IT Manufacturing Architect - Western Digital

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

The IT Manufacturing Architect plays a critical role in designing, implementing, and maintaining the IT systems that support Western Digital's manufacturing operations. The IT MFG Architect is responsible for the process of developing solution architectures and designs that are responsive to business needs while consistent with the long-term architectures of IT. The IT manufacturing architecture must be aligned with Western Digital's business goals, promote agility and efficiency, and leverage the latest technologies to improve operational performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and oversee the IT architecture roadmap for the manufacturing domain, ensuring seamless alignment with the overarching enterprise architecture strategy. Maintain comprehensive documentation for the IT architecture and systems.
• Provide leadership to the solution architecture community of practice, ensuring the consistent integrity of end-to-end solution architecture and fostering functional relationships with other projects and applications in accordance with the long-term architectural roadmap.
• Conduct thorough analyses of manufacturing processes and workflows to pinpoint opportunities for IT-driven automation and optimization. Effectively manage and prioritize a portfolio of IT projects within the manufacturing domain.
• Offer technical leadership to business partners, engaging directly with senior business leaders to craft solutions with a focus on Manufacturing Systems that precisely meet the business needs.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies and trends in the manufacturing IT landscape. Possess a deep understanding of current technology, solutions, and industry trends, and conceptualize solutions that effectively address business needs, opportunities, and challenges. Lead discussions on solution options/alternatives and their associated impacts.
• Validate the alignment of solutions with corporate standards and compliance requirements. Establish and enforce IT security standards and protocols specific to the manufacturing domain.
• Spearhead the preparation for the architectural review process (e.g., ARB) to facilitate discussions regarding necessary modifications to project solution architecture, overcoming design challenges, or addressing deviations observed in project design.

REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or related field, preferably with a Master's degree.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in IT architecture design and implementation, with a strong focus on the manufacturing domain.
• Minimum 15 total years’ experience in other technical roles such as developer or system analyst
• Proven experience in designing and implementing MES, industrial automation, and other manufacturing systems.
• Experience with MES and Manufacturing technologies.
• Knowledge of industrial automation protocols and standards (e.g., Secs Gem, Modbus, OPC UA).
• Experience with data analytics and visualization tools.
• Agile development methodologies and Project Management methodologies.
• Deep understanding of IT security principles and best practices in the manufacturing environment.

SKILLS

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Experience working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York.  This range may be modified in the future.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance.  Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.