📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: IT/OT Senior Network Engineer
• Company: Hovione
• Location: Lisbon, Portugal
• Job Type: Hybrid (1 day/week onsite)
• Category: IT & Networking
• Date Posted: 2025-07-28
• Experience Level: 10+ years
• Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Key Responsibilities: Manage global IT infrastructure, design network solutions, ensure network performance, security, and compliance, support OT environments, and collaborate with vendors and stakeholders.
• Key Technologies: Cisco, Palo Alto, Checkpoint, Azure Network, AWS Network, Meraki, IPBL, and Call Manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in network engineering, with a focus on enterprise environments and OT network integration. Experience in pharmaceutical or manufacturing environments is preferred.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Network Design & Architecture:

  • Design and develop enterprise network solutions (LAN, WAN, WLAN, SD-WAN, VPN).
  • Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance network performance, scalability, and security.
  • Maintain up-to-date network architecture documentation and standards.

• Deployment & Operations:

  • Configure and deploy routers, switches, access points, and firewalls across global sites.
  • Validate and ensure all network equipment is properly staged, tested, and ready for deployment.
  • Operate independently in remote locations to establish full connectivity for users.

• Support & Troubleshooting:

  • Provide Tier 3 support for complex network issues and outages.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve network incidents both independently and collaboratively.
  • Monitor network performance and proactively address potential issues.

• Security & Compliance:

  • Implement and maintain network security controls (e.g., firewalls, segmentation, NAC).
  • Ensure compliance with internal policies, GxP, and cybersecurity standards.
  • Support audits and risk assessments in collaboration with the InfoSec team.

• Project & Vendor Management:

  • Lead or support global infrastructure projects, including expansions, upgrades, and integrations.
  • Collaborate with vendors and partners to deliver high-quality solutions on time and within budget.

• Documentation & Governance:

  • Maintain accurate network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures.
  • Enforce change management and documentation standards.

• OT Network Responsibilities:

  • Design, implement, and maintain secure and reliable OT (Operational Technology) network infrastructure across manufacturing and production environments.
  • Ensure seamless integration between IT and OT networks while maintaining appropriate segmentation and security controls.
  • Collaborate with automation, engineering, and manufacturing teams to support OT systems such as SCADA, PLCs, and MES.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot OT network performance and connectivity issues, ensuring minimal disruption to production operations.
  • Support compliance with industry standards and regulations related to OT environments, including cybersecurity and GxP requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of both IT and OT network infrastructure, with a focus on integrating and securing these environments to support business operations and production processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience:

• 10+ years in IT, with 5–7 years in network engineering and support.
• Plus for experience working with OT Environments including SCADA, PLCs, MES, and industrial control systems.
• Proven experience in global enterprise environments.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and Meraki wireless networks.
• Experience with SASE, cloud networking (AWS, Azure), and server virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V) is a plus.
• Experience in pharmaceutical and/or manufacturing environments is preferred.

Certifications:

• Current CCNP preferred; other relevant certifications (e.g., CCIE, Fortinet NSE, Azure Network Engineer) are a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background in network engineering, with a focus on enterprise environments and OT network integration. Relevant certifications and experience in pharmaceutical or manufacturing environments are preferred.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate experience in network design, deployment, and operations through case studies or projects.
  • Showcase problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex network issues.
  • Highlight experience with Cisco, Palo Alto, Checkpoint, Azure Network, AWS Network, Meraki, IPBL, and Call Manager.

• Technical Documentation:

  • Provide network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures demonstrating your ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation.
  • Include examples of network security controls, segmentation, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio demonstrating experience in network engineering, with a focus on enterprise environments and OT network integration. Include case studies or projects that showcase your ability to design, deploy, and maintain secure and reliable network infrastructure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The salary range for this role is estimated to be between €60,000 and €80,000 per year, based on market research and the required experience level. This range may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal policies.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible hybrid work model with a minimum of one day/week onsite.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.
• Inclusion and diversity-focused work environment.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with a flexible hybrid work model that requires a minimum of one day/week onsite.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and the required experience level for this role. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal policies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Hovione is an independent family-owned international group of companies specializing in contract development and manufacturing for the pharmaceutical industry.

