Solutions Architect - MES

at  Vertech

Solutions Architect – Industrial Programmer
The Solutions Architect will have many years of experience (18+), much of it at the Senior level and have proven, recognized specialist knowledge. They can work unsupervised, delivering projects from architecting the solution, assisting with proposal writing, prototyping the best technical approach to final sign-off. This person is one top management can give 100% trust to represent the company’s best interests when it comes to dealing with employees, customers, vendors, and partners.
The Solutions Architect will bring his or her expertise to architect the best solution to meet a customer’s requirements given the schedule and budget constraints. In some ways, they act as a Tech Lead, but may not be needed on the project once it has been mapped out and under way.
Essential Job Functions

The Senior Industrial Programmer is responsible for the following:

• Provide expert knowledge as a go-to resource available to all Vertech staff whenever such assistance is needed on any project.
• Create in-house training and knowledge transfer to other Vertech staff in an on-going basis (Vertech University) in their particular field of expertise.
• Work with the sales team with proposal writing and estimating based on industry expertise.
• Justify proper technology for various applications in a job proposal and project execution.
• Deliver a product, service, or process that adds to Vertech’s mission (and ultimately bottom line) on an annual basis.
• Fill gaps as needed on projects as staffing requirements dictate including:
• High level language programming for a variety of applications. This includes .NET, Java, Python, C, C++, etc.
• SQL database design and programming including stored procedures
• Design and program custom industrial applications
• Design and program software to automate design and industrial programming tasks
• Design and program reporting systems using data stored in SQL databases
• Design and program web based applications
• Program using various industrial SCADA packages
• Program using various industrial MES packages
• Design intuitive, easy-to-navigate, aesthetically pleasing user interfaces.
• Program clean, professional looking interfaces on a variety of platforms.
• Break project scope into tasks and deliverables and work with project management and junior engineers on technical execution.
• Communicate with project managers and customers regarding project updates and scope changes.
• Familiarity with formal design methodologies such as Agile and Scrum
• Maintain a current technical skill-set through any means necessary including reading, online training, attending seminars, formal classroom training, project experience, etc.
• Provide content for Vertech website and marketing such as blog posts and white papers
• Help mentor and train lower level programmers
• Perform at a leadership level in all areas of job responsibility
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Math, Software, Chemical, Mechanical or electrical engineering preferred, or relevant experience (2+ years)
• 12 or more years of experience in a similar industrial programming capacity.
• 10 or more years of experience with Ignition or Sepasoft is plus
• Understand at least two of the following: C#, C++, Java, Python and a subject matter expert in at least one.
• Proficiency in the design/architecture and programming of SQL databases
• Proficiency in web based development and systems programming
• Proficiency in commonly used industrial communications hardware including Ethernet, RS-232, and RS-485
• Proficiency in commonly used industrial protocols including Modbus, CIP, OPC-UA, and TCP/IP
• Ability to quickly understand complex applications
• Willing to travel up to 20% of the time
• Knowledge of and ability to apply industry standard software design practices and programming methodologies
• If not already certified, attain at least two of the Ignition gold, Wonderware Certified Developer, or WinCC OA Certified Engineer status within first year of employment
• If not already certified, attain certification in at least three MES related functional areas i.e. OEE, Recipe Management, Track and Trace, SPC, etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary duties. The work is active. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, travel to industrial job sites and mobility in construction areas is occasionally required. Lifting up to 40 pounds is required. The work requires sight, hearing, speaking, and typing capability.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary duties.
This job is performed in a variety of environments including climate controlled, indoor environments sitting at a desk, and outdoor construction environments where there will be loud noise, exposure to dangerous situations requiring Personal Protective Equipment, heavy equipment, and high voltages.
Career Path

The Solutions Architect must be able to fulfill all the career path expectations of a level I, II, III and Senior programmer. To advance to a Senior Solutions Architect position you must also have the approval of the executive management team. The below expectations are also required of a Solutions Architect.

• Computers and Networking
• Networking
• The Programmer should be able to design and implement complex networks and configure all needed hardware.
• Industrial Networks and Protocols
• The Programmer should have an expert level understanding and ability to use various industrial protocols such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, MQTT, etc. and be able to specify needed hardware that works with these protocols.
• Cloud Based Computing
• The Programmer should be able to design, setup, and configure distributed cloud computing services and virtual machines on any cloud based platform such as Azure or AWS.
• Soft Skills
• Client Interaction
• The Programmer should be the go to resource for customers in their area of expertise.
• Leadership
• The Programmer should have demonstrated the ability to lead small teams and be able to delegate and review tasks and mentor less experienced programmers.
• Business
• The Programmer should be able to make business level decision in conjunction with management.
• Knowledge Advancement
• The Integrator should be continuously focused on applying emerging technologies and applying them to our business growth.
• Knowledge Transfer
• The Programmer should be creating regular in-depth team training internally. They should also write case studies and at least one published article per year.

• Provide expert knowledge as a go-to resource available to all Vertech staff whenever such assistance is needed on any project.
• Create in-house training and knowledge transfer to other Vertech staff in an on-going basis (Vertech University) in their particular field of expertise.
• Work with the sales team with proposal writing and estimating based on industry expertise.
• Justify proper technology for various applications in a job proposal and project execution.
• Deliver a product, service, or process that adds to Vertech’s mission (and ultimately bottom line) on an annual basis.
• Fill gaps as needed on projects as staffing requirements dictate including:
• High level language programming for a variety of applications. This includes .NET, Java, Python, C, C++, etc.
• SQL database design and programming including stored procedures
• Design and program custom industrial applications
• Design and program software to automate design and industrial programming tasks
• Design and program reporting systems using data stored in SQL databases
• Design and program web based applications
• Program using various industrial SCADA packages
• Program using various industrial MES packages
• Design intuitive, easy-to-navigate, aesthetically pleasing user interfaces.
• Program clean, professional looking interfaces on a variety of platforms.
• Break project scope into tasks and deliverables and work with project management and junior engineers on technical execution.
• Communicate with project managers and customers regarding project updates and scope changes.
• Familiarity with formal design methodologies such as Agile and Scrum
• Maintain a current technical skill-set through any means necessary including reading, online training, attending seminars, formal classroom training, project experience, etc.
• Provide content for Vertech website and marketing such as blog posts and white papers
• Help mentor and train lower level programmers
• Perform at a leadership level in all areas of job responsibility
• Other duties as assigne