I’m seeing something unprecedented in the automation recruitment space right now. Since January, the demand for OT cybersecurity and industrial automation talent has absolutely skyrocketed across multiple sectors. This isn’t just the usual Q1 boost we see every year—what’s happening now feels like a fundamental shift in how industries are prioritizing these crucial skills.
Take the pharmaceutical sector, for example. One of my clients recently expanded their automation security team from three people to eight in just two months. And they're not alone. From oil and gas to energy, companies aren’t simply filling open positions—they're building entire new teams with a focus on OT security.
Why This Matters Now
If you look at the numbers, it’s clear something major is happening. Just in the first quarter of 2025, I’ve already seen a huge spike in OT cybersecurity roles compared to all of 2024. Companies are no longer asking, “Should we invest in OT security?” Instead, they’re asking, “How fast can we get the right people on board?”
What’s Driving This Growth?
Several key factors are fueling this explosion in demand:
- Rising cyber threats targeting industrial systems: The stakes are higher than ever with cyberattacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated.
- Regulatory pressures: Governments and industry bodies are ramping up requirements for better OT security across sectors.
- Legacy system integration: Many companies are struggling to connect old systems with new automation technology while keeping everything secure.
- Digital transformation: As industries modernize their processes, OT cybersecurity has become a top priority.
The Skills Companies Want
After working closely with clients in various industries, I’ve noticed some common themes in the skills companies are looking for in OT cybersecurity professionals:
- Strong background in industrial control systems: Companies need experts who know how industrial environments work and how to secure them.
- Experience with both IT and OT environments: A blended skillset is essential—IT and OT security aren’t the same, and you need professionals who understand both.
- Knowledge of security frameworks and compliance: Regulatory requirements are top of mind, so knowledge of security standards and frameworks is a must.
- Practical experience with SCADA and PLC systems: These systems are critical in industrial automation, and companies need people who can secure them.
- Project management skills for large-scale implementations: With OT security projects growing in scope, companies need people who can manage the complexity and scale of these initiatives.
Real Market Examples
Just last week, I worked with an energy company that needed to fill three senior OT security positions. They’d spent six months trying to fill these roles on their own with no luck. Within just two weeks, we had two of the positions filled with perfect candidates. Why? Because we truly understood the technical requirements, as well as the specific challenges they were facing in their industry.
What This Means For You
If you’re a professional in OT cybersecurity or industrial automation, this is the time to take your career to the next level. Companies are offering competitive packages, investing in training, and creating clear career progression paths to attract top talent.
For employers, the message is simple: act fast, but hire smart. The talent pool for experienced OT cybersecurity professionals just isn’t growing fast enough to keep up with the demand. So having a strategic hiring approach is key.
What’s Next?
The demand for OT security professionals isn’t going anywhere. If anything, I expect it to keep rising as more industries wake up to how critical OT cybersecurity is in their automation strategies.
Whether you're looking to build your OT security team or explore career opportunities in this booming sector, let’s connect. With our deep understanding of both the technical and business sides of OT security, we can help you navigate this fast-evolving market.
Get in touch today to discuss your OT cybersecurity and industrial automation needs. Whether you're hiring or looking for your next role, we’re here to help you succeed in this rapidly growing field.
