OT (Operational Technology) Operations Support Manager

Senior OT Operations Support Manager

Location: East Moline, USA

Duration: More than one year

Engagement Type: Freelance B2B Contract

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior OT (Operational Technology) Operations Support Manager to lead and oversee OT infrastructure, manufacturing systems, and operational support activities across pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. The ideal candidate will have 8 to 10 years of experience in OT operations, industrial automation, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and regulated pharmaceutical environments.

This role is responsible for ensuring the reliability, cybersecurity, compliance, and continuous improvement of OT platforms supporting production, packaging, utilities, laboratory systems, and plant operations. The candidate will collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, IT, Validation, and Digital Transformation teams to maintain business-critical systems while adhering to GxP and regulatory requirements.

Important Notes on Engagement

This is a freelance B2B contract position. It does not offer any local employment law benefits (including but not limited to health insurance, paid leave, pension, or other statutory benefits). The candidate must hold a valid visa and work permit independently and be fully eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support OT (Operational Technology) systems used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Ensure high availability and smooth operation of MES, SCADA, PLC, and automation systems.
• Lead incident resolution, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and IT teams.
• Manage OT system upgrades, patching, and maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, GxP, and regulatory requirements.
• Implement OT cybersecurity controls and monitor system health.
• Manage vendors and service providers for OT support.
• Lead and mentor OT support engineers.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Technical Skills

• MES (Werum PAS-X, PharmaSuite, Syncade, Opcenter)
• SCADA and HMI Systems
• PLCs (Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider)
• DCS (DeltaV, PCS7, Honeywell)
• OSIsoft PI Historian
• OT Infrastructure (Windows Server, VMware)
• Industrial Networking and OT Network Support
• OPC, MQTT, and Industrial Communication Protocols
• OT Cybersecurity and IEC 62443 Fundamentals
• ITIL Incident, Problem, and Change Management
• GMP, GxP, CSV, and 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance
• Basic Scripting and System Integration Knowledge

Preferred Skills

• Experience in Pharmaceutical or Life Sciences manufacturing
• Team leadership and stakeholder management
• Strong troubleshooting and communication skills
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing initiatives

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Master’s Degree preferred

Experience

• 8 to 10 years of experience in OT Operations, Industrial Automation, or Manufacturing Systems Support within the pharmaceutical, life sciences, biotechnology, or regulated manufacturing industries
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of leadership experience managing OT support teams and vendors

Certifications (Preferred)

• ITIL Foundation / Intermediate
• ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certification
• PMP or Prince2
• CISSP, GICSP, or equivalent OT Security Certification
• VMware Certification
• Microsoft Server Administration Certifications

Eligibility Requirement

Candidates must possess their own valid visa and work authorization for the United States. No visa sponsorship or work-permit assistance will be provided.

Pay: $6,500.00 per month

Work Location: In person