Senior Industrial IT/OT Integration Specialist

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you'll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS.
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Industrial IT/OT Integration Specialist to plan, design, and deliver Unified Namespace (UNS) related architecture, enterprise data integration strategy. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between OT and IT, enabling secure, contextualized, and reliable data flow from the shop floor (Level 2/3) to enterprise systems (Level 4). This role is critical to advancing our Smart Manufacturing roadmap, supporting predictive maintenance, yield optimization, and digital twin initiatives, particularly within a GMP-regulated life science environment.
What you'll do:

• UNS Architecture & Data Modeling: Lead the design and implementation of a Unified Namespace (UNS) using MQTT and sparkplug B, standardizing ISA-95 equipment hierarchies, ISA-88 process context.
• Data Integration & Middleware: Architect and maintain integrations between industrial systems (PLC, SCADA, Historians) and IT systems (MES, ERP, Data Lakes) using Kepware, Cogent, Ignition, and modern edge tools like HighByte Intelligence Hub, Quartic, etc.
• Data Contextualization: Contextualize raw manufacturing data (time-series) with operational context (batches, recipes, work orders) to make data usable for advanced analytics and AI.
• Pipeline Development: Develop and optimize data pipelines using Kafka, MQTT, and OPC protocols, ensuring high-frequency data ingestion with low latency.
• Smart Manufacturing Roadmap: Execute on Smart Manufacturing initiatives, including predictive maintenance, yield optimization, and digital twin modeling, using tools like Cognite Data Fusion.
• GMP Validation: Ensure all data integrations, middleware configurations, and data storage solutions are compliant with GxP regulations, maintaining data integrity and participating in validation exercises.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Process Engineers, Automation Teams, Data Scientists, and IT to map data requirements and deliver actionable insights

What you'll bring:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in manufacturing data engineering, OT systems, or industrial IoT (IIoT).
• Technical Expertise:
  • Data Middleware/Platforms: Deep expertise in Ignition, Kepware, HighByte Intelligence Hub, or Cognite.
  • Industrial Protocols: Advanced knowledge of OPC UA/DA, MQTT, BACnet, Modbus.
  • Data Structures: Strong understanding of ISA 95 and ISA 88 standards.
  • Cloud/IT Integration: Experience with Kafka, SQL, Python, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Domain Knowledge: Solid understanding of manufacturing levels 2-4 and data flow architecture.
• Regulatory: Proven experience with GMP validations in a regulated industry.

Additional skills:

• Experience in Life Science, Pharmaceutical, or Continuous Manufacturing industries.
• Experience leading or implementing digital transformation roadmaps (IIoT).
• Experience designing Digital Twins
• Fluency in English
• Client-first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach

How you'll grow:

• Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:
At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills-building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States , visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS .
Hybrid working model:
We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
Travel:
Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.
Considering applying?
At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems-the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.
If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.
ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.
Work Authorization:
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.
To complete your application:
An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.
NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.
Find Out More At:
www.zs.com
Salary: $160,000.00 - $177,000.00