Junior OT/ICS Lab Engineer

Dragos · United States · Engineering

Posted 2026-08-12

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About the Role:

The Junior OT/ICS Lab Engineer is a hands-on technical role supporting the design, build, testing, and validation of operational technology environments. You will work alongside senior engineers to create realistic OT lab systems, test Dragos detection and response capabilities, validate platform performance, and support threat research activities. This role combines hands-on engineering work with exposure to real-world OT protocols, devices, and operational scenarios.

What We're Looking for:

You will need to be curious and hands-on. You understand networking fundamentals and are comfortable learning OT-specific concepts on the job. You're detail-oriented, methodical when troubleshooting, and not afraid to dig into technical documentation or ask for help when stuck. You work well in a collaborative environment, support other teams, and take ownership of lab infrastructure reliability. You're motivated by the mission—protecting critical infrastructure that civilization depends on—and you see this role as a springboard to deeper OT security expertise.

Responsibilities:

Lab Infrastructure & Operations

Build, configure, and maintain lab environments that simulate real OT operational scenarios

Set up and manage industrial control systems (PLCs, RTUs, HMIs) and networked industrial devices

Deploy sensors, data collection tools, and monitoring infrastructure to capture OT network traffic and telemetry

Document lab configurations, system topologies, and operational procedures for team reference

Testing & Validation

Execute test plans to validate Dragos platform capabilities against simulated OT threats and normal operational activity

Collect network traffic, device behavior, and telemetry data from lab systems to support research and product development

Assist in reproducing reported issues or edge cases in a controlled lab environment

Participate in threat scenario development and validation exercises

Support & Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot lab infrastructure issues, network connectivity problems, and device configuration challenges

Support internal and external teams requiring access to OT lab resources for research, testing, or validation

Contribute to lab documentation, runbooks, and training materials for team onboarding

Qualifications:

Required:

Strong foundation in networking: OSI model, TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, firewalls, and network protocols

Hands-on experience building or working with lab/test environments; familiarity with virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM) or containerization

Basic understanding of IT infrastructure and security concepts

Comfortability working at the command line (Linux/Windows); scripting skills (Python, Bash, PowerShell) a plus

Ability to follow technical documentation, troubleshoot systematically, and ask clarifying questions

Willingness to learn OT-specific protocols and operational technology fundamentals

Ability to perform basic fabrication and panel building, including mounting/installing panels to engineering drawings and wiring devices and components. Welding, instrument fitting, and conduit work are not required for this role

Preferred:

Familiarity with industrial protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, DNP3) or SCADA/HMI systems

Experience with network packet analysis tools (Wireshark, tcpdump) or protocol decoding

Practical experience with PLCs, industrial IoT devices, or control system engineering

Experience with electrical troubleshooting (e.g., diagnosing circuits, relays, control wiring) is a plus

Security certifications (Security+, CEH, GCIA) or cybersecurity coursework

Experience in critical infrastructure or manufacturing environments

Familiarity with ICS security frameworks (NIST, NERC CIP, IEC 62443)

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical Engineering field (or equivalent practical experience)

Compensation:

Salary:  $105,000

Competitive Equity Package

Comprehensive Benefits Plan

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