Industrial Control System Specialist

Job description / Role

Purpose

The Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Specialist is responsible for administering the company’s ICS network and related systems, with a focus on maintaining infrastructure health, cybersecurity compliance, and operational efficiency for production systems.

Key responsibilities

• Review ICS network and security requirements from operational and strategic perspectives to determine short- and long-term needs for production control networks
• Ensure secure, reliable ICS infrastructure systems and associated subsystems are in place for core operational functions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for ICS network security issues, ensuring system availability and integrity
• Develop, maintain, and update cybersecurity policies in line with international standards and relevant local regulations
• Configure and maintain ICS network components including firewalls, switches, intrusion detection and prevention systems
• Establish procedures for periodic security reviews and proactively correct system deviations
• Administer Windows-based systems including user configuration, access privileges, event log review, and server backup and restoration
• Identify and implement improvements to ICS network security
• Participate in engineering, factory acceptance, and site acceptance testing of new control systems to ensure compliance with ICS security requirements
• Ensure compliance with company safety, health, environment, and quality policies and standards
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues, escalating when necessary
• Respond to routine emergency call-outs outside of work hours

Key performance indicators

• Maintain agreed level of ICS system availability
• Achieve planned annual objectives
• Ensure adequacy and reliability of software and hardware applications

Qualifications & experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related field
• Professional certification in networking and security
• 5–8 years’ experience in a similar role, with at least 3 years in an Industrial Control Systems environment
• Experience in computer networking and security within ICS environments

Technical skills & competencies

• Strong knowledge of ICS network protocols, including TCP/IP, MODBUS, and OPC fundamentals
• Experience with industrial firewalls, VPNs, switches, DHCP, DNS
• Skilled in applying Windows patches, antivirus updates, and general system administration
• Strong troubleshooting and administration skills for Windows servers and workstations
• Familiarity with automation systems such as DCS and PLC; experience with Foxboro IA series DCS is an advantage
• Proficient in Windows system administration, including Active Directory domain controllers

Soft skills & behavioural competencies

• Time management, planning, and organisation
• Effective communication and teamwork
• Commitment to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Customer focus, flexibility, and results orientation
• Initiative, influence, and people development