Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Engineer
Senior

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Engineer

An Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Engineer is responsible for safeguarding critical industrial systems and networks against cyber threats. This role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures specifically tailored for ICS environments to ensure the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of automation and control systems. The engineer collaborates closely with IT and operational technology teams to identify vulnerabilities, develop security protocols, and respond to security incidents. They also stay updated on evolving threats and work to mitigate risks in compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Wages Comparison for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Engineer

Local Staff

Vintti

Annual Wage

$118000

$47200

Hourly Wage

$56.73

$22.69

* Salaries shown are estimates. Actual savings may be even greater. Please schedule a consultation to receive detailed information tailored to your needs.

Technical Skills and Knowledge Questions

- Can you explain the primary differences between IT security and ICS security, and why these differences are important?
- How do you approach the task of identifying vulnerabilities in a SCADA system?
- Describe a time when you implemented network segmentation in an industrial environment. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
- What are some specific protocols unique to ICS that you have experience securing? Can you provide examples of how you secured these protocols?
- Explain how you would perform a risk assessment for an ICS environment. What key factors would you consider?
- How familiar are you with regulatory standards and guidelines such as NERC CIP, IEC 62443, or NIST SP 800-82 in the context of ICS security?
- Can you discuss the importance of patch management in ICS environments and describe your experience managing patches without disrupting operations?
- How do you use Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) in an ICS environment? Can you discuss any specific tools you have used?
- Describe your experience with incident response in an ICS environment, including how you handled a specific incident and what measures were taken to prevent future occurrences.
- What strategies do you implement to ensure secure remote access to ICS networks, particularly for maintenance and remote monitoring purposes?

Problem-Solving and Innovation Questions

- Describe a time you identified a vulnerability in an industrial control system. How did you address it?
- How would you approach designing a security protocol for a legacy ICS environment with minimal disruption to ongoing operations?
- Describe a situation where a standard security solution was not applicable to an ICS environment. How did you innovate to protect the system?
- Explain how you would handle a detected anomaly in a critical ICS component during peak operational hours.
- Give an example of a challenging security problem you faced in an ICS project and the innovative solution you implemented.
- How would you integrate new, cutting-edge security technologies into an existing ICS infrastructure?
- Describe a scenario where you had to think outside the box to protect an ICS network from a sophisticated threat.
- How do you prioritize security measures when dealing with limited resources in an ICS environment?
- Explain a time when you had to collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to solve a complex ICS security issue. What role did you play, and what was the outcome?
- Describe how you would secure communications between OT and IT networks while ensuring minimal latency and high system reliability.

Communication and Teamwork Questions

- Tell us about a time when you had to explain a complex technical concept related to ICS to a non-technical stakeholder. How did you ensure they understood?
- Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a diverse team to secure an ICS environment. How did you manage differing viewpoints and expertise?
- How do you approach conflict resolution when disagreements arise within a team working on ICS security projects?
- Can you give an example of a time you needed to persuade senior leadership to invest in a new ICS security initiative? What was your strategy?
- How do you ensure effective communication and coordination between IT and OT (Operational Technology) teams in an ICS security context?
- Describe a scenario where poor communication led to a security issue in an ICS environment. What did you learn from it and how did you address the problem?
- Explain how you keep your team informed and aligned on ICS security policies and procedures. What methods do you use?
- How do you prioritize tasks and manage workload in a team setting when dealing with multiple simultaneous ICS security threats?
- Can you provide an example of how you've mentored or trained junior team members in ICS security best practices? What approach did you take?
- Describe a project where you successfully led a team to implement a new security measure in an ICS environment. How did you ensure everyone was on the same page throughout the project?

Project and Resource Management Questions

- Can you describe a project where you had to manage the security of an industrial control system from start to finish? What steps did you take to ensure its success?
- How do you prioritize tasks and manage resources when multiple ICS security projects are underway?
- Describe a time when you had to deal with resource constraints during an ICS security project. How did you handle it?
- How do you approach risk management in ICS security projects, and what processes or frameworks do you use to mitigate those risks?
- Can you give an example of a project where you had to integrate new ICS security measures with existing systems? How did you manage the integration process?
- How do you ensure that all team members and stakeholders are aligned with the project goals and timelines in an ICS security context?
- Describe your experience with budgeting for ICS security projects. How do you ensure projects stay within budget while meeting security requirements?
- How do you handle unexpected issues or changes in an ICS security project? Can you provide an example of a project where you successfully navigated such challenges?
- Can you describe a situation where you had to negotiate with vendors or suppliers for obtaining critical resources for an ICS security project?
- How do you track and report the progress of an ICS security project to senior management and other key stakeholders? What tools or methods do you use?

Ethics and Compliance Questions

- Can you describe a time when you identified and addressed an ethical issue in an ICS environment?
- How do you ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards in your ICS security practices?
- What steps do you take to stay current with changes in cybersecurity laws and regulations affecting ICS?
- How would you handle a situation where management asks you to bypass a security protocol for convenience?
- Describe your approach to ensuring third-party vendors comply with security policies and standards for ICS.
- How do you balance the need for robust security measures with operational efficiency in ICS environments?
- What strategies do you employ to promote a culture of ethical behavior and compliance among your team members?
- How do you document and report security incidents to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance?
- Can you discuss the importance of ethics in the development and deployment of ICS security technologies?
- How do you manage potential conflicts of interest while ensuring compliance and ethical standards within an ICS security project?

Professional Growth and Adaptability Questions

- Can you describe the most recent professional development course or certification you completed relevant to ICS security and what motivated you to pursue it?
- How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in ICS security?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to learn a new technology or tool quickly to address a security issue in an industrial control system?
- How do you approach continuous learning in the fast-evolving field of ICS security?
- Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment or job role related to ICS security.
- How have you contributed to or participated in professional communities or forums focused on ICS security?
- Can you tell me about a specific challenge you faced in your career that required you to develop new skills or knowledge in ICS security?
- What methods do you use to evaluate and incorporate new security practices or technologies into your work with industrial control systems?
- Can you share an instance when you had to change your approach to a security project due to evolving industry standards or regulations?
- How do you balance between practical hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in your professional growth within the ICS security domain?

Cost Comparison
For a Full-Time (40 hr Week) Employee

United States

Latam

Junior Hourly Wage

$30

$13.5

Semi-Senior Hourly Wage

$45

$20.25

Senior Hourly Wage

$70

$31.5

* Salaries shown are estimates. Actual savings may be even greater. Please schedule a consultation to receive detailed information tailored to your needs.

Read Job Description for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Engineer
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