Azure IOT Architect

The Azure IoT Architect will lead the design, development, and delivery of advanced IoT solutions leveraging Microsoft Azure for manufacturing operations management. This role is responsible for translating business requirements into scalable, secure, and innovative technical architectures that drive digital transformation in manufacturing environments. The architect will handle RFPs, provide technical leadership, and act as a thought leader in Azure IoT and Industry 4.0, ensuring solutions align with best practices and deliver measurable business value.

Key Responsibilities

Solution Architecture & Design

• Architect end-to-end Azure IoT solutions for manufacturing, including device connectivity, data ingestion, edge computing, cloud integration, and analytics.
• Develop detailed system blueprints, data flows, and integration diagrams for IIoT use cases such as predictive maintenance, OEE, digital twins, and real-time analytics.
• Ensure solutions comply with enterprise architecture standards, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, GxP, 21 CFR Part 11).

RFP & Pre-Sales Leadership

• Lead technical responses to RFPs/RFIs, including solution design, effort estimation, and technical presentations.
• Collaborate with sales and business development teams to shape winning proposals and demonstrate Azure IoT capabilities to clients.

Technical Leadership & Delivery

• Provide hands-on technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle, from concept to deployment and support.
• Guide and mentor development teams on Azure IoT best practices, architecture patterns, and emerging technologies.
• Conduct architecture reviews, risk assessments, and ensure solutions meet performance, scalability, and security standards.

OT/IT Integration

• Oversee seamless integration of operational technology (OT) systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS) with IT systems (MES, ERP, cloud platforms).
• Enable interoperability between shop-floor automation and enterprise systems using open standards (e.g., OPC UA, MQTT).

Stakeholder Engagement & Thought Leadership

• Engage with business leaders, engineering, and operations teams to gather requirements and translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Act as a trusted advisor, conducting workshops, technical assessments, and roadmap planning for clients digital transformation journeys.
• Represent the organization at industry forums, webinars, and contribute to thought leadership in Azure IoT and Industry 4.0.

Innovation & Best Practices

• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in Azure IoT, edge computing, AI/ML, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Develop and promote reusable frameworks, reference architectures, and accelerators to drive innovation and efficiency.

Documentation & Governance

• Create and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, including solution designs, security models, and governance frameworks.
• Contribute to the development and enforcement of IT/OT governance and compliance standards.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in solution architecture, digital manufacturing, or industrial automation, with at least 5 years in Azure IoT-based solutions for manufacturing.

Technical Expertise

• Deep expertise in Azure IoT services (IoT Hub, IoT Edge, Digital Twins, Stream Analytics, Event Hubs, Azure Data Explorer, Logic Apps, etc.).
• Expertise in Azure DevOps and CI/CD pipeline implementation.
• Strong understanding of cloud security principles including RBAC and SAS.
• Strong understanding of containerization (Docker/Kubernetes).
• Ensure robust cloud security through RBAC and SAS implementation.
• Strong understanding of industrial protocols (OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus), edge computing, and device management.
• Experience integrating OT systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS) with IT/cloud platforms.
• Proficiency in data architecture, real-time data streaming, and analytics (SQL/NoSQL, Azure Synapse, Power BI).
• Solid grasp of cybersecurity principles, network fundamentals, and secure IoT deployment practices.
• Familiarity with manufacturing IT systems (MES, ERP, QMS) and standards (ISA-95, ISA-88, GMP/GxP).

Industry & Domain Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing operations, including production, quality, maintenance, and inventory management.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 concepts such as digital twins, predictive maintenance, and smart factory initiatives.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; able to break down complex business problems into structured technical solutions.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
• TOGAF or equivalent enterprise architecture certification
• Relevant certifications in IoT, cybersecurity, or industrial automation.