About The Company
Charter Manufacturing Co., Inc. is a distinguished fourth-generation family-owned business committed to continuous growth and operational excellence. With a rich history rooted in family values and a dedication to innovation, Charter Manufacturing strives to do things better every day. Our company encompasses a diverse portfolio of manufacturing operations, emphasizing quality, safety, and sustainability. Join our team and become part of a family that values integrity, collaboration, and excellence in all that we do.
About The Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Operation Technology Network Architect to join our dynamic team at Charter Steel, a leading American supplier of carbon and alloy steel products. This role is pivotal in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust industrial network infrastructures that facilitate seamless communication between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems across our manufacturing facilities located in Saukville, Wisconsin, or Cleveland, Ohio. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of industrial automation, cybersecurity, and network engineering principles, supporting our smart factories and automation systems to ensure maximum efficiency, security, and compliance.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of five years of experience in network administration, OT systems, or industrial automation is required, particularly involving PLCs, I/O modules, IIoT devices, managed switches, and ICS network components within manufacturing environments. Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, routing, and switching fundamentals is essential. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of experience with industrial network protocols such as Modbus, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, OPC UA, or DNP3, and a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and risk management.
Responsibilities
Network Architecture & Integration: Design and deploy industrial network architectures supporting Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, and IIoT devices. Configure and maintain industrial Ethernet networks, VLANs, and network segmentation to enhance security and performance. Integrate OT and IT networks to enable secure and reliable data flow between production systems and enterprise applications, applying zero-trust security principles to safeguard PLCs, robots, and IoT devices.
System Monitoring & Performance: Develop and implement tools for continuous monitoring of network traffic, latency, and uptime. Optimize network performance to ensure high availability and real-time communication among machinery. Diagnose and troubleshoot network issues related to interference, latency, or hardware failures to minimize downtime.
Security & Compliance: Ensure all network designs and operations comply with industry standards such as ISA/IEC 62443, NIST, and ISO 27001. Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and manage patching processes. Develop incident response plans and implement backup and recovery strategies to mitigate cyber threats and network failures.
Operational Support & Troubleshooting: Provide technical escalation support to plant engineers, maintenance, and IT teams. Troubleshoot automation connectivity issues in a 24/7 environment, supporting the integration of new plant equipment through proper architecture and device configuration.
Documentation & Change Management: Maintain comprehensive network diagrams, security policies, and compliance documentation. Record configuration changes, troubleshooting procedures, and manage the Management of Change (MoC) process to ensure system integrity and traceability.
Data & System Integration: Support data architecture across SCADA, MES, ERP, and business intelligence systems. Implement critical system solutions that enable continuous operation and data flow for manufacturing and operational decision-making.
Benefits
Charter Manufacturing offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional growth of our employees. This includes competitive health insurance plans, retirement savings options, paid time off, and opportunities for career advancement. We also provide relocation assistance for qualified candidates, a collaborative work environment, and ongoing training programs to enhance your skills and expertise. Join us and enjoy a workplace that values your contributions and invests in your future.
Equal Opportunity
Charter Manufacturing Co., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law. We believe in fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective success.
