Principal Platform Architect

The Principal Platform Architect will serve as a key leader within the Digital Technology (DT) team, working closely with Technology Engineering function. This role is responsible for the architectural strategy, technical governance, and solution design of next-generation platforms and applications including PLM (PTC Windchill), MBD/MBE, Digital Thread/Twin, AI/ML, and cloud-based engineering systems. This role will bridge business needs with technology strategy, define long-term architectural roadmaps, guide solution delivery teams, and ensure our platform ecosystem is scalable, sustainable, and aligned with enterprise standards and future state goals. How you'll Create Possibilities Define and evolve enterprise architecture strategies across PLM Systems, Engineering, and Lab environments enabling MBD/MBE, Digital Thread, Smart Manufacturing, and AI/ML initiatives. Act as the architectural authority across multiple engineering systems, applications, and cloud platforms (AWS/GCP), ensuring alignment with enterprise goals and standards. Lead technical architecture design for large-scale system implementations, migrations, and modernization efforts, including roadmap creation and system lifecycle planning. Collaborate with Product Owners, Business Leaders, Engineering Managers, and DT stakeholders to define solution architectures that meet functional and non-functional requirements. Provide technical governance and oversight for design decisions, ensuring reuse, security, scalability, and performance are consistently achieved across platforms. Drive platform modernization and cloud transformation strategies, including the adoption of AI/ML services, containerization, microservices, and data integration patterns. Translate business vision into architectural solutions that are future-ready, cost-effective, and easily maintainable, while driving simplification and automation. Guide development and DevOps teams by creating high-level solution designs, reference architectures, and technology standards. Mentor technical teams on best practices in software architecture, integration patterns, and emerging technologies within engineering systems. Partner with security, infrastructure, and compliance teams to ensure all architectural decisions meet security and regulatory requirements. Serve as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership, influencing platform direction and technology investments. Minimum Qualifications B.S. or M.S. in Computer Engineering, Software Architecture, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field 10+ years of progressive experience in enterprise architecture, solutions architecture, or platform leadership roles within engineering or manufacturing industries Deep understanding of PLM ecosystems (especially PTC Windchill, Creo, Navigate, ProjectLink, WQS) and how they integrate with CAD, MES, ERP, and enterprise systems 5+ years of architectural experience with cloud platforms (AWS and/or GCP), including design of hybrid cloud solutions, data flows, and infrastructure services Demonstrated leadership in AI/ML platform design in an engineering/manufacturing context (predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, intelligent automation) Hands-on knowledge of system integration patterns, APIs, microservices, event-driven architectures, and legacy modernization Experience developing architectural roadmaps, platform modernization strategies, and future-state blueprints Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence executives, cross-functional teams, and technical teams Strong understanding of software development methodologies (Agile, DevOps, CI/CD) and how to architect solutions to enable delivery agility Experience using tools such as Atlassian Jira, Smartsheet, ServiceNow, or similar for portfolio and program tracking Ability to balance strategic thinking with pragmatic execution able to roll up sleeves when needed, but focused on driving high-level outcomes Preferred Qualifications TOGAF, SAFe Architect, AWS Solutions Architect, or similar certifications Experience with digital twin/thread implementations Strong grasp of data governance, system security, and compliance in regulated manufacturing environments Demonstrated success in mentoring architecture and development teams Work Environment Expectations Ability to work both in-office and in manufacturing/lab environments Occasional travel and weekend/evening work as required by project needs Self-motivated, collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, innovation-driven culture