Lead IT Infrastructure Architect (Manufacturing)

Description

• Design hybrid infrastructure solutions integrating cloud services with on-premises environments.
• Partner with plant operations and OT engineering teams to design secure and reliable infrastructure solutions supporting MES, SCADA, PLCs, automation, sensors, and IIoT platforms.
• Recommend modernization opportunities in compute, storage, hosting platforms, container platforms, and automation.
• Work closely with operations, engineering, and business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into well-architected technical solutions.
• Contribute technical assessments during M&A due diligence and support integration planning.
• Provide mentorship, knowledge sharing, and architectural direction during design and implementation phases.
• Develop architecture designs, patterns, and recommendations for key infrastructure domains, including:
• Collaborate with system integrators and service providers to ensure solution alignment with architectural guidance.
• Participate in design reviews and help ensure architectural integrity and alignment with organizational guidelines.
• Evaluate new technologies and support proofs-of-concept to determine business fit and value.
• Provide architectural input into backup, disaster recovery, and resilience initiatives.
• Ensure architectures support high availability, disaster recovery, and operational reliability goals.
• Work with Information Security to evaluate risks, apply hardening standards, and support remediation planning.
• Communicate architectural considerations, risks, and recommendations to functional leaders and project teams.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Ensure solution designs align to Zero Trust principles and relevant frameworks (NIST, CIS).
• Serve as a senior technical contributor and advisor to engineers within network, cloud, EUC, and infrastructure teams.
• Support vendor assessments, technology evaluations, and solution comparisons.
• Contribute architectural expertise to smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of infrastructure technology roadmaps within assigned functional areas.
• Support the development of IT/OT segmentation approaches, resilient connectivity models, and cybersecurity guardrails.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or professional certifications such as TOGAF, Azure Architect Expert, AWS Solutions Architect, CISSP, CCNP/CCIE.
• Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS)
• Virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V)
• Ability to read documents and communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with management, coworkers, and third parties.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive IT infrastructure experience, with at least 3 years in architecture or senior engineering roles.
• Internal Data Centers: compute, storage, virtualization, backup and recovery
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Direct experience in multi-site manufacturing environments.
• IT security architecture and compliance
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to design secure, scalable, and resilient enterprise infrastructure solutions.
• Experience leading infrastructure modernization and cloud transformation initiatives.
• Experience with MES, SCADA, IIoT, industrial automation systems, or similar plant-floor technologies.
• cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.
• Ability to remain seated/standing at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• End User Computing (EUC): endpoints, collaboration tools, device lifecycle, mobility, management platforms
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Networking (LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, segmentation, Zero Trust)
• Enterprise Networking: LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, Wi-Fi, segmentation, routing, connectivity standards
• Ability to physically move around the office and occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.
• Identity & Access Management (Active Directory, Entra ID, IAM frameworks)
• Adherence to Watts’ seven
• Experience supporting manufacturing environments and OT technologies.
• Strong expertise in multiple infrastructure domains:

Benefits

• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance