Principal Solution architect- Industry 4.0

Cognizant; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology solutions provider in Greater London is seeking a Solutions Architect for Industry 4.0 to drive digital transformation initiatives. This role involves developing and overseeing scalable solutions that leverage IIoT, AI, and cloud technologies. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree, over 15 years of relevant experience, and have strong problem-solving and stakeholder management skills. Join us to lead innovative projects and make an impact on manufacturing efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15+ years of experience in manufacturing operations management or industrial automation.
• Deep understanding of ISA-95, ISA-88, and GMP/GxP standards.
• Strong understanding of OT technologies including MES, SCADA, and PLC.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive architectural designs for Industry 4.0 solutions.
• Lead technical delivery of Industry 4.0 projects from concept through deployment.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, translating business challenges into technical solutions.

Skills

Solution Architecture

Problem-Solving

Communication

Analytical Skills

Stakeholder Management

Excellent communication skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Azure

AWS

Ignition

ThingWorx

Tulip

Job description

A solutions architect for Industry 4.0 develops, designs, and oversees the implementation of scalable, reliable, and secure solutions. These systems leverage emerging technologies like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), AI / ML, and cloud computing to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making for manufacturing operations. This role translates business requirements into technical blueprints, manages technology integration, and provides technical leadership throughout a project's lifecycle.

Overview

Overview is focused on driving Industry 4.0 initiatives by translating business needs into technical architectures and leading cross-functional delivery across OT/IT domains.

Key Responsibilities

• Solution Architecture & Design
  • Develop comprehensive architectural designs for Industry 4.0 solutions, including system blueprints, data flows, and integration diagrams.
  • Architect solutions that leverage IIoT, digital twins, predictive maintenance, and real-time analytics to optimize manufacturing and operational processes.
  • Ensure all designs comply with enterprise architecture standards and cybersecurity requirements, safeguarding data and system integrity.
• Technology Evaluation and Selection
  • Continuously research emerging technologies and recommend the most suitable technology stack, hardware, and integration frameworks.
  • Align technology choices with client requirements and strategic business objectives, ensuring scalability and future-readiness.
• OT / IT Integration
  • Oversee the seamless integration of operational technology (OT) systems such as PLCs and SCADA with information technology (IT) systems like MES, ERP, and cloud platforms.
  • Facilitate interoperability between shop-floor automation and enterprise-level systems to enable data-driven decision-making.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Work closely with business leaders, engineering teams, and operations staff to gather requirements and translate business needs into technical solutions.
  • Ensure that proposed solutions are aligned with the clients business goals and operational realities.
• Technical Leadership
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to development teams during solution implementation.
  • Conduct technical deep-dives to resolve complex issues and ensure solutions meet high standards for performance, security, and scalability.
• Project Delivery & Execution
  • Lead the technical delivery of Industry 4.0 projects from concept through deployment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including OT, IT, data engineering, and business stakeholders, to ensure successful implementation of smart factory and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Ensure all solutions comply with relevant regulatory standards (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP 5) and industry best practices.
• Client Engagement & Advisory
  • Act as a trusted advisor to clients, translating business challenges into actionable technical solutions.
  • Conduct workshops, technical assessments, and roadmap planning sessions to guide clients through their digital transformation journey.
  • Support pre-sales activities, including responding to RFPs / RFIs and delivering solution demonstrations.
• Innovation & Best Practices
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in IIoT, AI, cloud computing, and other Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Contribute to the development of reusable frameworks, reference architectures, and accelerators to drive innovation and efficiency.
• Risk Assessment
  • Identify potential risks and impacts associated with solution implementation.
  • Develop and implement mitigation strategies to ensure project success and minimize disruptions.
• Documentation and Governance
  • Create and maintain detailed architectural documents throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Contribute to the development and enforcement of IT / OT governance frameworks to ensure consistent and secure operations.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelors or Masters degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or a related field.
  • At least 15+ years of experience in manufacturing operations management, digital manufacturing, or industrial automation.
• Technical Expertise
  • Deep understanding of industry standards such as ISA-95, ISA-88, GMP / GxP, and manufacturing IT systems.
  • Strong knowledge of OT technologies, including MES, SCADA, PLC, and HMI.
  • Proficiency in cloud platforms (Azure, AWS etc).
  • Proficiency in low-code, no-code Industry 4.0 platforms (Ignition, ThingWorx, Tulip etc.).
  • Familiarity with industrial protocols (OPC UA, MQTT) and edge computing technologies.
  • Experience with data architecture, including SQL, NoSQL databases, and real-time data streaming (e.g., Kafka).
  • Understanding of IT / OT network fundamentals, microservices, APIs, and cybersecurity principles.
  • Familiarity with latest technologies such as GenAI, Agentic AI in the context of Industry 4.0.
• Manufacturing Domain Knowledge
  • Solid understanding of manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, and quality management processes.
• Analytical Mindset
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to break down complex business problems and translate them into structured technical solutions.
• Soft Skills
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills for effective interaction with diverse technical and non-technical teams.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and present technical concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Certifications (Preferred)
  • Certifications such as Azure / AWS Solutions Architect and TOGAF or equivalent enterprise architecture certification are highly desirable.