Company Size:

• Hovione has over 1,950 team members across 36 different nationalities, located in Asia, Europe, and North America, with 4 production sites.

Founded:

• Hovione was founded in 1959 and has since grown to become a market leader in its industry.

Team Structure:

• The network team consists of 2 people, with the IT/OT Senior Network Engineer reporting indirectly to Jorge Rebelo, Digital Infrastructure Manager.
• The team works collaboratively with various departments, including automation, engineering, manufacturing, and InfoSec, to support global IT and OT network infrastructure.

Development Methodology:

• Hovione follows a structured approach to network design, deployment, and operations, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• The company emphasizes collaboration and knowledge sharing, with a culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Company Website: https://www.hovione.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Hovione's company culture emphasizes innovation, excellence, and collaboration, with a focus on supporting its clients and patients. The network team works closely with various departments to ensure seamless integration between IT and OT network infrastructure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level:

• This role is at the senior level, requiring a deep understanding of network engineering, with a focus on enterprise environments and OT network integration.

Reporting Structure:

• The IT/OT Senior Network Engineer reports indirectly to the Digital Infrastructure Manager and works collaboratively with various departments to support global IT and OT network infrastructure.

Technical Impact:

• This role has a significant impact on the company's overall IT and OT network infrastructure, ensuring reliable, secure, and high-performing networks that support business operations and production processes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in network engineering, with a focus on enterprise environments and OT network integration. Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry best practices.
• Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by collaborating with vendors, partners, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions on time and within budget.
• Architecture Decisions: Contribute to strategic architecture decisions that support the company's long-term goals and drive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for network engineers with a strong background in enterprise environments and OT network integration. Candidates can expect to develop their technical and leadership skills while contributing to the company's long-term success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• Hovione's office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and teamwork.

Office Location(s):

• Hovione Lumiar, Lisbon, Portugal

Workspace Context:

• The network team works collaboratively with various departments, including automation, engineering, manufacturing, and InfoSec, to support global IT and OT network infrastructure.
• The team has access to the latest tools and technologies, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with a flexible hybrid work model that requires a minimum of one day/week onsite.
• The work schedule may vary depending on project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Hovione's work environment emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement. The network team works closely with various departments to ensure seamless integration between IT and OT network infrastructure, supporting the company's long-term success.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

• Step 1 - Phone/Screen: A brief phone or video call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals.
• Step 2 - Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment focusing on network design, deployment, and operations, as well as problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Step 3 - On-site/Video Interview: A face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager and other team members to discuss your fit for the role and the company culture.
• Step 4 - Final Decision: A final decision based on your technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your experience in network design, deployment, and operations through case studies or projects.
• Include examples of network security controls, segmentation, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Showcase your ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation, with a focus on network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your knowledge of Cisco, Palo Alto, Checkpoint, Azure Network, AWS Network, Meraki, IPBL, and Call Manager.
• Familiarize yourself with network design principles, deployment best practices, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Prepare for questions related to OT network infrastructure, SCADA, PLCs, MES, and industrial control systems.

ATS Keywords:

• Network Design, Network Architecture, Network Security, Troubleshooting, Cisco, Firewalls, Cloud Networking, Server Virtualization, OT Network Infrastructure, SCADA, PLCs, MES, Compliance, Documentation, Vendor Management, Project Management

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role focuses on assessing the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in network engineering, with a focus on enterprise environments and OT network integration.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies:

• Not applicable for this role.

Backend & Server Technologies:

• Cisco, Palo Alto, Checkpoint, Azure Network, AWS Network, Meraki, IPBL, and Call Manager.

Development & DevOps Tools:

• Not applicable for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in network engineering, with a focus on enterprise environments and OT network integration. Candidates should have experience with Cisco, Palo Alto, Checkpoint, Azure Network, AWS Network, Meraki, IPBL, and Call Manager.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

• Not applicable for this role.

