Rafael Barreto-Jijón is an OT cybersecurity and functional safety expert with more than 18 years of experience in critical infrastructure, petrochemicals, energy, and industrial automation. His career spans the full lifecycle of industrial systems, from engineering and operations to governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

He currently acts as OT Cybersecurity Engineer and Functional Safety Manager on one of Europe’s largest greenfield petrochemical projects, a multi-billion-euro investment, where he is responsible for end-to-end cybersecurity and safety across design, implementation, testing, and operational readiness. His work integrates IEC 62443, IEC 61511, and NIS2 requirements in complex, multi-vendor industrial environments.

Rafael is the Managing Director of RBJ Consulting and Services (RBJCS), supporting asset owners and operators across Europe and the UK with OT cybersecurity governance, risk assessments, security level verification, audits, and NIS2 readiness. His consulting portfolio includes energy infrastructure, battery energy storage systems, and large industrial facilities.

He is also a Qualified Trainer for the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificate Program and a member of the ISASecure technical committee, actively contributing to the development and practical application of industrial cybersecurity standards. He regularly speaks at industry events and delivers specialist training to engineers and decision-makers.

With a background in automation engineering, safety-critical systems, and high-risk industrial operations, Rafael brings a pragmatic perspective focused on real-world constraints. His work emphasises that cybersecurity, safety, and availability are inseparable in modern industrial systems.