Manufacturing Solution Architect

📍 Location: Cincinnati, OH / Louisville, KY / Lexington, KY / San Antonio, TX (Hybrid – Candidates must currently reside in one of these locations)About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Solution Architect to lead the design and implementation of enterprise-scale manufacturing technology solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background as a Solution Architect or Enterprise Architect with deep expertise in manufacturing operations, industrial automation, machine reliability, and enterprise systems integration.This role will drive digital transformation initiatives by integrating shop-floor systems with enterprise applications while enabling Industry 4.0 capabilities such as IIoT, predictive maintenance, AI/ML, and digital twins.Key ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with business stakeholders, engineering teams, and IT leadership to define solution architectures aligned with manufacturing strategy.Design scalable, secure, and high-performing solutions integrating manufacturing systems such as MES, SCADA, PLC, HMI, DCS, and enterprise platforms including ERP, PLM, QMS, and Maximo.Lead architecture for Smart Factory initiatives involving Industrial IoT (IIoT), predictive analytics, AI/ML, digital twins, and edge computing.Evaluate and recommend manufacturing technologies, platforms, tools, and vendor solutions.Ensure all solutions align with enterprise architecture standards, cybersecurity requirements, and regulatory compliance.Provide technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle, from solution design through implementation and operational support.Participate in Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, architecture reviews, and cross-functional collaboration.Support business process mapping, gap analysis, and system integration efforts.Develop and maintain architecture documentation including solution blueprints, integration patterns, and data flow diagrams.Identify and mitigate architectural and delivery risks.Stay current with emerging Industry 4.0 technologies and manufacturing innovation trends.Lead portfolio reviews to improve system stability, performance, scalability, and reduce technical complexity.Required QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related discipline.Master's degree is preferred.Experience10+ years of experience in Solution Architecture, Enterprise Architecture, Systems Integration, or related IT leadership roles.5+ years of experience within manufacturing or industrial automation environments.Experience delivering enterprise-scale manufacturing technology solutions.Technical SkillsStrong expertise in:Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)SCADAPLCsHMIDCSIndustrial NetworkingExperience with IBM Maximo or other Machine Reliability / Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) platforms.Experience integrating manufacturing applications with enterprise platforms including:SAPOracleMicrosoft DynamicsPLMQMSHands-on experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Microsoft Azure.Strong understanding of:APIsMiddlewareOPC-UAMQTTData ModelingOT/IT CybersecurityExperience with Industry 4.0 technologies including:IIoTPredictive MaintenanceDigital TwinsAI/ML-enabled Manufacturing SolutionsHands-on application development experience is highly desirable.Preferred QualificationsCandidates with experience designing and deploying enterprise Predictive Maintenance (PdM) solutions are highly preferred, including:Equipment sensor integrations (Temperature, Heat, Vibration, Cycle Time, etc.)Machine Learning and AI modelsMobile applicationsAlerting and notification platformsEnterprise integrationsSoft SkillsExcellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.Ability to influence both technical and business leadership.Experience leading cross-functional teams in Agile environments.Ability to balance evolving business requirements with long-term technology strategy.Passion for emerging technologies and continuous innovation.Preferred CertificationsTOGAFArchiMateAWS Certified Solutions ArchitectMicrosoft Azure Solutions ArchitectSAP PP/MERockwell AutomationSiemens Manufacturing CertificationsPMPAgile/Scrum Certifications