Operational Technology Architect (DV cleared and Outside IR35)
2 days ago
Preston
Job Title: Operational Technology (OT) Architect Job Summary The Operational Technology (OT) Architect is responsible for defining, designing, and governing the architecture of industrial and operational systems that control and monitor physical processes. This role ensures OT environments are secure, resilient, interoperable, and aligned with business, safety, and regulatory requirements, while enabling convergence with IT and cloud platforms where appropriate. The OT Architect acts as a technical authority across industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, and IIoT, providing strategic direction and hands-on architectural leadership. Key Responsibilities OT Architecture & Strategy Define and maintain OT architecture principles, standards, and reference designs Design end-to-end OT solutions covering control systems, networks, data flows, and integrations Support long-term OT roadmaps, modernization initiatives, and IT/OT convergence Ensure architectures meet safety, availability, and operational resilience requirements Industrial Systems & Platforms Architect solutions across ICS, SCADA, DCS, PLCs, and HMIs Support integration of OT systems with enterprise IT, cloud, and data platforms Define standards for industrial protocols (eg Modbus, OPC UA, DNP3, IEC 61850) Enable secure adoption of IIoT and edge computing technologies OT Cyber Security & Risk Embed security-by-design into OT architectures Define OT network segmentation, zoning, and access controls (Purdue Model/IEC 62443) Conduct risk assessments, threat modelling, and architecture assurance reviews Support compliance with safety and security regulations and standards Reliability, Safety & Performance Design for high availability, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery in OT environments Ensure architectures support Real Time performance and operational continuity Align designs with functional safety and operational risk requirements Support incident response and recovery planning for OT systems Governance & Stakeholder Engagement Act as the OT technical authority for projects and programmes Collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, cyber security, and vendors Review designs, vendor solutions, and system changes for architectural compliance Produce clear architecture documentation, standards, and guidance Required Skills & Experience Technical Skills Strong experience with OT and industrial control system architectures Deep understanding of ICS/SCADA/DCS environments Knowledge of industrial networking and protocols Experience with OT cyber security principles and standards Understanding of IT/OT integration and data flows Professional Experience 7+ years of experience in OT, industrial engineering, or architecture roles (adjustable by seniority) Proven experience designing or governing OT architectures in complex environments Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take up to a minimum 18 weeks. LA International is a HMG approved ICT Recruitment and Project Solutions Consultancy, operating globally from the largest single site in the UK as an IT Consultancy or as an Employment Business & Agency depending upon the precise nature of the work, for security cleared jobs or non-clearance vacancies, LA International welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds. Award Winning LA International, winner of the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Best IT Recruitment Company, Best Public Sector Recruitment Company and overall Gold Award winner, has now secured the most prestigious business award that any business can receive, The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade, for the second consecutive period.