IT / OT Solutions Architect & Technical Lead

IT / OT Solutions Architect & Technical LeadJob#: 3058489Job Description:Lead Solutions ArchitectManufacturing Network (PLAD) Technical LeadR2Next Program | Annapolis Junction / Linthicum Heights, MD | On site | No clearance requiredOur client, an engineering, research, and microelectronics manufacturing organization, runs a dedicated manufacturing network that connects manufacturing equipment across multiple buildings and rooms. The manufacturing network is intentionally kept off the larger enterprise network the client is building, and its major build milestones are complete. What exists today is functional but bare bones: a small set of servers, domain controllers, VMware hosts, email, SharePoint, Confluence, Office tools, and a large set of manufacturing applications, with only basic security and monitoring in place. The Lead Solutions Architect is the technical lead and single point of contact for the manufacturing team's network. This is not a maintenance role. You will lead our team supporting the network, keep the environment stable as it grows, turn it into a secure and fully functional network, and represent manufacturing users in the client’s larger plan for upgrading it. You will act as architect, team lead, and day-to-day project lead in one, and be the steady, experienced voice the client relies on. Overall enterprise architecture and integration are handled by another partner, and a separate vendor supports the manufacturing applications; you will work closely with both. How the Role EvolvesPhase Focus Now through January Lead the team deploying and building virtual machines and keeping PLAD running day to day. Learn the environment, its users, and its requirements, and set up the team’s working rhythm, documentation, and priorities. Stabilize and secure Close the gaps expected in a network of this type, including network monitoring, security tooling, backup, patching, and quality-of-life improvements, so PLAD is secure and functional before major upgrades begin. Build together Help shape and deliver the next phase of PLAD alongside the client, the architecture partner, and the manufacturing application vendor, representing manufacturing requirements and practical operating needs. Managed service Lead the transition into a steady-state managed service delivered by our team, with defined processes, service levels, and reporting. Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership and Point of ContactServe as the single accountable point of contact for PLAD across client IT leadership, manufacturing staff, the architecture partner, and the application vendor.Lead and coordinate our PLAD team, set priorities, assign work, track progress, and report status, risks, and decisions needed to client leadership.Bring calm, experienced judgment to a fast-changing environment, flagging risks early and keeping work organized and documented.Keep PLAD Running and GrowingOversee deployment and build of virtual machines and servers on VMware, and day-to-day operation of domain controllers, email, SharePoint, Confluence, and supporting services.Coordinate with the manufacturing application vendor so changes to the network or systems do not disrupt manufacturing tools or production.Apply manufacturing-appropriate change control: planned maintenance windows, tested rollback, and production availability first.Secure and Mature the EnvironmentAssess PLAD against what a well-run isolated manufacturing network should have, and build a prioritized plan to close the gaps.Recommend and implement network monitoring, logging, endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, and backup suited to a network with no direct internet access, including controlled processes for bringing in patches and software.Improve network segmentation across buildings and equipment areas, and harden servers, endpoints, and network devices against recognized baselines.Maintain accurate inventory, network diagrams, runbooks, and as-built documentation.Requirements and User AdvocacyReview the PLAD requirements set with the client team, and help confirm, prioritize, and phase what PLAD needs to become.Act as the advocate for manufacturing users: turn requests for a specific program into the underlying capability, and recommend options that fit PLAD’s security and support model.Evaluate emerging requests such as AI tools for the manufacturing environment, including what could run securely in an isolated network.Future State and Managed ServiceContribute PLAD expertise to the client’s overall upgrade plan, working with the architecture partner so PLAD stays aligned with it while remaining off the larger network.Provide input on lifecycle refresh, capacity, and budget for PLAD hardware and software.Define the processes, staffing, service levels, and reporting for our managed service, and lead the team through that transition.Technical EnvironmentCategory Environment Network Single manufacturing network across multiple buildings and rooms; Cisco switching and routing; no direct internet access; kept separate from the enterprise network. Servers and virtualization VMware vSphere hosts, Windows Server, domain controllers, and virtual machine build-out. Collaboration On-network email, SharePoint, Confluence, and Microsoft Office tools. Manufacturing Manufacturing applications and equipment across buildings, supported by a separate application vendor; client workstations used by manufacturing staff day to day. Security Basic security tooling today; target state adds monitoring, logging, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and hardened baselines aligned to NIST SP 800-171. What Will Make You SuccessfulOwnership: you treat PLAD as your environment and want to improve it, not just keep it running.A service mindset toward manufacturing users, including patience in finding out what they actually need.Collaboration with multiple vendors and client teams without losing accountability.Comfort with ambiguity while plans, scope, and team structure continue to evolve.Work Location and ConditionsPrimarily on site in Annapolis Junction and Linthicum Heights, Maryland, including time in manufacturing spaces across multiple buildings. No security clearance is required. Occasional after-hours work may be needed for maintenance windows. The initial engagement runs through March 2027 and is expected to continue into later phases and managed service.Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. 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