Collaboration Style:

• Hovione's team culture emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• The network team works closely with various departments, including automation, engineering, manufacturing, and InfoSec, to ensure seamless integration between IT and OT network infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: Hovione's team culture emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement. The network team works closely with various departments to ensure seamless integration between IT and OT network infrastructure, supporting the company's long-term success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Network Complexity: Design, deploy, and maintain secure and reliable network infrastructure across global sites, with a focus on enterprise environments and OT network integration.
• Scalability: Ensure network infrastructure can scale to support business growth and expansion, while maintaining performance, security, and compliance.
• Security & Compliance: Implement and maintain network security controls, segmentation, and compliance with internal policies, GxP, and cybersecurity standards.
• OT Network Integration: Collaborate with automation, engineering, and manufacturing teams to support OT systems such as SCADA, PLCs, and MES, ensuring seamless integration between IT and OT network infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: Expand your expertise in network engineering, with a focus on enterprise environments and OT network integration. Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry best practices.
• Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by collaborating with vendors, partners, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions on time and within budget.
• Architecture Decisions: Contribute to strategic architecture decisions that support the company's long-term goals and drive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical and leadership growth opportunities for network engineers with a strong background in enterprise environments and OT network integration. Candidates can expect to develop their skills while contributing to the company's long-term success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Network Design & Architecture:

  • Describe your experience designing and developing enterprise network solutions (LAN, WAN, WLAN, SD-WAN, VPN).
  • How do you evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance network performance, scalability, and security?
  • How do you maintain up-to-date network architecture documentation and standards?

• Deployment & Operations:

  • Describe your experience configuring and deploying routers, switches, access points, and firewalls across global sites.
  • How do you validate and ensure all network equipment is properly staged, tested, and ready for deployment?
  • How do you operate independently in remote locations to establish full connectivity for users?

• Support & Troubleshooting:

  • Describe your experience providing Tier 3 support for complex network issues and outages.
  • How do you troubleshoot and resolve network incidents both independently and collaboratively?
  • How do you monitor network performance and proactively address potential issues?

• Security & Compliance:

  • Describe your experience implementing and maintaining network security controls (e.g., firewalls, segmentation, NAC).
  • How do you ensure compliance with internal policies, GxP, and cybersecurity standards?
  • How do you support audits and risk assessments in collaboration with the InfoSec team?

• Project & Vendor Management:

  • Describe your experience leading or supporting global infrastructure projects, including expansions, upgrades, and integrations.
  • How do you collaborate with vendors and partners to deliver high-quality solutions on time and within budget?

• Documentation & Governance:

  • Describe your experience maintaining accurate network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures.
  • How do you enforce change management and documentation standards?

• OT Network Responsibilities:

  • Describe your experience designing, implementing, and maintaining secure and reliable OT (Operational Technology) network infrastructure across manufacturing and production environments.
  • How do you ensure seamless integration between IT and OT networks while maintaining appropriate segmentation and security controls?
  • How do you collaborate with automation, engineering, and manufacturing teams to support OT systems such as SCADA, PLCs, and MES?
  • How do you monitor and troubleshoot OT network performance and connectivity issues, ensuring minimal disruption to production operations?
  • How do you support compliance with industry standards and regulations related to OT environments, including cybersecurity and GxP requirements?

Company & Culture Questions:

• How do you align with Hovione's company culture, which emphasizes innovation, excellence, and collaboration?
• How do you contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment, where differences are valued, and everyone is treated with fairness and respect?
• How do you support the company's long-term goals and drive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight your experience in network design, deployment, and operations through case studies or projects.
• Include examples of network security controls, segmentation, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Showcase your ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation, with a focus on network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role focuses on assessing the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in network engineering, with a focus on enterprise environments and OT network integration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this IT/OT Senior Network Engineer position:

1. Submit your application through the application link provided.
2. Prepare your portfolio, highlighting your experience in network design, deployment, and operations through case studies or projects.
3. Include examples of network security controls, segmentation, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
4. Showcase your ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation, with a focus on network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures.
5. Research Hovione's company culture, which emphasizes innovation, excellence, and collaboration, and prepare for company-specific questions during the interview process.
6. Brush up on your knowledge of Cisco, Palo Alto, Checkpoint, Azure Network, AWS Network, Meraki, IPBL, and Call Manager, as well as network design principles, deployment best practices, and troubleshooting techniques.
7. Prepare for questions related to OT network infrastructure, SCADA, PLCs, MES, and industrial control systems.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.