Enterprise Solutions Architect

Title: Enterprise Solutions Architect Location: Houston, TX Type: Long-term contract. Schedule: On-site. Position Overview The Enterprise Architect is responsible for designing and implementing enterprise-wide IT and operational technology (OT) solutions, with a focus on aligning manufacturing processes, IT/OT systems, and IT systems consolidation. This role ensures that the organization's technology architecture supports business objectives, enhances operational efficiency, and drives digital transformation in a manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities • Strategic Architecture Planning: • Develop and maintain a comprehensive enterprise architecture framework that integrates manufacturing, IT, and OT systems to support business goals. • Align technology strategies with organizational objectives, ensuring scalability, security, and resilience. • Identify opportunities for IT/OT convergence to optimize manufacturing processes and data flow. • IT/OT Integration: • Design and implement solutions to integrate IT and OT environments, enabling seamless communication between manufacturing systems (e.g., SCADA, PLCs, MES) and enterprise IT systems (e.g., ERP, CRM). • Ensure cybersecurity measures are embedded in IT/OT integration to protect critical manufacturing infrastructure. • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to modernize legacy OT systems and enable real-time data analytics. • IT Systems Consolidation: • Lead initiatives to consolidate disparate IT systems, reducing complexity and improving operational efficiency. • Evaluate and rationalize existing applications, platforms, and infrastructure to eliminate redundancies and optimize resource utilization. • Develop migration strategies for legacy systems to modern, cloud-based, or hybrid architectures. • Manufacturing Technology Optimization: • Architect solutions to enhance manufacturing operations, including automation, IoT, and Industry 4.0 technologies. • Support the adoption of smart manufacturing practices by integrating advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning into production workflows. • Ensure alignment between manufacturing technology investments and enterprise-wide digital transformation goals. • Stakeholder Collaboration: • Work closely with business leaders, manufacturing teams, IT/OT teams, and external vendors to gather requirements and ensure alignment. • Provide technical guidance and leadership to cross-functional teams during solution design and implementation. • Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders to drive buy-in and adoption. • Governance and Compliance: • Establish and enforce architecture standards, policies, and best practices across IT and OT domains. • Ensure compliance with industry regulations (e.g., NIST, ISO, GDPR) and cybersecurity standards for manufacturing and IT systems. • Conduct regular architecture reviews to ensure alignment with evolving business and technology needs. Qualifications • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. • Experience: • 7+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, with a focus on manufacturing, IT/OT integration, or IT systems consolidation. • Proven track record of designing and implementing complex IT/OT solutions in a manufacturing environment. • Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and OT technologies (e.g., SCADA, PLCs, MES). • Technical Skills: • Expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman). • Strong knowledge of IT/OT convergence, including protocols like OPC UA, MQTT, and industrial IoT platforms. • Familiarity with cybersecurity standards and tools for securing IT/OT environments. • Proficiency in system integration, data modeling, and API design. • Soft Skills: • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. • Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities. • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects. Preferred Qualifications • Certifications such as TOGAF, CISSP, or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE). • Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies, including IoT, AI, and digital twins. • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and process optimization.