RigIT Subject Matter Expert (SME)

• We are seeking an authoritative RigIT Network SME to serve as the Technical Design Authority for our client’s global offshore critical infrastructure.
• Moving beyond standard administration, you will own the roadmap for connectivity evolution, transitioning legacy assets toward next-generation architectures utilising Submarine Fibre, LEO constellations (Starlink/OneWeb), and SD-WAN.
• You will bridge the gap between Corporate IT and Industrial OT, acting as the primary escalation point for complex engineering challenges and ensuring operational continuity in hostile environments.

• Connectivity Roadmap: Define and drive the strategy for hybrid offshore connectivity, integrating high-latency VSAT with low-latency LEO and fibre solutions.
• High-Level Design (HLD): Produce and approve technical designs for redundant, fail-safe networks on floating assets (FPSOs, Drillships) and fixed platforms.

• Tier 4 Troubleshooting: Act as the final escalation point for critical outages. Diagnose complex routing loop, multicast, and QoS issues on Cisco IOS/XE and Juniper Junos platforms under high-pressure operational conditions.
• Protocol Optimisation: Tune BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP metrics specifically for high-latency/jitter satellite environments to prevent session drops in critical applications.
• Industrial Integration: oversee the secure convergence of Enterprise IT networks with Industrial Automation/OT networks (Drilling Control Systems, SCADA, PAGA), ensuring segmentation and safety.

• Global Mobilisation: Travel offshore (UKCS and International) to lead major commissioning projects, upgrades, and "cold stack" reactivations. (Duration: typically 2-3 weeks per trip).
• Vendor Management: Supervise third-party vendors (e.g., satellite providers, cabling contractors) during deployments to ensure adherence to "As-Built" documentation and rigorous acceptance testing.
• Physical Infrastructure Standards: Set the standards for structured cabling and hardware installation in hazardous areas (EX-rated environments), ensuring longevity against vibration, salt, and humidity.

• Cyber Defence: Architect robust perimeter security using Next-Gen Firewalls (Palo Alto/Fortinet). Implement strict segmentation between Crew Welfare (Wi-Fi) and Critical Business networks.
• Compliance: Ensure all offshore architectures align with IEC 62443 (Industrial Security), ISO 27001, and NIST frameworks.
• Safety Culture: Champion the "Safety First" culture offshore, ensuring strict adherence to Permit-to-Work (PTW) and ISSOW systems for all physical engineering works.

• Expert-Level Routing & Switching: Deep expertise in Cisco (CCNP/CCIE level) and Juniper environments.
• Proven mastery of BGP manipulation over satellite links.
• Satcoms & RF Knowledge: Strong understanding of the link budget and handover mechanics of VSAT (Ku/Ka-band) and LEO technologies (Starlink/OneWeb).
• Network Security: Hands-on configuration of NGFW (Palo Alto, Fortinet) and secure remote access (ISE, AnyConnect).
• Experience securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS/OT) is highly desirable.
• Cloud Networking: Proficiency in extending on-premise networks to Azure/AWS ExpressRoute and deploying SD-WAN edges (e.g., VeloCloud, SD-Branch).

• The "Rig Mindset": Ability to work autonomously in isolated environments. You understand that "rebooting" isn't an option during active drilling operations.
• Safety Certification: Must hold (or be willing to obtain) valid BOSIET, MIST, and offshore medicals.
• Global Mobility: Willingness to travel to harsh/remote locations (West Africa, Azerbaijan, North Sea) on short notice.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to work with the business and digital organisations to achieve positive business outcomes
• Documentation: Meticulous approach to creating and maintaining network topology diagrams (Visio) and low-level configuration guides.

• Offshore safety certifications (e.g., BOSIET, HUET or T-HUET, CA-EBS) for compliance and operational readiness
• Cisco CCNP/CCIE, CompTIA Network+, or equivalent advanced networking certifications.

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