Manufacturing OT Specialist

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

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WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

TheOperational Technology (OT) Specialist is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and security of industrial control systems and automation infrastructure within our automotive manufacturing environment. This role serves as the critical bridge between Information Technology (IT) and plant floor Operations Technology, ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient production systems across body, assembly, paint, and production operations.

| WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

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WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

Systems Management & Maintenance

• Install, configure, and maintain OT systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, DCS, MES, ERP, and industrial networking infrastructure.

• Monitor the health and performance of plant floor automation systems to minimize unplanned downtime.

• Perform routine preventive maintenance, firmware updates, and patch management on OT assets in accordance with change control procedures.

• Maintain accurate asset inventories, network diagrams, and system documentation.

IT/OT Integration

• Design and implement secure data pathways between IT enterprise systems (ERP, MES) and OT environments.

• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and IT teams to support digital transformation initiatives such as IIoT, Industry 4.0, and real-time production analytics.

• Define and enforce network segmentation strategies (e.g., Purdue Model / ISA-95) to protect industrial assets.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Implement and maintain OT cybersecurity frameworks aligned with NIST CSF, IEC 62443, and NERC CIP standards as applicable.

• Conduct vulnerability assessments and risk analyses on OT systems and connected devices.

• Respond to and investigate OT security incidents; develop and test incident response plans.

• Ensure compliance with internal IT/OT security policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Troubleshooting & Support

• Serve as escalation point for Tier 2/3 OT-related issues across production shifts.

• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and communication failures in industrial control systems.

• Provide on-call support for critical system outages impacting production.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead or support capital projects involving new equipment installation, line retooling, or facility expansions.

• Evaluate and recommend OT technology upgrades to improve reliability, efficiency, and security.

• Develop and deliver training to maintenance technicians and plant floor personnel on OT systems usage and best practices.

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WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:

• 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience

• Proficiency with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Fanuc)

• Experience with SCADA and HMI software (FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Ignition)

• Solid understanding of industrial networking protocols: EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, OPC-UA

• Working knowledge of industrial network architecture and managed switches (Cisco IE, Stratix, Ubiquiti)

• Familiarity with OT cybersecurity principles and tools:

• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on OT/ICS experience in a manufacturing environment; automotive industry experience strongly preferred.

• Experience with robotic systems (Fanuc, Kawaski)

• Familiarity with automotive production systems (production control, body shop, coatings, general assembly)

• Knowledge of MES platforms (Apriso, SAP ME, Plex, Ignition’ Fuuz)

• Relevant certifications: GICSP, CompTIA Security+, CCNA Industrial, ISA/IEC 62443

• Experience supporting lean manufacturing or Six Sigma environments

| SALARY RANGE:

The compensation  for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Base Pay Range (Annual)

101,174.00 - 151,761.00 USD Annual

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.

• Safety First

• Delight Customers

• One Team

• Relentless Improvement

• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy

• Respectful Collaboration

• Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.

Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at

slate-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.