Infrastructure & Smart Factory IT Support Specialist

The Infrastructure & Smart Factory IT Support Specialist is responsible for supporting and maintaining the plant floor IT infrastructure that enables smart manufacturing systems. This role ensures reliable connectivity for production equipment, supports digital transformation initiatives, and partners with manufacturing and engineering teams to integrate machines into Smart Connected Factory (SCF) systems and the broader digital thread.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide hands-on IT support for plant floor network infrastructure, including:

• Network cabling, switches, and patching
• LAN/WAN connectivity
• VLAN configuration and segmentation
• IP addressing and network device configuration
• Wired and wireless (Wi-Fi) network support

Troubleshoot and resolve network connectivity issues for plant floor devices, including:

• CNC machines, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial PCs
• IoT/edge devices and data collection systems
• Manufacturing execution systems (MES) interfaces

Support infrastructure readiness assessments for integrating machines into Smart Connected Factory (SCF) systems by:

• Validating network availability and performance and ensuring proper IP schema and connectivity standards
• Identifying gaps and recommending solutions

Ensure site IT hardware and software readiness to support:

• Support Manufacturing Digital Transformation initiatives and Digital Thread enablement across systems and equipment

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Engineering, Automation, and Corporate IT) to:

• Enable secure and reliable machine connectivity. Support deployment of smart factory technologies
• Maintain backup and develop strategies to ensure Continuity of manufacturing equipment connected to the IT system
• Maintain compliance with IT and cybersecurity standards

Assist with installation, configuration, and maintenance of plant floor IT equipment and systems

Required:

• 2-5+ years of experience in IT infrastructure support, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of: Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, VLANs, DHCP, DNS). Industrial network environments (OT/IT integration is a plus)

• Wired and wireless networking technologies

Preferred:

• Experience with manufacturing systems (MES, SCADA, PLC connectivity). Familiarity with Smart Factory / Industry 4.0 concepts.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity practices in industrial environments
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA)

Key Competencies:

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Collaborative mindset across IT and Operations teams
• Attention to detail and documentation discipline

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)