PLM Solutions Architect (Hardware Engineering IT)
Location:
Palo Alto, CA (100% onsite)
Pay Rate:$62–68/hour
Duration:
5-month contract
Schedule:
Standard business hours
Position Overview
A confidential joint venture in the automotive and technology sector is seeking a PLM Solutions Architect
to lead the design and implementation of a scalable Hardware Engineering IT landscape. This role requires a rare balance of strategic enterprise architecture vision
and hands-on system configuration expertise.
The ideal candidate is comfortable operating at both the executive strategy level and deep technical implementation level—translating long-term architectural vision into working, production-ready PLM solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Enterprise Architecture (Strategic / “Zoom-Out”)
- Own the end-to-end architecture of the Hardware Engineering IT ecosystem.
- Ensure PLM decisions within platforms such as 3DEXPERIENCE (ENOVIA) and Arena PLM align with a scalable, long-term enterprise strategy.
- Prevent system fragmentation and siloed data through thoughtful architectural governance.
Hands-On Implementation (Technical / “Zoom-In”)
- Configure PLM data models and system settings directly.
- Validate and troubleshoot MCAD/ECAD integrations at a technical level.
- Lead and execute Proof-of-Concepts (PoCs) to confirm architectural feasibility.
Integration & Digital Thread Design
- Design and maintain a robust Digital Thread across a heterogeneous tool landscape (e.g., Dassault, Autodesk, Altium, Cadence, Altair).
- Define data ownership and Master Data Management (MDM) strategies.
- Design and oversee system integrations via APIs and web services.
Process Harmonization
- Translate complex mechanical and electrical engineering requirements into scalable, standardized processes.
- Support and optimize workflows such as:
- Mechatronic BOM Management
- Engineering Change Management (ECO/ECN)
- Align processes with industry best practices and standards.
Technology Evaluation & Benchmarking
- Assess emerging tools, platform updates, and architectural patterns.
- Leverage experience with alternative PLM ecosystems (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter) to benchmark and recommend best-of-breed solutions.
Required Qualifications
Core Capabilities
- Ability to communicate complex technical topics at both executive and engineering levels (“Elevator Skill”).
- Strong balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
Experience
- 10+ years of experience as a PLM Solution Architect supporting Electrical Hardware Engineering in the automotive or high-tech industry.
- Proven experience designing and implementing PLM architectures in modern, cloud-based environments.
- Deep understanding of risks associated with monolithic PLM systems.
Technical Expertise
- Mandatory: Advanced expertise with Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE (ENOVIA)
- Strongly Preferred: Experience with Arena PLM
- Reference Experience: Siemens Teamcenter
- Solid understanding of MCAD, ECAD, and CAE tool integration and dependencies.
Domain Knowledge
- Strong understanding of cross-functional engineering dependencies (Mechanical, Electrical, Simulation).
- Ability to assess how component-level changes impact full vehicle BOMs and downstream systems.
Project & Vendor Management
- Experience working directly with external vendors, systems integrators, and service providers.
- Ability to define technical requirements, oversee solution delivery, and manage stakeholders.
Soft Skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across Business and IT teams.
- Pragmatic, results-oriented mindset with a strong focus on data integrity and architectural cleanliness.
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