We are seeking a hands-on Sr. OT Network Engineer for a contract position (6+ months) based in Liberty, North Carolina. This onsite role serves as the critical bridge between IT and plant engineering. The successful candidate will design and deploy secure, resilient industrial networks—leveraging Cisco SD-Access and microsegmentation strategies—to ensure zero unplanned downtime across manufacturing environments. Responsibilities Lead the deployment, modernization, and day-to-day lifecycle management of OT network infrastructure. Architect secure industrial networks incorporating IDMZ, macro-segmentation, and granular microsegmentation policies across Purdue Model layers using zero-trust network design principles. Drive the adoption of Cisco SD-Access (SDA) within the OT environment to automate fabric deployment and enforce identity-based access control. Provide tier-3 troubleshooting for complex network incidents and coordinate major cutovers, upgrades, and maintenance windows. Translate production requirements for IT and plant teams, while mentoring local IT support on OT network and security fundamentals. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent experience. 10+ years of progressive network engineering experience. Proven track record securing manufacturing, industrial, or plant-floor networks using zero-trust frameworks, IDMZ, and segmentation. Strong hands-on experience troubleshooting complex routing, switching, and fabric-based network issues in high-availability environments. Hands-on experience with enterprise LAN/WAN and industrial OT network environments. Experience with Cisco SD-Access (SDA) fabric architectures, DNA Center / Catalyst Center, and Cisco ISE. Proficiency with VLANs, routing, switching, redundancy, and Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW). Knowledge of industrial wireless networks and high-availability design. Understanding of plant-floor, automation, and edge systems utilizing industrial protocols such as EtherNet/IP and Modbus. Exceptional interpersonal skills with a strong ownership mindset to guide cross-functional technical and non-technical stakeholders. Preferred Active certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, CISSP, or GICSP.