Operational Technology Network Enigneer/Consultant

At Sword, we help power, secure and transform the organisations that keep the UK running. Supporting customers across Critical National Infrastructure, energy, public sector and enterprise markets, we combine deep industry expertise with leading technology services spanning managed services, cyber security, cloud, data, AI and digital transformation. Join Sword and you'll be part of a team solving complex challenges, delivering real-world impact and working alongside talented colleagues who care deeply about quality, collaboration and customer success. About the Role: Design and implement secure OT network architectures. Configure and manage firewalls, switches, routers and secure remote access solutions. Develop and implement network segmentation between IT, OT and safety-critical environments. Support deployment of industrial DMZs, security zones and conduits. Configure VLANs, routing, access controls and network security policies. Support firewall policy design, rule reviews and optimisation. Implement secure connectivity for OT applications, servers, engineering workstations and industrial systems. Support network migrations, upgrades and infrastructure refresh programmes. Undertake network testing, validation and performance analysis. Support FAT, SAT, commissioning and production go-live activities. Troubleshoot complex network, connectivity and firewall issues. Support network hardening, vulnerability remediation and security improvement activities. Produce HLDs, LLDs, network diagrams, firewall rule sets, test plans and as-built documentation. Work alongside OT, cyber security, infrastructure, application and engineering teams. Provide technical consultancy and guidance to customers on OT network security and resilience. Strong hands-on experience with enterprise and industrial networking. Strong experience configuring and managing next-generation firewalls. Experience with platforms such as Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Cisco or Check Point. Strong understanding of firewall policies, NAT, VPNs, IPS/IDS and application-based security controls. Experience designing and implementing OT network segmentation and industrial DMZs. Strong knowledge of VLANs, routing, switching, TCP/IP, DNS and network services. Experience with Cisco switching and routing technologies. Experience supporting secure remote access and privileged connectivity into OT environments. Understanding of industrial protocols. Experience with network monitoring, packet analysis and troubleshooting tools. Experience with high availability, redundant networking and resilient network architectures. Knowledge of network access control, identity-based access and zero trust principles. Experience with network testing, validation and acceptance activities. Experience producing technical network and security documentation. Experience within OT, industrial, energy, utilities or CNI environments would be highly desirable. Knowledge of IEC 62443, Purdue Model, NCSC CAF, NIST or other OT security frameworks would be advantageous. At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package: Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth. Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can. A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes. At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us. #LI-PD1