Digital Plant Architect (Smart Manufacturing)

Job Title: Digital Plant Architect

Location: Saint Louis, MO

Department: Information Technology / Digital Transformation

Job Summary

The Digital Plant Architect is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing digital plant target architecture and related technologies to support the company's digital transformation journey toward smart manufacturing. This role bridges the gap between traditional manufacturing and digital/IT solutions by leveraging advanced digital tools and techniques to enable connected plants, paperless operations, and data-driven decision-making.

The Digital Plant Architect collaborates with cross-functional teams (e.g., OT, engineering, automation, plant operations, quality control) to integrate IT and OT systems, optimize production processes, and ensure seamless connectivity, scalability, and efficiency in a modernized manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end digital plant target architectures and data structures to enable seamless data interoperability and paperless factory operations.
• Integrate key technologies such as PLCs, SCADA, Environmental Monitoring Systems, Building Management Systems, Data Historians, MES, EBR, ERP production modules, and digital worker tools (e.g., DDMS, OEE).
• Develop interfaces and data transfer mechanisms to connect shop floor systems with enterprise applications like ERP and MES.
• Ensure interoperability and seamless communication between IT and OT systems.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies to identify innovation opportunities for digital plant transformation.
• Oversee the deployment of digital/IT solutions like MES, EBR, and Data Historians, ensuring they meet performance, cost, and timeline requirements.
• Govern digital plant IT solutions, optimize solution architecture, review business processes, and recommend the most efficient solutions while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

• Develop an integrated IT/OT process map spanning Level 0 to Level 4 of the ISA-95 model, incorporating both existing processes and future trends.
• Assess and map production data flow, from sensor data collection to order details in the ERP system.
• Design data flow mechanisms to support the overall production process value chain for digital transformation.

• Lead or contribute to digital plant programs and related projects, from requirements gathering to implementation.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including plant managers, engineers, software vendors, and contractors, to ensure project objectives are met.
• Communicate digital plant strategies, progress, and results to non-technical stakeholders, translating complex concepts into understandable business language.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial), or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in digital plant solutions design and implementation.
• Proven experience with MES, EBR, Data Historians, and digital worker technologies.
• Deep understanding of IT/OT technologies and processes across ISA-95 levels (Level 0 to Level 4).
• Familiarity with IoT technologies, data analytics, and machine learning concepts for industrial applications.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex manufacturing challenges into digital solutions.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C# for data processing and system integration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., IT, OT, automation, production, engineering).
• Knowledge of industry standards, validation regulations, and compliance requirements for manufacturing IT systems.
• Strong program and project management skills to lead digital plant initiatives.