Job Specifications
Job Title: Senior OT-IT Convergence Solution Architect
Location: Toronto, ON (Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite)
Timezone: EST
Position Type: Contract
Position Overview
The Senior OT-IT Convergence Solution Architect is a strategic leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing integrated Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) environments. This role focuses on enabling secure, scalable, and resilient OT-IT interoperability to support industrial automation, real-time operational intelligence, and enterprise digital transformation initiatives.
The ideal candidate brings a holistic architectural mindset, aligning industrial systems with modern IT infrastructure, including networking, cloud, cybersecurity, and data platforms.
Key Responsibilities
1. Integrated OT-IT Solution Design
Design and implement architectures integrating OT systems (SCADA, DCS, PLCs, MES) with IT infrastructure (enterprise networks, cloud platforms, and business systems).
Define standards and frameworks to enable secure, low-latency, and highly reliable data flow between OT and IT environments.
Collaborate with IT infrastructure teams to design converged networks, hybrid architectures, and edge-to-cloud solutions.
2. IT Infrastructure Enablement for OT Systems
Ensure IT infrastructure (servers, storage, virtualization platforms) supports high-availability and real-time OT workloads.
Design secure and scalable network architectures using IT-OT segmentation, VLANs, firewalls, and redundancy models.
Leverage SD-WAN, IoT gateways, and industrial edge computing platforms to bridge OT-IT environments.
3. OT-IT Cybersecurity Architecture
Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies addressing both OT and IT threat landscapes.
Apply security controls such as micro-segmentation, IAM, encrypted communications, and continuous monitoring.
Ensure compliance with standards and frameworks including NIST, IEC 62443, ISO 27001, and GDPR.
4. Networking & Communication Protocols
Architect networks enabling seamless communication across OT and IT layers using protocols such as OPC UA, MQTT, PROFINET, Modbus, and REST APIs.
Define integration standards for legacy OT systems with modern IT and cloud environments.
Partner with network teams to implement QoS, redundancy, resilience, and monitoring for mission-critical operations.
5. Strategic Roadmap & Modernization
Define and deliver a long-term OT-IT convergence roadmap aligned with business and operational goals.
Integrate IT governance, standards, and lifecycle management into OT environments.
Lead modernization initiatives for legacy industrial systems to support emerging technologies.
6. Technical Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Lead cross-functional teams across IT infrastructure, operations, engineering, and cybersecurity.
Serve as the primary bridge between OT engineers and IT teams to ensure alignment and execution excellence.
Present architectural strategies, risks, and outcomes to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
15+ years of experience across industrial systems and IT infrastructure, with hands-on OT-IT integration project delivery.
Industry experience in manufacturing, energy, utilities, transportation, or process automation.
Technical Skills
Strong expertise in IT infrastructure including enterprise networking, data centers, virtualization, and cloud platforms.
Deep understanding of OT environments such as SCADA, PLCs, MES, and Industrial Control Systems (ICS).
Hands-on experience with OT-IT communication protocols (OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, REST APIs).
Advanced knowledge of cybersecurity tools and frameworks (firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, endpoint security).
Certifications (Preferred)
IT certifications: AWS/Azure Solutions Architect, Cisco CCNP, VMware VCP
OT certifications: IEC 62443, ISA, or equivalent
PMP, SAFe, or Agile certifications are a plus.
Soft Skills
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a solution-oriented mindset.
Strong communication and leadership skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to manage complex initiatives in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.
Preferred Attributes
Experience with IIoT and Industry 4.0 initiatives (smart factories, connected operations).
Exposure to AI/ML use cases such as predictive maintenance and operational optimization.
Knowledge of edge computing, 5G networks, and digital twins.