Solutions Architect (Indianapolis)

** 3-month contract to hire MUST be onsite a minimum of quarterly.

Top 3 must-haves:

• Strong technical skillset
• Should have done end to end architect work in Windchill for atleast 5 years
• Strong communication

What you’ll do:

• Evaluate, architect, and implement optimal Windchill PLM Systems, tools, and projects through collaboration with cross-functional IT and Engineering teams.
• Provide overall solution design, architecture, and strategic planning for the Windchill platform, defining best practices and long-term PLM roadmaps.
• Spearhead the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities into the PLM ecosystem to drive intelligent search, predictive analytics, automated data classification, and workflow optimization.
• Oversee, plan, and lead the execution of complex IT PLM projects, including system updates, upgrades, data migrations, and bulk import strategies.
• Architect robust integrations between Windchill and Enterprise Systems (ERP, SAP), overseeing connectors, adapters, data mapping, and reconciliation.
• Configure and programmatically manage lifecycles, complex workflows (ECO/MCO), and custom attributes utilizing Windchill Java APIs and extension frameworks.
• Work with Engineering functions to translate business challenges into IT solutions, driving functional efficiency, CAD data exchange (Creo, SolidWorks, NX), and CAD-to-PDM synchronization.
• Ensure system scalability and reliability through performance tuning (search, indexing, caching), robust security models (roles, groups, ACLs, namespaces), and data integrity auditing.
• Coach and mentor the IT PLM development team on best practices, new technologies, and solution design.
• Drive continuous improvement by leveraging Quality Engineering techniques, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines.

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in the architecture, development, and maintenance of Windchill PLM software.
• Expertise in Windchill Core, PLM Data Model, BOM concepts, and lifecycle management.
• Expert proficiency in Java development (SE/EE), Windchill Java APIs, REST/PDMLink web services, and UI customization (JSP/WTK/Angular).
• Strong knowledge of integrating Windchill with ERP/SAP systems and CAD data exchange.
• Expertise in Windchill administration, security models, backup/restore, upgrades, and patching.
• Experience with Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines, automated testing, version control, and release management.
• Experience or strong familiarity with AI/ML technologies (e.g., Python, NLP, predictive modeling) and a vision for integrating AI-driven tools or copilots into enterprise software architectures.
• Strong leadership, cross-team coordination, and excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience working in Agile methodologies.