Solution Architect - DS Smith : Job Details

About the role

As a Solution Architect, you’ll be at the forefront of our digital transformation journey, designing scalable, secure, and high-performance architectures that integrate enterprise IT systems with plant level operational technologies. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to implement smart factory initiatives, drive innovation, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

To enable real-time insights, predictive maintenance, and data driven decision making across our manufacturing sites.

Key Requirements

• Design and implement end-to-end digital architectures integrating MES, SCADA, PLCs, ERP, and IoT platforms.

• Lead smart factory initiatives including predictive maintenance, quality analytics, and OEE improvement.

• Define standards for connectivity, cybersecurity, and interoperability between IT and OT systems.

• Collaborate with production, maintenance, IT, and vendors to align solutions with business outcomes.

• Evaluate and deploy technologies like edge computing, data historians, and cloud IoT platforms.

• Ensure compliance with IEC 62443, ISO 27001, and other industry regulations.

• Support deployment of manufacturing analytics and AI-based solutions.

• Maintain high-quality documentation and facilitate knowledge transfer across teams.

• Travel required: approx. 20%.

About You

• Certifications in TOGAF, AWS Solution Architect, ISA-95, or IEC 62443 are a plus.

• Experience with MES platforms (e.g., Aveva, GE Proficy), SCADA systems, and IT/OT convergence tools (e.g., Azure IoT, Siemens MindSphere).

• Strong understanding of industrial protocols (OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus) and control systems (PLCs, DCS).

• Proficient in Python, SQL, C#, and industrial networking.

• Deep knowledge of Industry 4.0, IIoT, and smart manufacturing technologies.

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Comfortable working in dynamic environments and leading change across teams.

About us

DS Smith are a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services in more than 30 different countries.  It’s a very exciting time to join, as we have committed to investing in our future across our strategic growth enablers within Innovation (R&D), Sustainability and Digital & Data.

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.

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