OT Systems & Infrastructure Engineer at ATS Automation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: OT Systems & Infrastructure Engineer
Company: ATS Automation
Location: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
Job Type: Hybrid
Category: DevOps Engineer, System Administrator
Date Posted: June 27, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site with flexible remote work options

🚀 Role Summary

Manage and optimize hybrid OT infrastructure across data center, edge, and field systems (PLC/SCADA, PI System, OPC UA)
Ensure availability, security, and continuity of key production systems while collaborating with process and maintenance engineers
Full lifecycle management of Windows Server VMs, virtualization clusters, and edge nodes using VMware vSphere/ESXi
Design, implement, and manage OT/IT network segmentation, firewalls, and security protocols (IEC 62443)
Handle incident and change management, including 1st to 3rd line issue resolution and vendor coordination

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in both IT and OT infrastructure, with a focus on industrial automation and mission-critical systems. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing hybrid environments and working closely with production teams to ensure system availability and security.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

OT Server & Virtual Machine Management
- Maintain and optimize Windows Server 2016-2022 VMs and hosts
- Plan capacity, patching (WSUS), and backups in sync with production stops
Virtualization (vSphere / vSAN / ESXi)
- Full lifecycle management of clusters and edge nodes
- Troubleshoot and optimize performance in a standalone capacity
Migrations & Provisioning
- Migrate Nutanix workloads to edge environments
- Deploy new OT VMs (PI, OPC UA, process databases)
Security & Hardening
- Manage antivirus, perform log analysis, and apply OT hardening (IEC 62443)
- Coordinate vulnerability scans with production planning
Network Engineering
- Design OT/IT network segmentation, set up transit & production VLANs
- Configure L2/L3 switches and redundancy schemes
Firewall Management (Palo Alto)
- Manage rules, zones, and OT-specific protocol exceptions
Incident & Change Management
- Handle 1st to 3rd line issues – analyze, resolve, or escalate directly to vendors
Documentation & Continuous Improvement
- Keep system documentation and runbooks audit-ready
- Automate where possible and advise on OT security & edge computing initiatives

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Relevant Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., VMware, Microsoft, or industrial automation) are a plus.

Experience: Proven experience in system or network administration, including at least 1 year in an OT or industrial setting.

Required Skills:

Strong knowledge of Windows Server & VMware vSphere/ESXi (installation, upgrades, snapshots, vSAN, vMotion)
Proficient in L2/L3 switching, VLAN design, and routing
Experience with Palo Alto or equivalent next-gen firewalls
Familiarity with OT protocols (OPC UA/DA, Modbus, PI System) and related security considerations
Highly self-organized, analytical, and capable of producing clear technical documentation in both English and Dutch

Preferred Skills:

Experience with industrial automation software (e.g., PLC, SCADA, DCS)
Knowledge of IT/OT convergence and edge computing
Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Python) for automation and configuration management

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on industrial automation and mission-critical systems, candidates with experience in related industries (e.g., manufacturing, oil & gas, or power generation) may have an advantage.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in managing hybrid IT/OT infrastructure with live examples
Showcase incident and change management skills with case studies or success stories
Highlight network segmentation and firewall management projects with relevant diagrams and documentation

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed system documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Include examples of automation scripts or configuration management tools used in previous roles
Demonstrate understanding of OT security best practices and industry standards (e.g., IEC 62443)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €50,000 - €70,000 per year (based on experience and local market standards)

Benefits:

Competitive salary, complemented with fringe benefits, including extensive insurance coverage and meal vouchers
Flexible working hours and remote work options
Fully electric company car, charging pass, and home charging station options
Continuous professional development opportunities
Dynamic team environment with regular team-building activities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible scheduling and remote work options

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on local market standards for mid-senior level DevOps engineers and system administrators with relevant experience in industrial automation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial automation and robotics

Company Size: Medium (2,001-5,000 employees)

Founded: 1979 (with a strong focus on continuous growth and innovation)

Team Structure:

The OT Systems & Infrastructure team consists of 5-10 engineers, working closely with process and maintenance engineers to ensure system availability and security
The team follows an Agile/Scrum methodology, with regular sprint planning and cross-functional collaboration

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum methodologies with regular sprint planning and cross-functional collaboration
Code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices are in place to ensure high-quality deliverables
Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management are handled by the DevOps team

Company Website: www.atsautomation.com

📝 Enhancement Note: ATS Automation is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and maintenance of automated systems and solutions. The company values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, providing a dynamic and challenging work environment for its employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years) – The OT Systems & Infrastructure Engineer role offers a unique opportunity to grow both technically and professionally within the industrial automation sector.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the OT Systems & Infrastructure Manager, with close collaboration with process and maintenance engineers.

Technical Impact: The OT Systems & Infrastructure Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the availability, security, and continuity of key production systems. Their work directly impacts the efficiency and productivity of the entire organization.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical growth: Expand knowledge of industrial automation software, edge computing, and emerging technologies
Leadership growth: Develop team management and architecture decision-making skills through mentoring and project leadership opportunities
Career progression: Transition into more senior roles, such as OT Systems & Infrastructure Team Lead or OT Architect, with increased responsibility and influence

📝 Enhancement Note: ATS Automation's fast-paced growth and expansion provide ample opportunities for career progression and technical development within the industrial automation sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with a focus on cross-functional team interaction and knowledge sharing

Office Location(s): Antwerp, Belgium (with remote work options available)

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspace with multiple monitors and testing devices available
Access to relevant tools and software for managing hybrid IT/OT infrastructure
Regular team-building activities and social events to foster a strong team culture

