Software Systems Architect

Company Description

Miller is about building things that matter. We lead the welding industry in building advanced, solution-focused products and meeting crucial needs for welding safety and health. Our products are designed with our users for manufacturing, fabrication, construction, aviation, motorsports, education, agriculture, and marine applications. Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (acquired in 1993). Miller Electric maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality, and responsiveness. Our tagline, “The Power of Blue®,” is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

The company began with an innovation that responded to customer needs, growing from a one-man operation in 1929, to the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding products. Miller keeps the tradition alive by focusing on its top priority: people. Fun fact: Niels Miller started the company in his little garage; similar to Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs!

Job Description

The Software Systems Architect will be a subject matter expert (SME) for supporting the Welding Segment Divisions on Connected Solution strategies for the Enterprise and be a key member of Divisional project teams for the design, development and integration of future connected solutions. This role will collaborate closely with ITW Welding Divisions in leveraging their expertise in delivering customer back innovation. In addition, this role will require partnering with 3rd party software provider(s) to deliver secure cloud-based products that provide strong customer value-based solutions. The System Architect brings cloud, edge device and data expertise to develop future connected solution strategies and simple, easy to use product designs that provide integration capability with existing products/solutions.

1. System Architecture Design:
   • Enterprise design oversight of overall architecture(s) to meet the Divisional project's functional and non-functional requirements, including scalability, security, and performance.
   • Provide SME input to ensure cloud-based solutions, support device-independent access, multi-tenant environments, consolidated security, and scalable.
   • Implement and maintain robust security controls, identity and access management, and compliance standards across cloud environments for continuous improvement of out cyber security posture.
   • Define integration points and interfaces with existing eco-systems, particularly Miller’s real-time welding information (Centerpoint) system and 3D CAD/CAM systems.
2. Collaboration & Communication:
   • Work closely with Division project managers, product owners, and business analysts across the Welding Segment, and coordinate with other project counterparts/3rd party firms to ensure alignment on project goals and deliverables.
   • Facilitate technical discussions and decisions among the development teams with 3rd party firms, ensuring that the architecture is implemented according to the design and project goals.
   • Collaborate with DevOps teams to implement continuous integration and deployment pipelines, ensuring seamless application deployments and updates.
3. Technical Leadership:
   • Provide technical leadership and guidance to the development teams, ensuring best practices in software architecture, threat analysis, design, coding and post-launch support are followed.
   • Lead the evaluation of new technologies, tools, and methodologies that could enhance software architectures/solutions.
   • Ensure that the system architecture & designs support SaaS models, including considerations for subscription management, multi-tenant user access control, and data, identity, and information security.
4. Quality Assurance & Testing:

• Support Divisional project teams in defining quality assurance strategies, including performance testing, security testing, and usability testing.
• Work closely with Divisional project teammates on integrating solutions within their existing systems and ensure that the end-to-end solution meets the required quality standards.
• Promote design reuse and commonality across Welding Divisions to ensure efficient CVE monitoring, fixing, automated testing and post launch firmware updating.

1. Documentation & Training:
   • Produce and maintain architectural documentation, including diagrams, technical specifications, guidelines and threat modeling decisions and resolutions.
   • Create and share technical roadmaps with internal and external stakeholders on the system architecture and key components that drive toward an Enterprise common solution.
2. Continuous Improvement:
   • Monitor and evaluate the performance of connected solution products by helping to identify areas for improvement and driving continuous enhancement of the system.
   • Stay up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies in cloud computing, welding management, asset management and SaaS platforms.
   • Stay up to date with Industry cyber security requirements and best practices (NIST SP800-218, IEC 62443, ISO 21434, etc.)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional certification in software architecture or cloud architecture (e.g., Azure, TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions Architect) is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in software development and system architecture, with a focus on cloud-based applications.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing SaaS solutions, preferably within an industrial or manufacturing context.
• Strong experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and microservices architecture.
• Demonstrated experience in integrating complex systems, particularly in the manufacturing or welding industry, is a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD/CAM systems and their integration into broader manufacturing processes.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Expertise in cloud computing, microservices architecture, and software design patterns.
• Strong knowledge of security best practices in cloud environments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to lead and mentor development teams.

Additional Information

ITW Welding is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.