At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative solutions for a major MES replacement programme.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading manufacturing environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £85,000 and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a regulated environment with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming manufacturing processes with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Solutions Architecture and strong understanding of automation technologies.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 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 Livingston employer: Gattaca
Join a forward-thinking company in Livingston/Glenrothes, Scotland, where we prioritise innovation and collaboration in our Digital Technology Architecture team. As a Solutions Architect, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and offers competitive salaries, alongside the opportunity to work on impactful projects in a regulated manufacturing environment. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to security and compliance, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to significant transformation initiatives while enjoying a balanced hybrid work model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to Solutions Architecture. Think about how you’d tackle real-world problems and be ready to showcase your experience with MES and integration patterns.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and expertise. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your skills, especially in regulated environments like manufacturing.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Solutions Architect role. Highlight your experience with MES, integration patterns, and any relevant frameworks like TOGAF. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our Digital Technology Architecture team. Share specific examples of your past projects that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise in areas like data architecture and security principles. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve applied these skills in regulated environments, so be specific!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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 Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various teams, including manufacturing, operations, and IT. Highlight your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Prowess
Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in regulated environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and show how you navigated these challenges effectively.
✨Understand Compliance and Security Principles
Familiarise yourself with security-by-design principles and compliance requirements in regulated industries. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented these in past projects, as this is crucial for the role.
