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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of Manufacturing Execution Systems for digital transformation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of industrial automation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bridging technology and operations in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in MES solutions and strong communication skills.
- Other info: 12-month contract with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
Are you the right applicant for this opportunity? Find out by reading through the role overview below.
Rate: £800/day (Outside IR35)
Duration: April 2026 - March 2027
Location: 3 days a week site-based in Dartford (Hybrid)
Overview
We are seeking a MES Architect to lead the strategic design and delivery of our Manufacturing Execution capabilities. This is a pivotal role acting as the bridge between Operational Technology (OT) and enterprise-level IT. You will be responsible for defining the blueprint that connects our shop floor operations to our broader digital ecosystem, ensuring a seamless, data-driven manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Capability Ownership: Act as the primary architect and subject matter expert (SME) for the MES domain, defining the roadmap for manufacturing digital transformation.
- OT Ecosystem Governance: Lead the architectural design for OT-aligned systems, including the integration of Operational Technology Enterprise Asset Management (OT EAM) solutions.
- Systems Integration: Ensure robust alignment and data continuity between the MES layer, ERP systems (SAP/Oracle), middleware/integration layers, and shop floor hardware (PLC/SCADA).
- Vendor Selection & Implementation: Provide technical leadership during the RFI/RFP process, evaluating vendor capabilities against business requirements and overseeing the subsequent implementation phases.
- Operational Excellence: Standardize manufacturing workflows to ensure scalability across multiple production sites while maintaining high availability and security standards.
Experience & Qualifications
- Proven Architecture Pedigree: Extensive experience in designing and delivering large-scale MES/MOM (Manufacturing Operations Management) solutions within complex industrial environments.
- Shop Floor Fluency: A deep technical understanding of manufacturing processes, including ISA-95 standards and the nuances of shop floor system hardware.
- Enterprise Integration Expertise: Demonstrated success in integrating MES with enterprise platforms (ERP, PLM, and WMS) to create a 'Unified Namespace' or similar seamless data architecture.
- Stakeholder Leadership: The ability to communicate complex technical architectures to both C-suite executives and shop floor operators, balancing business value with technical feasibility.
Technical Skills
- Expertise in leading MES platforms (e.g., Rockwell FactoryTalk, Siemens Opcenter, Aveva, or Apriso).
- Strong grasp of IIoT protocols (MQTT, OPC-UA) and API-led connectivity.
- Knowledge of EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) within an industrial context.
Note: This is a 12-month contract starting in April 2026, requiring a consultant who can hit the ground running to align our manufacturing systems with the next generation of industrial automation.
Locations
Semiconductor Quality Architect in Kent, Maidstone employer: Randstad Digital
Contact Detail:
Randstad Digital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Semiconductor Quality Architect in Kent, Maidstone
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Create a portfolio or case studies showcasing your past projects, especially those related to MES or manufacturing systems. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions in your field and practising your responses. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the role of a Semiconductor Quality Architect and how you can contribute to their digital transformation journey.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative and show genuine interest in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Semiconductor Quality Architect in Kent, Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Semiconductor Quality Architect role. Highlight your experience with MES and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in manufacturing digital transformation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to explain how your background aligns with our needs, especially in integrating OT and IT systems.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your expertise in leading MES platforms and IIoT protocols. We want to see how your technical skills can contribute to our operational excellence.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Digital
✨Know Your MES Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Manufacturing Execution Systems. Be ready to discuss specific platforms like Rockwell FactoryTalk or Siemens Opcenter, and how you've successfully integrated them in past roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have hands-on experience.
✨Speak the Language of Both Worlds
Since this role bridges Operational Technology and IT, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to communicate with both C-suite executives and shop floor operators, so being able to switch your communication style is key.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to discuss your approach to defining a roadmap for manufacturing digital transformation. Think about how you would standardise workflows across multiple sites while ensuring high availability and security. This will demonstrate your strategic capability ownership.
✨Be Ready for Technical Leadership Questions
Expect questions around vendor selection and implementation processes. Have examples ready where you’ve led RFI/RFP processes and evaluated vendor capabilities. This will highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise in the MES domain.