Systems Architect, Innovation

Alliance Laundry System•Ripon, WI

About The Position

The Systems Architect is a hands-on, physical-product-centric integrator who partners with Product Management and Engineering to translate PRDs and VOC insights into clear, testable engineering specifications with full traceability. You will own device/edge architecture across controls electronics, sensors/actuators, firmware, HMI, connectivity, and power/safety, ensuring seamless integration with cloud/mobile by collaborating closely with Digital Technology and software teams. You will define and evolve new and updated system architectures, execute technology swim lanes (e.g., next gen controls, diagnostics/connectivity, HMI platform, in machine payments), and deliver technically proven reference architectures and implementations that accelerate product engineering. The role drives system commonization by standardizing reusable subsystems, interfaces, and components for platform reuse across product lines and regions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical/electrical/computer engineering, or related field required
At least 8 years of experience in systems engineering or system architecture for embedded electromechanical products (appliances, HVAC, tools, industrial equipment, robotics)
Demonstrated collaboration with Product Management
Translated PRDs into engineering specs with measurable acceptance criteria and full traceability
Cross-disciplinary depth in: Mechanical, EE/Controls, Firmware, HMI, Connectivity, IoT
Exposure in compliance/quality/manufacturing
Strong customer-needs intuition; converts outcomes into specs and tests
Excellent communication with cross-functional teams; clear, concise documentation
Data-driven problem solving; hands-on lab aptitude; comfortable in hybrid stage-gate + agile hardware processes
Position involves sitting long periods, standing, manual dexterity, stooping, bending and minimal lifting

Nice To Haves

Laundry/appliance experience preferred.
Experience in commercial laundry route/fleet or payment integration; building protocol, preferred
Exposure with AWS/Azure IoT, preferred
At least 1 year technical leadership in an Engineering team, preferred
Executive presentation skills, a plus

Responsibilities

Translate PRDs to engineering requirements
Partner with Product Managers, convert PRDs and VOC insights into a System Requirements Specification with measurable acceptance criteria
Maintain traceability from PRD → system requirements → subsystem specs → tests; manage change impact quickly and transparently
Facilitate trade-offs (performance, energy/water, cost/BOM, safety/compliance, schedule) with clear decision records
Establish best practices to ensure PRD-to-spec alignment across all products
Keep product requirements and technical specifications consistent and up to date across portfolios
Collaborate across Product, Engineering, and Digital, globally
Support the project prioritization alignment and development accelerations
Co-develop device-cloud communication with Digital Technology and ensure alignment; Digital owns cloud/mobile; you own device/edge and integration readiness
Develop and drive modern internal communication systems to provide project alignment with Engineering/Digital/IT
Establish components life cycle tracking systems to provide obsolescence tracking and timely alerts
Communication with global product and engineering teams (including Czech and Thailand) to gain buy-in and alignment on global projects
Architect and standardize reusable subsystems and components
Establish system architectures that drive commonization across product lines and regions
Translate customer outcomes (e.g., cycle time, rewash rate, uptime, payment success, technician first-time-fix) into testable metrics
Lead usability/HMI evaluations and pilot feedback loops; use modern tools to validate outcomes and refine requirements