About the Role
Establish and govern a standardized IT/OT Automation Platform architecture for terminals, defining the equipment, system, data, and interface requirements necessary to create a scalable, configurable, secure, and interoperable platform. This role is pivotal for transitioning from individual automated machines to a connected ecosystem of autonomous and highly automated equipment, robots, and systems, leading to a coherent smart terminal operation based on Industry 4.0 principles.
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The position encompasses ownership of the terminal automation architecture from Level 0 to Level 3 under the TIC 4.0 terminal automation topology, defining automation-side data and interfaces with Level 4 systems. Furthermore, it manages the data strategy and governance, addressing OT cybersecurity and connectivity, and acts as a business product owner for selected platform systems including IoT, Digital Twin, and Fleet Management System.
Key Accountabilities
- Smart-terminal platform architecture: Define and maintain the target IT/OT architecture for Levels 0 to 3, ensuring interfaces to upper layers are well-defined. Establish internal standards, specifications, and policies covering areas such as interfaces, data, connectivity, and cybersecurity. Develop a testing and validation strategy for integrations and updates within the architecture.
- Business product owner of platform systems: Act as the business product owner for selected systems, which may include Fleet Management System, IoT, and Digital Twin. Define their functional specifications, business requirements, interfaces, and roadmap, while coordinating with internal and external development teams through requirements, KPIs, and release roadmaps. Collaborate with business units to prototype solutions and conduct proofs of concept.
- Data strategy and governance: Own the data strategy and governance model for the architecture, setting rules for data retention and sharing. Work with cross-functional teams to identify data-driven use cases and aid in translating data into operational and business insights.
- OT Connectivity and Cybersecurity: Define automation-side requirements for OT networks, including edge, private 5G, and future connectivity technologies. Develop prescriptive OT cybersecurity requirements and systems for secure data exchange, remote control, and management.
- Digital Twin: Define the Digital Twin concept for the automation domain, outlining its contribution to value creation. Position it within the architecture and lead working groups to coordinate contributing workstreams, bridging the gap between live terminal operations and a dynamic simulation model by integrating process data collection.
Qualifications, Experience, and Skills
Qualifications
- Degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, automation, control engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
Essential experience and capabilities
- Ten or more years of experience in IT/OT architecture, industrial automation, or control systems, especially in complex operational environments.
- Proven track record in defining or implementing target, reference, or solution architectures for connected industrial systems, preferably across multiple sites.
- Strong understanding of PLCs, SCADA, industrial IoT, edge computing, industrial networks, and the integration of OT and IT systems.
- Experience in translating architectural visions into practical standards, technical requirements, roadmaps, and initiatives.
- Background in platform or technical product management, managing requirements and coordinating development teams.
- Ability to serve as a technical authority in a supplier-led environment, ensuring compliance with specifications.
- Practical knowledge of OT cybersecurity and resilience in industrial settings.
- Relevant experience in advanced industrial environments such as ports, logistics, automotive, manufacturing, mining, warehousing, aviation, or with control-system suppliers.
Desirable experience
- Experience with Fleet Management Systems, Equipment Control Systems, autonomous orchestration, robotics, or related platforms.
- Familiarity with digital twins, industrial simulation, or data-driven development.
- Knowledge of private 5G networks and industrial IoT innovations.
- Understanding of international standards and protocols such as IEC 62264/ISA-95, IEC 62443, OPC UA, and TIC 4.0.
Leadership and personal capabilities
- Ability to blend long-term architectural thinking with practical execution in brownfield environments.
- Skillful in influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional teams.
- Strong with supplier-management and technical-assurance processes.
- Clear communicator of complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Comfortable working across functions, cultures, and geographies in a global organization.
This role is suited to a senior individual contributor who leads through technical authority, strategic influence, and ownership of architectural governance.
