Architect

Architect

Freelance 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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TEKsystems

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and implement cloud data solutions for manufacturing processes.
  • Company: Leading firm in industrial technology with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team to revolutionise data management in manufacturing.
  • Qualifications: Experience with PLCs, industrial data protocols, and cloud platforms.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with potential for impactful contributions.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Key Objectives of the Role

  • Identify what machine and process data already exists within PLCs and control systems
  • Establish safe, read-only access to that data
  • Lay the foundations for a centralised cloud data lake
  • Enable reliable data visualisation and reporting as the next phase
  • De-risk future analytics, SPC, and optimisation initiatives

Key Responsibilities

  1. PLC & Shop-Floor Connectivity
    • Assess production equipment and identify:
    • PLC make, model, and generation (eg Siemens S7, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, Omron)
    • Available communication protocols (OPC UA/DA, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus)
  2. Work with maintenance and controls teams to:
    • Confirm Ethernet availability
    • Identify safe read-only data access options
  3. Document machine connectivity constraints and opportunities
  4. Data Discovery & Availability Assessment
    • Identify what process data is present at PLC level, including:
    • Machine states (run/stop/fault/idle)
    • Cycle counts and rates
    • Fault and alarm codes
    • Setpoints vs actual values
    • Key process variables (eg temperature, pressure, speed)
  5. Distinguish between:
    • PLC-resident data
    • HMI-only or report-level data
  6. Create a clear data availability Matrix by line and asset
  7. OT/IT Security & Access Alignment
    • Assess OT and IT constraints impacting data access
    • Ensure all connectivity approaches are:
    • Read-only
    • Non-intrusive
    • Aligned with OT safety principles
  8. Work with IT to align on:
    • Network segmentation
    • Firewall rules
    • Cloud connectivity patterns
  9. Cloud Data Lake Foundations (Next Phase Readiness)
    • Contribute to the design of a cloud-based data lake capable of ingesting:
    • PLC and machine telemetry
    • ERP, batch, and quality data (later phases)
  10. Define:
    • Raw vs curated data layers
    • Naming standards and timestamp handling
    • Basic data validation and quality rules
  11. Ensure shop-floor data is structured for downstream use (SPC, reporting, analytics)
  12. Data Visualisation Enablement
    • Support the transition from raw data to meaningful visualisation, including:
    • Line and machine status dashboards
    • Throughput, waste, and energy views
    • Early OEE-style metrics
  13. Work with analysts or BI developers (eg Power BI) to ensure:
    • Data models align with manufacturing realities
    • Metrics are traceable back to source signals
  14. Advisory & Roadmap Support
    • Provide practical recommendations on:
    • Which lines/assets to prioritise
    • Where quick wins exist
    • What should be phased later
  15. Help define a realistic roadmap from:
    • Connectivity- data lake- visualisation- SPC- advanced analytics

Required Experience & Skills

Essential

  • Strong Experience in manufacturing environments
  • Hands-on knowledge of PLCs and industrial control systems
  • Experience working with industrial data protocols:
  • OPC UA/OPC DA
  • Modbus
  • Profinet/EtherNet/IP
  • Practical understanding of OT safety and read-only access principles
  • Experience contributing to or designing cloud data platforms, such as:
    • Azure Data Lake/Fabric/Databricks (or equivalent)
  • Ability to translate shop-floor data into structured, analytics-ready datasets
  • Comfortable working on-site with operators, engineers, and IT
  • Desirable

    • Experience with industrial edge platforms (eg Kepware, Ignition, IoT Edge)
    • Familiarity with manufacturing KPIs (OEE, yield, waste, energy)
    • Experience supporting Power BI or similar BI tools
    • Exposure to SPC or quality analytics (not mandatory)
    • Consulting or advisory Experience in brownfield manufacturing sites

    Architect employer: TEKsystems

    As an Architect at our Peterborough location, you will join a forward-thinking team dedicated to harnessing the power of data in manufacturing environments. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and professional growth, offering opportunities to work with cutting-edge cloud technologies and industrial data protocols. Our commitment to employee development, combined with a focus on safety and operational excellence, makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
    TEKsystems

    Contact Detail:

    TEKsystems Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Architect

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company, understand their projects, and think about how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Practise common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your experience with PLCs and data systems.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Showcase your hands-on experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your practical knowledge of PLCs and industrial control systems. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in manufacturing environments.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Architect role!

    We think you need these skills to ace Architect

    PLC Knowledge
    Industrial Control Systems
    Data Protocols (OPC UA, OPC DA, Modbus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP)
    Cloud Data Platforms (Azure Data Lake, Fabric, Databricks)
    Data Visualisation (Power BI)
    OT Safety Principles
    Data Structuring for Analytics
    Manufacturing KPIs (OEE, yield, waste, energy)
    Edge Computing Platforms (Kepware, Ignition, IoT Edge)
    Communication Skills
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
    Documentation Skills
    Advisory and Consulting Experience

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Architect. Highlight your experience with PLCs, data protocols, and cloud platforms. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Let us know what excites you about working with data in manufacturing.

    Showcase Relevant Projects: If you've worked on projects involving data lakes or PLC connectivity, make sure to mention them! We love seeing real-world examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.

    Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

    How to prepare for a job interview at TEKsystems

    ✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of different PLCs and their communication protocols. Be ready to discuss specific models like Siemens S7 or Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, and how they relate to data access. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.

    ✨Demonstrate Data Discovery Skills

    Prepare to talk about how you would assess data availability at the PLC level. Think about examples where you've identified key process variables or created data availability matrices. This will highlight your hands-on experience and analytical skills.

    ✨Understand OT/IT Security Principles

    Familiarise yourself with the principles of OT safety and read-only access. Be ready to discuss how you would align OT and IT security measures, including network segmentation and firewall rules. This shows you understand the importance of secure data access in manufacturing environments.

    ✨Showcase Your Cloud Data Experience

    If you’ve worked with cloud data platforms like Azure Data Lake or Databricks, be prepared to share your experiences. Discuss how you’ve contributed to designing data lakes or structured datasets for analytics. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the next phase of data visualisation and reporting.

    Architect
    TEKsystems
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