OT Talent Gaps Are Impacting Cybersecurity Readiness
As utilities modernize their grid infrastructure—digitizing substations, integrating distributed energy resources (DERs), and deploying advanced automation—the need for hybrid operational technology (OT) and cybersecurity talent has never been greater. The traditional pipeline of IT professionals and engineers is no longer sufficient to fill OT cyber roles. That’s not because the skills don’t exist, but because they exist in silos.
Instead of waiting for “unicorn” candidates with both OT and cyber expertise, utilities can bridge this gap by building their own “unicorn” through intentional cross-training and strategic competency mapping.
How Should Utilities Rethink OT Workforce Development?
The solution lies in a structured, competency-aligned development framework developed in partnership with utilities, research organizations, and academia that identifies the core skills needed for critical OT roles and maps pathways for existing talent to grow into them. Using a competency matrix enables utilities to develop an OT cybersecurity capability from within and leverage their existing workforce—field technicians, analysts, and engineers—to guide them through targeted learning and cross-disciplinary exposure.
“We have smart people already on payroll — field techs, plant operators, engineers. Let’s show them the path and support their transition.”
—VP of Operations, U.S. Utility
This approach creates a sustainable talent pipeline of jobs and career-progression opportunities that evolves with technological advancements, securing OT environments from within and enabling utilities to develop their workforce without solely relying on the external market. Recognizing that workforce transformation can face resistance, utilities should combine this approach with strong change enablement and clear communication to secure buy-in at every level.
Building OT Talent from the Ground Up
At the heart of this approach is the ScottMadden OT Workforce Competency Matrix—a framework that outlines specific technical and soft skills for key OT and OT cybersecurity roles, mapped across levels of complexity. The matrix defines two parallel tracks:
- OT Operations Pathway, ranging from OT engineers to utility plant operators
- OT Cybersecurity Pathway, ranging from SOC analysts to secure system architects
Each track defines the required competencies across areas such as:
- Technical knowledge (e.g., communication protocols, ICS platforms)
- Security awareness (e.g., threat modeling, incident response)
- Soft skills (e.g., problem-solving, communication, critical thinking)
“We’ve helped OT leaders reestablish structure after OT standard-driven efforts, applying a structured accountability model to define roles, training requirements, and governance — all mapped to real risk areas.”
—Luke Martin, Partner and OT Lead, ScottMadden
This competency-based approach identifies entry points from other professions, such as IT support or field technicians, and outlines how individuals can be upskilled to succeed in OT specific roles.
The result is a laddered model of workforce development, one that grows with the utility, is customizable, and makes smart use of existing talent.
Individual's Background Experience
Information Technology and Computer Science
Cybersecurity and Information Systems
Electrical and Power Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Associates Degree
Individual's Background Experience
Information Technology and Computer Science
Cybersecurity and Information Systems
Electrical and Power Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Associates Degree
Bridging OT Skills/Development Areas
Operational Technology Cybersecurity
Operational Technology (OT)
Traditional Background: Information Technology and Computer Science
Example Entry Role: IT Help Desk/System Admin
OT network architecture fundamentals
OT environment differentiators (compared to IT)
Communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3)
Secure remote access and patching for control systems
OT-specific threat detection and response
Traditional Background: Cybersecurity and Information Systems
Example Entry Role: SOC Tier 1 Analyst
ICS/SCADA system exposure
Vulnerability assessment in OT
OT system monitoring and alerting
Risk analysis with physical process awareness
Coordination with grid/engineering teams
Traditional Background: Electrical and Power Engineering
Example Entry Role: Power System Engineer
Cybersecurity principles in grid operations
Vulnerability assessment in OT
Secure design principles in system design
NERC CIP and compliance awareness
Traditional Background: Mechanical Engineering and Associates Degree
Example Entry Role: Field or Operational Technician
Cybersecurity fundamentals
Intro to networked OT systems
Communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, Modbus)
Physical security awareness
OT Cybersecurity Example Roles
OT Example Roles
OT Cybersecurity and Network Specialist
OT Cybersecurity and Network Architect
OT Security Specialist
OT Security Manager
Instrumentation and Controls Engineer/Technician
Power System Architect/Principal Engineer
Control Room Operations
Control Room Manager
Bridging OT Skills/Development Areas
Operational Technology Cybersecurity
Traditional Background: Information Technology and Computer Science
Example Entry Role: IT Help Desk/System Admin
OT network architecture fundamentals
OT environment differentiators (compared to IT)
Communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3)
Secure remote access and patching for control systems
OT-specific threat detection and response
OT Cybersecurity Example Roles
OT Cybersecurity and Network Specialist
OT Cybersecurity and Network Architect
Traditional Background: Cybersecurity and Information Systems
Example Entry Role: SOC Tier 1 Analyst
ICS/SCADA system exposure
Vulnerability assessment in OT
OT system monitoring and alerting
Risk analysis with physical process awareness
Coordination with grid/engineering teams
OT Cybersecurity Example Roles
OT Security Specialist
OT Security Manager
Operational Technology (OT)
Traditional Background: Electrical and Power Engineering
Example Entry Role: Power System Engineer
Cybersecurity principles in grid operations
Vulnerability assessment in OT
Secure design principles in system design
NERC CIP and compliance awareness
OT Example Roles
Instrumentation and Controls Engineer/Technician
Power System Architect/Principal Engineer
Traditional Background: Mechanical Engineering and Associates Degree
Example Entry Role: Field or Operational Technician
Cybersecurity fundamentals
Intro to networked OT systems
Communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, Modbus)
Physical security awareness
OT Example Roles
Control Room Operations
Control Room Manager
Start with Skills, Build a Future-Ready Workforce
The OT and OT cybersecurity workforce gap isn’t going away, but with the right approach, it can be closed from within. By focusing on competency-first development, utilities can attract nontraditional candidates, grow them strategically, and retain them with clearly defined career paths.
To learn more about why traditional hiring alone can’t meet today’s OT workforce needs and how a competency-based approach helps close these gaps, read more here.
ScottMadden helps utilities:
- Design and deploy competency-aligned workforce roadmaps
- Launch internal upskilling and rotational programs
- Reclassify and structure OT roles for risk and performance alignment
- Build career ladders that foster both technical and soft skill growth
- Train future-ready talent through NXT GEN OT programs (a suite of training offerings that prepare utility talent with hands-on, next-generation OT skills). Learn more about NXT GEN here
- Redesign OT programs for better governance, clearer roles, and scalable processes using the Governance, Organization, Structure, and Processes (GOSP) model. Learn more about the GOSP model here
We’ve also supported:
- NERC audit preparation and workforce redesign at top-tier utilities
- Full-scale OT program redefinition at generation fleets
- Cybersecurity tabletop-to-training pipelines for vertically integrated utilities
Contact us to explore how a competency-driven, implementation-ready approach can strengthen your utility’s operations and secure your infrastructure for the future. Let’s build your OT unicorns, one capability at a time.
