Operational Technology Architect (DV cleared and Outside IR35)

Job Title: Operational Technology (OT) Architect

Job Summary
The Operational Technology (OT) Architect is responsible for defining, designing, and governing the architecture of industrial and operational systems that control and monitor physical processes. This role ensures OT environments are secure, resilient, interoperable, and aligned with business, safety, and regulatory requirements, while enabling convergence with IT and cloud platforms where appropriate.

The OT Architect acts as a technical authority across industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, and IIoT, providing strategic direction and hands-on architectural leadership.

Key Responsibilities
OT Architecture & Strategy

Define and maintain OT architecture principles, standards, and reference designs

Design end-to-end OT solutions covering control systems, networks, data flows, and integrations

Support long-term OT roadmaps, modernization initiatives, and IT/OT convergence

Ensure architectures meet safety, availability, and operational resilience requirements

Industrial Systems & Platforms

Architect solutions across ICS, SCADA, DCS, PLCs, and HMIs

Support integration of OT systems with enterprise IT, cloud, and data platforms

Define standards for industrial protocols (eg Modbus, OPC UA, DNP3, IEC 61850)

Enable secure adoption of IIoT and edge computing technologies

OT Cyber Security & Risk

Embed security-by-design into OT architectures

Define OT network segmentation, zoning, and access controls (Purdue Model/IEC 62443)

Conduct risk assessments, threat modelling, and architecture assurance reviews

Support compliance with safety and security regulations and standards

Reliability, Safety & Performance

Design for high availability, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery in OT environments

Ensure architectures support Real Time performance and operational continuity

Align designs with functional safety and operational risk requirements

Support incident response and recovery planning for OT systems

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

Act as the OT technical authority for projects and programmes

Collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, cyber security, and vendors

Review designs, vendor solutions, and system changes for architectural compliance

Produce clear architecture documentation, standards, and guidance

Required Skills & Experience
Technical Skills

Strong experience with OT and industrial control system architectures

Deep understanding of ICS/SCADA/DCS environments

Knowledge of industrial networking and protocols

Experience with OT cyber security principles and standards

Understanding of IT/OT integration and data flows

Professional Experience

7+ years of experience in OT, industrial engineering, or architecture roles (adjustable by seniority)

Proven experience designing or governing OT architectures in complex environments

Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take up to a minimum 18 weeks. LA International is a HMG approved ICT Recruitment and Project Solutions Consultancy, operating globally from the largest single site in the UK as an IT Consultancy or as an Employment Business & Agency depending upon the precise nature of the work, for security cleared jobs or non-clearance vacancies, LA International welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds.

Award Winning LA International, winner of the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Best IT Recruitment Company, Best Public Sector Recruitment Company and overall Gold Award winner, has now secured the most prestigious business award that any business can receive, The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade, for the second consecutive period.