IT / OT Engineer in Darmstadt

We are seeking an experienced IT/OT Field Engineer to support a large-scale laboratory instrument connectivity programme at a pharmaceutical manufacturing and research site. The successful candidate will play a critical role in preparing, connecting, and validating laboratory instruments for integration into an enterprise laboratory data platform.

This is a highly hands-on position requiring a blend of IT infrastructure, networking, operational technology (OT), and laboratory systems experience. Working closely with laboratory personnel, site IT teams, and project stakeholders, you will ensure instruments are technically ready for onboarding and data connectivity activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Locate, assess, and prepare laboratory instruments for platform onboarding activities.
• Verify that instrument PCs and servers are connected to the appropriate corporate network and comply with network zoning requirements.
• Coordinate network access, firewall approvals, DPI registration, and port configuration activities with site IT teams.
• Identify and validate accessible file shares, network drives, and data sources for instrument integration.
• Support the deployment and configuration of data collection agents/connectors on instrument workstations.
• Capture instrument information, including make, model, software version, firmware version, and associated technical documentation.
• Collect representative raw instrument data files to support data mapping and integration activities.
• Perform readiness assessments to ensure instruments meet onboarding requirements before integration activities commence.
• Proactively identify, communicate, and elevate technical or operational risks that could impact project delivery.
• Support testing and validation activities, resolving connectivity and infrastructure issues as required.

Required Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in an IT/OT Field Engineering, Infrastructure Engineering, or Systems Support role.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, including:
• Experience connecting laboratory, manufacturing, or industrial equipment to enterprise systems.
• Comfortable working within live operational laboratory or manufacturing environments.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across hardware, networking, and system connectivity issues.
• Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders including IT teams, technical specialists, and operational users.
• Experience with laboratory data platforms or scientific data integration solutions.
• Previous experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or other regulated environments.
• Knowledge of GxP-regulated operations.
• Familiarity with Chromatography Data Systems (CDS), laboratory informatics platforms, or scientific instrumentation.
• Experience supporting file-based data collection and integration processes.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Information Technology, Instrumentation, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.