OT / Network Specialist

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

We are looking for:

The OT Systems Specialist ensures the reliability, cybersecurity, and lifecycle management of the Operational Technology (OT) / Industrial Control Systems (ICS) computing environment. As Microsoft servers, virtualization, and networking have become critical components of OT, this role provides on-site, in-house expertise to maintain and secure OT servers, workstations, industrial network infrastructure, and supporting platforms. This position supports OT servers/VMs/containers, OT switches, OT firewalls, PI data collectors, and associated workstations within the control system environment (including both OEM and non-OEM assets).

This position reduces plant downtime risk and reliance on high-cost external support by ensuring critical OT hygiene activities are consistently executed (e.g., patching, antivirus/EDR currency, backups, health monitoring, and hardware refresh planning). The role partners closely with Process Control/DCS engineers, site Maintenance and Engineering, and Corporate OT cybersecurity to keep the OT environment safe, stable, compliant, and fit for purpose. 

We count on you for:

OT/ICS Server & Workstation Support (Primary):

• Provide full lifecycle support for non-OEM OT servers and workstations (physical, virtual, and containerized where applicable), including:
  • Ensuring antivirus/EDR protection is current and functioning in accordance with OT constraints.
  • Ensuring system backups are configured, monitored, tested, and recoverable.
  • Executing patch management (Windows and applicable applications) using risk-based scheduling aligned with production windows and site change control.
  • Monitoring system health (CPU/memory/storage/events), addressing issues, and planning hardware replacements/refreshes.
• Provide partial support for OEM-supplied systems (e.g., Honeywell servers/workstations) by:
  • Performing routine health checks and basic maintenance tasks within site scope.
  • Coordinating with OEM resources for advanced maintenance and upgrades.
  • Verifying backup/AV/patching activities are appropriately addressed and documented.

OT Network Infrastructure & Connectivity:

• Maintain OT network infrastructure to ensure availability and security, including:
  • Switch management (configuration, firmware updates, health monitoring, lifecycle planning).
  • Managing OT network segmentation and access paths consistent with plant standards.
• Support and maintain OT remote access and internal connectivity requirements in a way that protects control systems integrity.

OT Firewalls & Cybersecurity Coordination:

• Support OT firewall administration (rule changes, firmware updates, monitoring) to ensure functionality and security.
• Liaise with Corporate OT cybersecurity personnel to align on standards while protecting site operational needs and control system stability.
• Participate in vulnerability management activities (assessment, prioritization, remediation plans) and maintain documentation evidence for audits.

PI / Historian & Data Collection Support:

• Monitor health of PI data collectors and related interfaces; troubleshoot and resolve issues impacting data integrity and availability.
• Coordinate with site SMEs and/or central teams for PI system maintenance, upgrades, and connectivity changes.

Operational Excellence, Documentation, and Vendor Management:

• Maintain accurate OT documentation: asset inventory, network diagrams, backup/restore procedures, patch schedules, and standard work.
• Support incident response and troubleshooting for OT outages; perform root cause analysis and drive permanent corrective actions.
• Manage and coordinate external vendor/OEM support when required, ensuring work is planned, safe, documented, and cost-effective.
• Provide on-site support to ensure immediate response for critical issues without reliance on scheduling external resources.

You can count on us for:

• We offer the opportunity to join an exciting growth company
• A full range of benefits as expected of a successful company
• Opportunities for growth and learning
• Encouraging a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that values and respects individual differences and backgrounds

You will bring:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent industrial experience considered.
• 3–7+ years supporting IT systems in an OT/industrial environment (chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, power, or manufacturing).
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with:
  • Windows Server / Windows workstation administration in controlled environments.
  • Virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V) and/or modern workloads (containers) in OT contexts.
  • Backup strategies and recovery testing for critical industrial systems.
  • Industrial networking fundamentals (managed switches, VLANs, routing basics, redundancy concepts).
  • Working in environments with OEM control systems (e.g., Honeywell) and coordinating scope boundaries.

Preferred / Plus:

• Familiarity with OT cybersecurity concepts (e.g., IEC 62443 principles, segmentation/DMZ patterns, privileged access, logging).
• Experience with historians and industrial data systems (e.g., PI, OPC/OPC UA).
• Experience in regulated change processes (MOC, site change control) and production-critical uptime requirements.

Key Competencies:

• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to prioritize issues impacting safety, production, and quality.
• Practical, risk-based mindset: understands that OT requires stability and disciplined change control.
• Ability to work effectively with DCS/process control engineers so they can focus on control strategy and process improvements.
• Clear communication with stakeholders (Operations, Engineering, Corporate IT/OT security, vendors).
• Ownership mentality: ensures “routine hygiene” tasks (patching, AV currency, backups) are completed consistently—not just when time allows.

You will get:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• The U.S. annual base salary range reasonably expected to be paid for this new hire is: $98,720 to $123,400.  Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate, such as skills, experience, qualifications, etc. and can ultimately be more or less than the posted salary range. Total compensation for this role also includes bonus and/or other incentives.
• 16, or more, weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations
• Training platform for all employees
• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)

About Us:

• Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
• At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.
• Syensqo is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.