Solution Architect - Manufacturing

The Soltions Architect will support MES-led Industry 4.0 projects enhanced with emerging technologies such as machine vision, robotics, drones, edge computing, and automation. Operating within a research programme, it focuses on accelerating new or first-of-kind technologies for the organisation or delivery teams. The Solution Architect translates business requirements into high-level, future-state architectures, working closely with engineers to define how solutions would theoretically operate within the existing infrastructure.

The emphasis is on factory-of-the-future thinking5G-enabled, cyber-physical systems rather than traditional IT or enterprise architecture, and requires hands-on innovation experience in delivering advanced industrial solutions.

Key Responsibilities Own and lead the end-to-end manufacturing architecture across IT/OT landscapes Design, govern, and integrate MES and MOM solutions within complex manufacturing environments Define and own manufacturing data architecture, including data models, integration patterns, and analytics enablement Lead architecture decisions across applications, platforms, and enabling technologies used in manufacturing operations Act as the primary architectural authority for the programme, resolving complex technical and functional challenges Engage confidently with senior client and internal stakeholders to drive alignment and decision-making Provide architectural leadership to delivery teams, systems integrators, and vendors Ensure architecture aligns with security, resilience, scalability, and regulatory requirements Essential

Experience and Skills:

Deployment of Automated Engine External Capturing (AEEC) using camera and drone technology Roll-out of local MES tablets with the correct RR build Material sorting and clipping automation at Inchinnan (compressor blade manufacturing) Integration of MoFEM process modelling software into the RR IT estate Installation and use of Abacus (2021) for Inertia Welding modelling Manufacturing Intelligence Systems (MISSY) implementation Signature Analyser (SA) data capture from Winbro wire EDM machines Integration of AV&R machines and software with RR MES and ME systems Automation of turbine blade movement within manufacturing lines Deployment of Zoller automation solutions Architecture & Technology Manufacturing Enterprise Architecture and Solution Architecture leadership Data architecture experience (real-time, operational, and enterprise data) Integration technologies (e.g. middleware, event-driven architectures, APIs) Strong grounding in applications supporting manufacturing operations Leadership & Delivery Proven ability to lead and manage programmes independently Demonstrated experience working directly with senior stakeholders Strong executive-level communication and decision-making capability Industry credibility: someone who has done the job, not just advised on it British National mandatory SC Clearance preferred but not mandatory Client

Location:

Derby Expenses:
Yes Remote working (travel to client location as necessary)