Top Prescreening Questions to Ask Industrial Control Systems Specialist for Better Candidate Selection

What type of industrial control systems (ICS) are you most familiar with?

This is a great opening question to gauge the candidate's familiarity with the various types of ICS. Whether they're experienced with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), or others, this question will reveal it all.

How have you helped to implement and maintain security measures in ICS environments?

ICS environments can be incredibly fragile when it comes to security. This question helps you understand the candidate's role in implementing, maintaining, and enhancing ICS security.

Have you ever conducted vulnerability assessments for industrial control systems?

Vulnerability assessments are a crucial part of optimizing ICS environments. A candidate with comprehensive experience in conducting these assessments gets added points for sure!

What is your understanding of the unique cybersecurity risks related to industrial control systems?

Understanding the cybersecurity risks related to ICS is imperative. It’s a key aspect you, as an employer, would want in a potential candidate.

Can you describe your experience with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) platforms?

Experience with SCADA platforms is quite crucial for candidates aiming for a role in ICS. This question helps you uncover their skill level and the depth of their experience.

Could you describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue related to an ICS?

Troubleshooting is a paramount skill. This question sheds light on their problem-solving skills and how they tackle unexpected ICS challenges.

How would you explain the purpose of an industrial control system to someone without technical knowledge?

The ability to explain complex technical terms in lay language can make a candidate highly appealing. This will not only ascertain their understanding but also show their inherent ability to communicate effectively.

Could you give an example of designing and developing control interfaces and data systems?

This question seeks to understand the candidate's technical knowledge and their ability to create productive systems, mandating integration of both design and development abilities.

Do you have experience working with third-party vendors and integrators?

Experience with third-party vendor management is an added advantage in candidates. This suggests their ability to deal with external parties, manage resources, and ensure seamless integration of third-party solutions.

Are you familiar with regulatory compliance related to industrial control systems?

Regulatory compliance ensures that the candidate knows the standards and legislation associated with ICS. It’s an important skill to have in this domain.

Can you describe some strategies you have implemented for upgrading or replacing outdated control systems?

Understanding a candidate's approach towards adopting new technologies and phasing out obsolete systems is a good indicator of their adaptability and strategic thinking.

Have you ever been involved in diagnosing, repairing, and testing for hardware, software, and system problems?

Understanding their hands-on experience in dealing with operational issues in various facets of ICS can go a long way in determining their efficiency.

Do you have experience with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)?

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) are integral to many ICS environments. A candidate with experience in PLCs can add significant value to your organization.

Can you describe your experience with modern network technologies, operating systems and application software?

An understanding of modern technologies is necessary in this fast-paced world. It shows the candidate’s ability to keep up with current trends.

What certifications do you currently have that are applicable to the role of an Industrial Control Systems Specialist?

A candidate with relevant certifications is typically seen as an asset, showcasing their dedication, credibility, and technical know-how in the field of ICS.

What policies, procedures, and standardization processes do you use to ensure system security?

Policies, procedures, and standardization are pivotal to system security. Their response to this will unearth their methodology towards maintaining system security.

Could you discuss a successful control systems improvement project you were part of?

Digging into their past success stories provides direct insights into a candidate’s real-world experience and their contributions. This can shed light on their skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

Can you discuss your experience with risk management involving industrial control systems?

This question provides insights into a candidate's capabilities regarding risk identification, evaluation, and mitigation in an ICS context.

Do you have experience simulating and testing process improvements?

A candidate's experience with simulation and testing process improvements can reveal their analytical thinking and their ability to drive system optimization.

What process do you employ in determining the root cause for an industrial control system defect or malfunction?

Finally, understanding how a candidate identifies a problem's root cause is indicative of their diagnostic abilities, systematic thinking, and tenacity.