protocols, virtual local networks (VLANs), and enterprise-to-factory routing.
• Gained direct expertise configuring and managing leading enterprise network and security hardware, including brands like Cisco, Fortinet, HP, or specialized industrial switches.
• Acquired a strong working knowledge of industrial cybersecurity frameworks, focusing heavily on perimeter defense, vulnerability remediation, access management, and robust backup/recovery architecture.
• Proven your capability to deploy and optimize virtualization technologies, such as VMware, Hyper-V, or Nutanix, along with adjacent data storage and resilience tools.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with tier-1 engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) vendors, software developers, and multidisciplinary project stakeholders.
• Exhibited the capacity to analyze and translate intricate engineering schematics, wiring plans, and high-level architectural documentation into real-world deployments.
• Displayed excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills, with a track record of performing effectively under the deadlines of facility commissioning and startup environments.

Berkley Business & Technology is a specialist consultancy, recruiting professionals for organizations throughout Ireland, UK & Europe; for more information go to www.berkley-group.com.

If you would like to discuss this vacancy further or to discuss your career options in confidence, please send your profile to [email protected]