Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security Architect

Job description

**Work Schedule**

Standard (Mon-Fri)

**Environmental Conditions**

Office

**Job Description**

The Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security Architect will serve as a senior authority driving the definition, composition, and implementation of security architectures across Thermo Fisher Scientific’s manufacturing, laboratory, and R&D operations, as well as influencing the overall security of our enterprise corporate network.

This role requires expertise in security principles and operations technology architecture, combined with strong understanding of pharmaceutical and life sciences manufacturing processes, quality and validation requirements, and global regulatory considerations.

Working across R&D, IT, OT, and Site Operations leadership teams, the Architect will compose and implement architectures, with a focus on segmentation, that protect critical operations, strengthen resilience, and ensure business continuity — safeguarding our ability to deliver products to customers.

This is a strategic role requiring strong technical credibility, the ability to align leaders in a matrixed global environment, and the verbal skills to translate the technical for executive audiences.

**Key Responsibilities**

Architectural Leadership

+ Define, own and govern security architecture strategies, roadmaps, and standards aligned to business, R&D, IT, and OT needs.
+ Partner with site operations, IT, engineering, and quality/validation leaders to compose secure, resilient OT, lab, and R&D environments.
+ Anticipate future threats, regulatory drivers, and technology trends to ensure balanced architectures.

Cybersecurity Expertise

+ Identify, assess, and mitigate cyber risks across OT systems, networks, and manufacturing, R&D and lab operations.
+ Implement monitoring, detection, response, and segmentation strategies tailored for diverse environments.
+ Establish and implement security baselines, frameworks, and protocols across global manufacturing sites.
+ Support the development of incident response and business continuity playbooks to guide cyber operations teams during security incidents involving OT environments.

Operational Technology Focus

+ Bring hands-on knowledge of manufacturing systems, control technologies, lab instrumentation networks, and operational workflows.
+ Understand the roles, data flows, and dependencies that drive Operations efficiency and compliance.
+ Ensure architectures integrate seamlessly with operational priorities, safety, product quality, and continuity of business operations.

Partnership & Influence

+ Act as the liaison between various business operations to align priorities and achieve secure outcomes.
+ Represent OT cyber security strategies in executive forums, translating security principles for non-IT partners.
+ Influence leaders across a global, matrixed organization toward common security approaches and investments.

Travel

+ Up to 50% travel to key manufacturing sites globally to assess, design, and engage partners.

**Qualifications**

Experience & Skills

+ Proven track record in both cyber security and operational technology architecture, ideally within pharmaceutical, life sciences, or similarly validated manufacturing industries.
+ Hands-on experience designing or leading OT environments, including plant-floor systems, SCADA/DCS, PLCs, and industrial networks, and lab/R&D systems.
+ Deep understanding of cyber threats and risks to OT, lab and R&D systems and practical knowledge of protective, detective, and response capabilities.
+ Knowledge of quality, validation, and compliance requirements in validated manufacturing operations.
+ Exceptional ability to present technical content in a consumable manner to executives and non-technical audiences.
+ Experience working in large, global, and highly matrixed organizations; confirmed ability to influence leaders and align diverse partners.
+ Validated ability to operate both strategically and tactically — from long-term architecture planning to on-site build engagements.

Education & Certifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, or equivalent experience preferred.
+ Industry certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, GICSP, ISA/IEC 62443, CISA).

**Soft Skill Expectations**

+ Ownership: Develop and drive strategies for functional areas and products with manager mentorship.
+ Complexity: Work independently on high-impact tasks and recurring priorities without direction.
+ Leadership: Represent the team multi-functionally; mentor peers and lower bands.
+ Communication: Ability to simplify technical concepts for non-technical audiences and influence leadership decisions.
+ Development: Participate in industry/functional forums, integrate lessons learned, and seek continuous improvement.

**Enhanced Technical Requirements**

+ Familiarity with OT security standards/frameworks.
+ Understanding of ICS/SCADA protocols (Modbus, OPC, Profibus, Ethernet/IP) and lab network protocols.
+ Experience integrating OT security into enterprise risk management and regulatory compliance frameworks (e.g., GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11).
+ Exposure to cloud, edge, and IIoT technologies and their business operations security implications.
+ Experience with threat modeling and crafting controls for OT environments.
+ Deep expertise in segmentation, zone-conduit models, and Zero Trust architectures.
+ Strong facilitation skills to mediate between IT, OT, R&D and business partners.
+ Organisational change and influencing skills to drive adoption of security practices across diverse global sites.
+ Experience with using Generative AI for cyber defense is desirable

**Benefits & Rewards**

Thermo Fisher provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package, including competitive compensation, annual incentive opportunities, healthcare and retirement benefits, paid time off, employee stock purchase plan, and career development resources.

**Compensation and Benefits**

The salary range estimated for this position based in Maryland is $143,000.00–$190,600.00.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

+ A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
+ Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
+ At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
+ Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
+ Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Required Skill Profession

Other General