Solution Architect

DS Smith; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging solutions provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Solution Architect to drive digital transformation initiatives, focusing on scalable and secure architectures. The ideal candidate should have expertise in MES platforms, predictive maintenance, and strong programming skills. It's an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative smart factory projects and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Python, SQL, and C#.
• Experience with IT/OT convergence tools.
• Strong understanding of control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement end-to-end digital architectures.
• Lead smart factory initiatives to drive innovation.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Skills

Digital architecture design

Predictive maintenance

Collaboration with cross-functional teams

Industrial protocols knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Education

Certifications in TOGAF, AWS Solution Architect, ISA-95, or IEC 62443

Tools

MES platforms (Aveva, GE Proficy)

SCADA systems

Azure IoT

Job description

time left to apply End Date: September 26, 2025 (30+ days left to apply)

job requisition id R-11102

About the role

As a Solution Architect, you’ll be at the forefront of our digital transformation journey, designing scalable, secure, and high-performance architectures that integrate enterprise IT systems with plant level operational technologies. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to implement smart factory initiatives, drive innovation, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

To enable real-time insights, predictive maintenance, and data driven decision making across our manufacturing sites.

Key Requirements

Design and implement end-to-end digital architectures integrating MES, SCADA, PLCs, ERP, and IoT platforms.

Lead smart factory initiatives including predictive maintenance, quality analytics, and OEE improvement.

Define standards for connectivity, cybersecurity, and interoperability between IT and OT systems.

Collaborate with production, maintenance, IT, and vendors to align solutions with business outcomes.

Evaluate and deploy technologies like edge computing, data historians, and cloud IoT platforms.

Ensure compliance with IEC 62443, ISO 27001, and other industry regulations.

Support deployment of manufacturing analytics and AI-based solutions.

Maintain high-quality documentation and facilitate knowledge transfer across teams.

About You

Certifications in TOGAF, AWS Solution Architect, ISA-95, or IEC 62443 are a plus.

Experience with MES platforms (e.g., Aveva, GE Proficy), SCADA systems, and IT/OT convergence tools (e.g., Azure IoT, Siemens MindSphere).

Strong understanding of industrial protocols (OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus) and control systems (PLCs, DCS).

Proficient in Python, SQL, C#, and industrial networking.

Deep knowledge of Industry 4.0, IIoT, and smart manufacturing technologies.

Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Comfortable working in dynamic environments and leading change across teams.

About us

DS Smith are a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services in more than 30 different countries. It’s a very exciting time to join, as we have committed to investing in our future across our strategic growth enablers within Innovation (R&D), Sustainability and Digital & Data.

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.

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Welcome

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