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible scheduling and remote work options, tailored to individual needs and project requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: ATS Automation's flexible work arrangements and collaborative work environment enable employees to balance their professional and personal lives while driving innovation and success in the industrial automation sector.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen (30 minutes): Discuss relevant experience, technical skills, and cultural fit for the role
On-site Technical Assessment (2 hours): Demonstrate hands-on experience with Windows Server, VMware, and OT protocols through practical exercises and case studies
Behavioral and Cultural Fit Interview (45 minutes): Discuss problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability in a dynamic industrial environment
Final Decision and Offer (1-2 weeks)

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant experience in managing hybrid IT/OT infrastructure and incident management
Include live examples of network segmentation, firewall management, and security best practices
Emphasize the ability to work closely with process and maintenance engineers to ensure system availability and security

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on Windows Server and VMware skills, focusing on installation, upgrades, snapshots, and vSAN/vMotion
Review OT protocols (OPC UA/DA, Modbus, PI System) and related security considerations
Familiarize yourself with industrial automation software and edge computing concepts

ATS Keywords: [Provided below in the 'Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure' section]

📝 Enhancement Note: ATS Automation's interview process focuses on assessing both technical skills and cultural fit, ensuring that candidates align with the company's values and work environment.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Server Technologies:

Windows Server 2016-2022
VMware vSphere/ESXi
Nutanix (optional)

Networking Technologies:

L2/L3 switches (e.g., Cisco, Arista, or Juniper)
Palo Alto firewalls
OT/IT network segmentation and VLAN design

OT Protocols & Software:

OPC UA/DA
Modbus
PI System
Industrial automation software (e.g., PLC, SCADA, DCS)

Tools & Methodologies:

ITIL and ISO 27001/27002 standards for incident and change management
Agile/Scrum methodologies for project management
Scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Python) for automation and configuration management

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages: PowerShell, Python
Web Frameworks: N/A (focus on OT infrastructure)
Server Technologies: Windows Server, VMware vSphere/ESXi, Nutanix
Databases: N/A (focus on OT infrastructure)
Tools: Palo Alto firewalls, OT/IT network segmentation, VLAN design, ITIL, ISO 27001/27002
Methodologies: Agile/Scrum, ITIL
Soft Skills: Problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, communication
Industry Terms: OT/IT convergence, edge computing, industrial automation, PLC, SCADA, DCS, PI System, OPC UA/DA, Modbus

📝 Enhancement Note: ATS Automation's technology stack focuses on industrial automation and mission-critical systems, with a strong emphasis on OT/IT convergence and edge computing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Embrace continuous learning and improvement to drive technological advancements in industrial automation
Collaboration: Work closely with process and maintenance engineers to ensure system availability, security, and productivity
Reliability: Maintain high system uptime and minimize downtime through proactive management and incident response
Security: Implement and enforce OT security best practices to protect key production systems from cyber threats

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional integration: Work closely with process and maintenance engineers to ensure system availability, security, and productivity
Code review culture: Share knowledge and best practices through regular team meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions
Peer programming: Collaborate on complex tasks and mentor junior team members to foster a strong team culture

📝 Enhancement Note: ATS Automation's team culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, driving technological advancements in the industrial automation sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Manage hybrid IT/OT infrastructure across data center, edge, and field systems (PLC/SCADA, PI System, OPC UA)
Ensure system availability, security, and continuity while working closely with process and maintenance engineers
Design, implement, and manage OT/IT network segmentation, firewalls, and security protocols (IEC 62443)
Handle incident and change management, including 1st to 3rd line issue resolution and vendor coordination

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical skill advancement: Expand knowledge of industrial automation software, edge computing, and emerging technologies
Conference attendance: Participate in relevant industry conferences and events to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices
Certification: Pursue relevant certifications (e.g., VMware, Microsoft, or industrial automation) to enhance technical expertise
Technical mentorship: Mentor junior team members and contribute to the company's knowledge-sharing culture

📝 Enhancement Note: ATS Automation's fast-paced growth and expansion provide ample opportunities for technical skill development and career progression within the industrial automation sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Windows Server & VMware: Installation, upgrades, snapshots, vSAN, vMotion, and high availability configurations
Networking: L2/L3 switching, VLAN design, routing, and network segmentation
OT Protocols & Security: OPC UA/DA, Modbus, PI System, and OT security best practices (IEC 62443)
Incident & Change Management: ITIL and ISO 27001/27002 standards, incident response, and change management processes

Company & Culture Questions:

Industry-specific experience: Discuss relevant experience in industrial automation, mission-critical systems, or related industries
Teamwork & collaboration: Describe experiences working closely with process and maintenance engineers to ensure system availability and security
Adaptability: Explain how you've adapted to new technologies, tools, or work environments in previous roles

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Hybrid IT/OT infrastructure management: Highlight relevant experience managing hybrid IT/OT infrastructure, incident management, and network segmentation
Live demonstrations: Showcase hands-on experience with Windows Server, VMware, and OT protocols through live examples and case studies
Technical deep dive: Prepare a detailed technical deep dive into a specific aspect of industrial automation, edge computing, or OT security

📝 Enhancement Note: ATS Automation's interview process focuses on assessing both technical skills and cultural fit, ensuring that candidates align with the company's values and work environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this OT Systems & Infrastructure Engineer position:

Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant experience in managing hybrid IT/OT infrastructure, incident management, and network segmentation
Prepare your portfolio: Showcase hands-on experience with Windows Server, VMware, and OT protocols through live examples and case studies
Research the company: Familiarize yourself with ATS Automation's industry, company culture, and values
Prepare for the interview: Brush up on technical skills, review industry-specific experiences, and practice answering behavioral and cultural fit questions

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industrial automation industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with ATS Automation before making application decisions.

OT Systems & Infrastructure Engineer