Cyber Security Specialist II

Position Summary

The Nuclear Projects DPS Support Specialist/Technician provides specialized technical support for digital system and digital component upgrades executed by the Nuclear Projects organization at Robinson Nuclear Plant (RNP). This role ensures that all newly installed or upgraded digital assets comply with regulatory requirements, cybersecurity standards, and site-specific procedures.

This position works closely with Nuclear Projects engineering, project teams, and Digital Process Systems (DPS) personnel to support engineering changes, system upgrades, cybersecurity assessments, and digital integrations associated with plant modifications.

Important Scope Clarification:
This role is project-focused only and is not responsible for preventive maintenance, routine system maintenance, or ongoing monitoring of existing plant digital systems, except during plant emergencies or other critical situations as directed by management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Digital System Upgrades & Integration

• Support digital system updates and modifications in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59, applicable NRC regulations, and industry, company, and site-specific standards.
• Collaborate with Nuclear Projects engineering teams to integrate new digital technologies while ensuring compatibility with existing plant systems.
• Work with assigned project teams to define priorities, scope, and technical requirements for digital equipment supporting capital and modification projects.
• Coordinate with Digital Process Systems (DPS) personnel to ensure full compliance with standards and procedures before, during, and after installation.
• Serve as the Nuclear Projects Subject Matter Expert (SME) for DPS support related to project modifications and upgrades.
• Perform Cybersecurity and DPS reviews in support of Engineering Change (EC) development.
• Provide technical input to project budgets, schedules, and long-range planning activities.
• Independently execute non-routine technical projects with minimal oversight, managing schedules, interfaces, and deliverables.
• Execute Work Orders (WOs) and Work Requests (WRs) through the established work management system.

2. Cybersecurity & Regulatory Compliance

• Assist with the implementation and verification of cybersecurity controls for Critical Digital Assets (CDAs) in accordance with regulatory, company, and site-specific cybersecurity requirements.
• Participate in cybersecurity assessments and physical walkdowns to validate compliance for new and upgraded digital systems.
• Support cybersecurity assessments, documentation, and required presentations associated with digital system modifications.
• Assist the Nuclear Projects cybersecurity specialist team on an as-needed basis to support project execution and compliance activities.

Required Skills & Competencies

1. Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of digital instrumentation and control (I&C) systems, networking, and cybersecurity principles.
• Familiarity with PI systems, ERDS interfaces, and digital reliability analysis methodologies.
• Proficiency in techniques used to physically and logically harden CDAs and networks to mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• Prior industrial experience with:
• • Plant Monitoring Systems
  • Plant Security Computers
  • Cybersecurity Defensive Architectures
• Ability to read and interpret plant drawings, including:
• • Control wiring diagrams
  • One-line diagrams
  • Logic diagrams
  • Schematics
• Demonstrated working knowledge of:
• • Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP/IP
  • Network switches, routers, and firewalls
• Working knowledge of operating systems including:
• • Windows 10, Windows XP
  • Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2019, 2022
  • Linux
• Preferred: Familiarity with Duke Energy and/or RNP-specific DPS standards and procedures.

2. Safety, Security & Regulatory Compliance

• Strong understanding of NRC regulations, nuclear cybersecurity frameworks, and nuclear safety protocols.
• Ability to determine the safety, security, or emergency planning function of digital subcomponents within complex systems.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose complex system issues and implement corrective actions.
• Proficient in using diagnostic tools and interpreting system performance data.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain unescorted access at Robinson Nuclear Plant.
• Preferred: Familiarity with Duke Energy and/or RNP-specific cybersecurity standards and procedures.

3. Professional & Soft Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Self-starter with strong accountability, flexibility, and initiative.
• High attention to detail with a safety-first mindset.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, schedule, and execute work to deliver high-quality results within defined timelines.
• Comfortable working with minimal supervision on assigned projects.
• Willingness to occasionally work nights, weekends, or extended hours to support outages, regulatory needs, or emergent equipment issues.
• Ability to work safely in both office and industrial plant environments.

Education Requirements

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in:
• • Engineering
  • Engineering Technology
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Related technical discipline

Experience Requirements

• Required: Minimum 5 years of experience in a DPS and/or cybersecurity-related role within a U.S. commercial nuclear power plant.
• Preferred:
• • 5+ years supporting projects/modifications groups and/or design engineering within a nuclear environment.

Preferred Certifications

• NRC Cybersecurity Training
• ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
• Nuclear I&C Systems Certification
• Duke Energy and/or RNP-specific DPS or Cybersecurity qualifications