IT/OT Firewall Lead Engineer

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

Job overview and responsibilities

Join us at Syensqo, where our IT team is gearing up to enhance its capabilities. We play a crucial role in the group's transformation—accelerating growth, reshaping progress, and creating sustainable shared value. IT team is making operational adjustments to supercharge value across the entire organization.

Here at Syensqo, we're one strong team! Our commitment to accountability drives us as we work hard to deliver value for our customers and stakeholders. In our dynamic and collaborative work environment, we add a touch of enjoyment while staying true to our motto: reinvent progress.

Come be part of our transformation journey and contribute to the change as a future team member.

Syensqo, is seeking experienced IT/OT Firewall Engineers to join our cybersecurity team. This critical role is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining firewall solutions that protect both our Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in network security, with specific expertise in firewall technologies and a deep understanding of the unique challenges associated with securing IT and OT convergence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Firewall Strategy and Architecture: Develop and implement a comprehensive firewall strategy that addresses the security needs of both IT and OT networks. Design robust firewall architectures that ensure the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of critical systems.
2. Implementation and Configuration: Lead the deployment of firewall solutions, including hardware and software installation, configuration, and integration with existing network infrastructure. Ensure firewalls are optimized for performance and security.
3. Policy Management: Develop and maintain firewall policies and rules that effectively manage network traffic and access controls. Ensure policies are aligned with organizational security standards and compliance requirements.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance: Continuously monitor firewall performance and security logs to identify and respond to potential threats. Perform regular maintenance, updates, and patches to ensure firewalls remain effective against evolving threats.
5. Incident Response and Troubleshooting: Serve as a key responder in the event of security incidents affecting IT or OT networks. Lead troubleshooting efforts to quickly resolve firewall-related issues and minimize impact.
6. Collaboration and Training: Work closely with IT, OT, and cybersecurity teams to ensure a cohesive security posture across all environments. Provide training and guidance on firewall management and security best practices.
7. Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with firewall technology vendors and service providers. Engage with internal stakeholders to understand their security needs and ensure firewall solutions meet business requirements.

Education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or professional certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCNP Security) are preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in network security, with at least 3 years focused on firewall administration and management.
• Strong understanding of firewall technologies (e.g., Next-Generation Firewalls, IDS/IPS) and network security principles.
• Experience with IT/OT convergence and securing industrial control systems (ICS) and SCADA environments.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and security standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, IEC 62443) relevant to IT and OT security.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex security challenges.
• Outstanding communication and leadership abilities, capable of leading a team and engaging effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills and behavioral competencies

• Result orientation, influence & impact
• Empowerment & accountability
• Team spirit, building relationships, collective accountability        
• Strong leadership capability, executing as appropriate in the areas of responsibility
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technology solutions in business terms, establish rapport and persuade others

Language skills

English

What’s in it for the candidate

• Be part of and contribute to a once-in-a-lifetime change journey 
• Join a dynamic team that is going to tackle big bets
• Have fun and work at a high pace

About us

• Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
• At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.