At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative solutions for a major Manufacturing Execution System replacement.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading manufacturing environment in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £85,000, hybrid work model, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a regulated environment with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming manufacturing processes with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Solutions Architecture and strong understanding of automation technologies.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: On-site — Livingston/Glenrothes - Scotland (UK)
Type: Fixed-term (40 hours/week) Hybrid
Salary: Up to £85,000
Requires SC Clearance - please bear this in mind when applying.
About the role
We’re hiring an experienced Solutions Architect to join a Digital Technology Architecture team and play a key role in a major Manufacturing Execution System (MES) replacement programme. You’ll help translate business vision into robust end-to-end solution designs, working with internal stakeholders and third-party consultancy partners as part of a wider transformation. This is a hands-on architecture role spanning applications, data, integration, and security in a regulated manufacturing environment.
What you’ll be doing
- Architecture & design
- Own end-to-end solution architecture for MES replacement and shop-floor integration.
- Ensure alignment with enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, quality systems, SCADA, historians, and wider operational tech).
- Produce architecture artefacts: conceptual/logical designs, integration & data models, interface specs, and rationale.
- Technical leadership & stakeholder engagement
- Partner closely with the Lead Architect to maintain architectural consistency.
- Act as the key architectural contact for programme teams and consulting partners.
- Work with manufacturing, operations, engineering, QA and IT to meet business needs and constraints.
- Data, security & compliance
- Design effective MES data models, governance, manufacturing records, event logging, and quality data flows.
- Embed security-by-design (access control, traceability, segregation of duties, secure interfaces).
- Support compliance in regulated environments (auditability, validation, electronic records).
- Integration
- Define reliable integration patterns between MES, ERP, automation/OT and other operational applications.
- Ensure end-to-end process consistency across manufacturing, supply chain, quality and reporting.
What we’re looking for (essential)
- Proven Solutions Architecture experience on large-scale transformation programmes.
- Strong understanding of automation technologies, and common integration patterns.
- Experience using an enterprise architecture framework (e.g., TOGAF or similar).
- Strong knowledge across:
- Application architecture
- Data architecture, lineage, record management, governance
- Security principles in regulated/operational environments
- Integration (APIs, message-based patterns, OT interfaces, middleware)
- Experience working with third-party consultancies.
- Background in a highly regulated manufacturing environment (e.g., aerospace & defence, medical, etc.).
Desirable
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of (MES/manufacturing systems).
- Confident communicator with technical and non-technical audiences.
- Pragmatic, collaborative, able to influence across teams.
Solutions Architect in Edinburgh employer: Gattaca
Join a forward-thinking company in Livingston/Glenrothes, Scotland, where as a Solutions Architect, you will be at the forefront of a transformative Manufacturing Execution System (MES) replacement programme. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for SC clearance. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to maintaining a regulated environment, we provide a unique platform for you to make a meaningful impact in the digital technology landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Solutions Architect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. We recommend practising common interview questions related to architecture and integration patterns, so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach! When you’re chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience with MES and regulated environments. We want to see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Solutions Architecture, especially in large-scale transformation programmes. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on detailing your technical expertise! Mention your familiarity with automation technologies, integration patterns, and enterprise architecture frameworks like TOGAF. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you bring to the table.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your capabilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gattaca
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of Solutions Architecture, especially in relation to MES and integration patterns. Brush up on your knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks like TOGAF, as this will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've led architecture design or transformation programmes. Be ready to explain your role in these projects, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, particularly in regulated environments.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. Think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with various teams, such as manufacturing, operations, and IT, to meet business needs.
✨Emphasise Security and Compliance
Given the regulated nature of the role, be prepared to discuss how you embed security-by-design in your solutions. Highlight your understanding of compliance requirements and how you ensure auditability and validation in your architecture.