Senior Smart Factory Architect

Rehlko•Sheboygan, WI

6d•$117,000 - $149,500

About The Position

This position is a critical role in Rehlko’s Smart Factory digital transformation initiative, where Enterprise Information Technology (IT) partners with the business to deliver solutions across diverse global manufacturing sites. As a member of Rehlko’s Enterprise IT organization, this role is responsible for the solution architecture, functional design, testing, deployment, and support of Smart Factory IT applications. Responsibilities include partnering with internal teams and vendors for technical development, leveraging existing solutions, and continuously exploring emerging Smart Factory technologies. The ideal candidate brings strong IT application experience and a background implementing solutions that support manufacturing processes. Additional beneficial experience includes: Implementing/integrating enterprise systems (e.g., ERP) Understanding IT infrastructure (networks, servers, manufacturing end-user devices) Familiarity with cybersecurity principles Experience with SCADA/PLCs (a plus) Supply chain experience, particularly inventory management and material flow. This position may require domestic and international travel. Serve as the technical advisor for the design, implementation, and maintenance of Smart Factory systems Prepare architecture design materials and present them to senior leadership Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and standards documentation Provide on-call escalation support and establish SLAs Review capacity, utilization, and system performance Participate in multiple concurrent development projects Collaborate with all management levels and project leaders to define system objectives and solutions Provide updates to the Smart Factory COE Mentor team members and provide technical direction on assigned projects

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in information technology or manufacturing engineering (preferred)
5+ years of MES/Manufacturing Operational Technology experience
Extensive expertise and accomplishments across IT technologies supporting manufacturing and operations
Experience with multiple architecture domains and plant-level technologies such as networks, control systems, PLCs/SCADA, and instrumentation
Strong understanding of integration, security, and infrastructure architecture as Smart Factory enablers
Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation, and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Implementing/integrating enterprise systems (e.g., ERP)
Understanding IT infrastructure (networks, servers, manufacturing end-user devices)
Familiarity with cybersecurity principles
Experience with SCADA/PLCs (a plus)
Supply chain experience, particularly inventory management and material flow

Responsibilities

Provide positive, forward-thinking leadership in designing and implementing IT systems
Challenge obsolete practices and eliminate non-value-added activities
Develop practical system scope aligned to business requirements
Control project scope, resources, schedule, and quality to meet objectives
Lead or supervise small project teams across IT and business stakeholders
Analyze problems, recommend solutions, and ensure efficient operation of existing systems
Maintain strong understanding of manufacturing processes and their digital implications
Prepare and lead project review meetings and leadership presentations
Produce system designs, project plans, schedules, test plans, and documentation
Comply with established development methodologies and standards
Develop high-level system specifications
Support system documentation, user procedures, and test planning
Coordinate and execute system testing
Create and maintain architecture standards easily understood from plant floor to leadership
Partner with plants and Enterprise IT to build secure, cost-effective manufacturing systems
Provide architectural roadmaps and strategic direction
Align business strategies with IT architecture
Serve as SME and owner of standards for automation solutions and manufacturing technologies
Manage life-cycle of Smart Factory IT architecture
Stay current on emerging technologies and bring innovation to the business
Manage vendor, service provider, and partner relationships