Jake Smith

Email: j@ke-smith.net

Linkedin: jakesmithqut

I am an Experienced OT and ICS Engineer with a robust background in cybersecurity, specializing in the mining industry. Proficient in managing and optimizing critical technology infrastructure, including networks, virtual machines, system hardening, and safe patch management. Proficient at aligning systems with IEC 62443 standards and implementing cybersecurity best practices guided by ISA, ASD, NIST, and CISA. With a deep understanding of Control Networks, I am committed to ensuring the reliability and security of OT environments, safeguarding critical infrastructure while maintaining efficient and uninterrupted industrial processes.


Unrestricted ability to work in Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union.

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Qualifications

Licences

  • ACMA Foundation Radio Licence (VK4AYE)
  • Drivers: C Class (Manual)
  • Section 4 Coal Board Medical (Expires 2026)
  • Standard 11 Surface and Underground [MZ5RESQG6C]
  • General Construction Induction [1608550]

Training

  • SANS ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security
  • Australian Signal Directorate: Essential Eight Assessment Course
  • Applied Netork Defense: Practical Packet Analysis
  • Various Lets Defend Courses

Projects

  • OT Infrastructure Vulnerability Mitigation and Visibility: Rolled out and configured ManageEngine to ensure safe patching and vulnerability visibility on the OT network, enhancing the security and reliability of critical operational systems without production disruption.
  • OT Network Stack Audit and Reconfiguration: Audited and safely reconfigured the OT network stack, implementing Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize traffic for PLCs and Gas Monitoring systems, ensuring no production disruption or downtime during the process.
  • Release Automation: Leveraged various monitoring points to facilitate automated control of mine-water dam release points during high-rainfall periods. The project included SCADA, HMI, and PLC programming. Under ideal conditions, the developed control system would allow for the release of mine-affected water, preventing dam overfill and allowing for optimized water management.
  • SCADA System Overhaul for Underground Coal Mine: Executed a comprehensive SCADA system overhaul for an underground coal mine, introducing a streamlined interface that significantly reduced breakdown downtime through optimized alarm masking and intuitive visualization of equipment interlocks.
  • Commissioning of Remote Pressure Skids: Orchestrated the commissioning of remote gas pressure monitoring skids, integrating them into the Citect SCADA via 5GHz radios with 900MHz redundancy.
  • Citect SCADA REST API: Conceptualized and implemented a RESTful API wrapper for Citect ctapi, providing the flexibility of interfacing through web requests as opposed to traditional connectivity to the ctapi.dll file.
  • Various SCADA and PLC Projects: Accomplished a series of SCADA and PLC projects for Anglo American, encompassing various applications such as sewage treatment plants, emulsion plants, dewatering, conveyors, and dust suppression and monitoring.
  • Care and Maintenance Transition: Efficiently transitioned the control systems infrastructure to a care and maintenance phase, skillfully coordinating the decommissioning of ventilation gas monitoring to avoid unnecessary power trips or operational delays.

Experience

OT and ICS Infrastructure Engineer, Glencore Australia & EEHA Automation

June 2024 – Present (Full-Time)

  • Secure and optimize operational technology to ensure safe and efficient mining operations across Glencore Australia's sites.
  • Worked closely with PCS engineers to automate parameter audits in Citect SCADA, detecting unauthorized setpoint changes to maintain operational safety.
  • Manage critical technology infrastructure including networks, virtual machines, system hardening, and safe patch management, ensuring alignment with IEC 62443 standards.
  • Lead cybersecurity initiatives, implementing industry best practices and techniques advised by ISA, ASD, NIST, CISA, and other industry experts.
  • Led the deployment and configuration of ManageEngine for safe patching and vulnerability visibility on the OT network.
  • Audited and reconfigured OT network stack, implementing Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize traffic for PLCs and Gas Monitoring systems without production disruption.
  • Maintained and implemented compliance with industry cybersecurity standards on an inherited brownfield site.

Control Systems Engineer (PCS), EEHA Automation

July 2020 – June 2024 (Full-Time)

  • Provided engineering support in automation and control systems within the underground coal mining industry.
  • Worked extensively with technologies such as Allen Bradley controllers, Citect, Ignition, RedLion, and VMware, and protocols like ETH/CIP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Modbus, and MQTT.
  • Handled all aspects of process control systems for client projects, from design and development to implementation and support.
  • Provided site PCS coverage with 24/7 technical support and troubleshooting to address system issues promptly.
  • Worked on multiple greenfield and brownfield projects involving both PLC and SCADA upgrades.
  • Implemented cybersecurity measures to protect control systems from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
  • Conducted regular security assessments and audits on control systems infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Collaborated with IT teams to ensure secure integration of control systems with OT networks.
  • Developed and maintained documentation for cybersecurity protocols, policies, and incident response plans specific to control systems.

Mine-site PCS Engineer, Anglo American & EEHA Automation

March 2021 – June 2024 (Full-Time)

  • Managed control system infrastructure in two underground coal mines as the sole on-site engineer.
  • Handled commissioning and decommissioning of automation systems, minimizing downtime.
  • Installed and maintained Process Control Systems (PCS) infrastructure, prioritizing safety and operational excellence.
  • Ensured the security and integrity of the OT network and ICS infrastructure through regular monitoring and threat detection.
  • Integrated advanced security measures such as passive network monitoring and access controls to protect site infrastructure from potential cyber threats.
  • Worked closely with site and corporate OT teams to ensure that site infrastructure is secure with patch management plans and vulnerability mitigation controls in place for unpatchable systems.

Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Internship, BMA

January 2020 – June 2020 (Full-Time)

  • Served as an Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Intern in the automation and control systems team at BMA's underground coal mine.
  • Developed an automated reporting system for daily production figures, longwall downtime, and other site statistics. This involved successful integration into OSI PI through the web API.
  • Acquired hands-on experience in design, implementation, and maintenance of automation and control systems specific to the mining industry.
  • Collaborated with a team of seasoned engineers and technicians, honing technical and collaboration skills.
  • Contributed to various projects, furthering understanding of practical application of electrical engineering and computer science principles in a real-world, industrial context.

Assistant SysAdmin, Wiley

August 2019 – July 2020 (Part-Time)

  • Managed and configured Active Directory, optimizing system operations and user access controls.
  • Took part in bolstering the company's cybersecurity protocols through Sophos official training, safeguarding vital information.
  • Assisted with server maintenance and upgrades, maintaining system efficiency and reliability.
  • Developed detailed documentation for systems and processes, supporting operational transparency and efficiency.
  • Supported remote maintenance and system configuration for construction sites across Queensland, ensuring uninterrupted and secure operations.
  • Provided general help-desk support, assisting with system-related issues and enhancing overall user experience.

.NET Developer, Prohelion

January 2019 – July 2019 (Part-Time)

  • Led the development of an integrated battery/charger management system for a solar-powered racing car, using .NET and Mono for cross-platform execution.
  • Implemented a Raspberry PI with a 7" capacitive touchscreen as the primary system interface, bolstered by a Linux Debian distribution.
  • Facilitated communication with the vehicle and charger through the PICAN 2 interface, utilizing the Controller Area Network (CAN bus) standard.
  • Successfully programmed the entire system using .NET, with Mono to enable its operation on the Debian-based Linux OS, Raspbian.