CR - Alajuela, Coyol, Costa Rica
5 hours ago
Sr. Operational Technology Engineer

Life Unlimited. At Smith and Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.  

Are you interested in making a global impact?  Sr. Operational Technology Engineer plays a strategic and hands-on role in leading the deployment, enhancement, and governance of manufacturing systems across Smith Nephew. This role focuses on enabling Manufacturing 4.0 through IIoT, digital data capture, real-time analytics, and OT/IT integration. Operating within a cross-functional environment, the Senior OT Engineer identifies opportunities, develops scalable solutions, ensures system performance, and drives long-term value aligned with site and global objectives. The role also contributes to maintaining OT standards, supports system compliance and validation, and serves as a technical mentor within the OT team. Additionally, this position offers engagement with critical industrial control systems, OT infrastructure, and digital tools that directly impact operational efficiency.

Level position *Only for internal candidates P3

What will you be doing?

Project Leadership & Digital System Deployment: Leads strategic digital manufacturing projects using tools such as Tulip, Power BI, Power Apps, and others. Translates user needs into robust OT solutions. Partners cross- functionally (with IT, Operational Excellence, Data Analytics, and Operations) to design, implement, and scale manufacturing systems globally. Ensures project delivery aligns with cost, quality, compliance, and timeline requirements. Provides hands-on support through the full project lifecycle, including design, training, and hypercare.

Technology Integration & Enablement: Identifies, evaluates, and applies technologies for IIoT, data acquisition, and connectivity. Implements protocols such as OPC UA, MQTT, and REST to enable seamless data flow and system interoperability. Supports IT/OT integration efforts within the Franchise. Drives execution of established architectures and ensures adherence to best practices and standards

Mentorship & Capability Building: Mentors junior OT engineers and Users-as-Developers (UADs). Promotes adoption of digital tools, shares best practices, and builds technical capability across the franchise.

Operational Support & Franchise Collaboration: Provides advanced support for OT systems and applications. Assists support team with troubleshooting. Implementation of initiatives, and alignment to franchise- level goals. Promotes knowledge sharing and consistency across sites.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement: Ensures digital systems meet all applicable regulatory, cybersecurity, and validation requirements. Maintains documentation, supports audits, and drives improvements through data insights and KPI monitorin

What will you need to be successful?

Successful candidates would need the following:

​Education Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or Computer), Computer Science, or a related technical field.

Licenses/Certifications Lean/Six Sigma, PMP, GAMP5, CISSP, or relevant IT/OT certifications (e.g., Cisco, Microsoft)

Experience 5+ years of experience in Operational Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, or Industrial IT. Proven track record in delivering IIoT and smart manufacturing projects in regulated environments. Strong knowledge of industrial networking, PLCs, SCADA, and system integration. Experience implementing/administering Tulip, Power BI, Power Apps, or similar digital factory and visualization tools. Experience with validation practices in regulated industries (e.g., medical device, biopharma). Familiarity with Agile and DevOps methodologies.

Competencies Technical Knowledge & Leadership Demonstrates strong technical expertise in Operational Technology, including MES, shop floor automation, factory IT, and industrial networking. Applies hands-on knowledge to both strategic and tactical decisions. Supports project delivery with a deep understanding of system integration, compliance, and digital manufacturing tools. Guides teams through complex OT challenges while promoting best practices. Learning Agility & Manufacturing Insight Exhibits curiosity and the ability to rapidly adapt to new technologies, tools, and methodologies. Understands manufacturing KPIs, system validation principles and regulatory standards in medical device or other regulated environments. Execution & Accountability Drives plans and projects with clarity and precision. Develops objectives aligned with strategic goals, communicates clearly across teams, and delivers consistent results. Holds self and others accountable for quality, timelines, and outcomes. Mentorship & Team Capability Provides direction and support to junior engineers and Users-

as-Developers (UADs). Encourages a learning culture, develops capabilities across the franchise, and promotes autonomy through coaching and structured knowledge sharing. Empathy, Resilience & Global Collaboration Demonstrates cultural sensitivity, patience, and adaptability when engaging with global teams. Responds constructively to challenges and navigates ambiguity with professionalism and a solution-oriented mindset. Communication & Language Proficiency Fluent in English and Spanish. Capable of articulating complex technical topics clearly and tailoring messages to diverse audiences. Uses strong written and interpersonal communication to align cross-functional teams.

SCOPE

Supervision No direct reports. May mentor junior OT Engineers (P1–P2) and Users-as-Developers (UADs). Provides technical guidance and onboarding support for new team members.

Internal Relationships Works closely with site teams, manufacturing operations, IT, and cross-functional partners across the franchise to execute OT strategies and projects.

External Relationships Interfaces with external vendors, contractors, and solution providers. May contribute to vendor evaluations, proof-of-concepts, and technical reviews.

Organization Influence Recognized as a technical subject matter expert (P3 level). Supports cross-site standardization and may contribute to franchise or global OT working groups and forums.

Limits of Authority Operates independently on assigned projects. May contribute to recommendations on system architectures, solution designs, and project prioritization aligned with franchise OT s

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be independently mobile.

Requires interaction with computers and peers.

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Extended computer use may be required.

You. Unlimited

Inclusion and equity: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving, learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/)

Other reasons why you will love it here!

Your future:  stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.

Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.

Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave,  

Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.

Training: Training program, unlimited learning.

Extra perks: employees association, and more

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