PLM Solutions Architect - Dearborn, MI

We are seeking a highly experienced, contract PLM Solutions Architect to lead the architectural strategy and technical execution of migrating our legacy FEDE BOM (Ford Engineering Design Environment - Bill of Materials) systems to the modern Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX) platform. 

 

This role is highly strategic and requires a deep understanding of Ford’s internal engineering and IT systems. The ideal candidate will design and govern the transition, heavily focusing on the implementation and integration of PLM widgets to deliver streamlined, future-state business capabilities.
Required Qualifications & Core Competencies:

Experience: 10 years of proven experience in PLM Solution Architecture, Enterprise Architecture, or Systems Engineering. 

Ford Systems Knowledge (MUST HAVE): Deep, demonstrable knowledge of Ford’s internal IT and engineering systems, specifically legacy FEDE and FEDE BOM structures and data models. 3DX / PLM Expertise: 

Extensive experience with Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX) architecture, Enovia, and the design/deployment of widget-based PLM solutions. 

Migration Strategy: Proven track record of leading large-scale, complex legacy data and system migrations to modern PLM platforms.

Key Responsibilities: Solution Strategy & Design:

Translate desired business capabilities for BOM management into 3DX solution concepts, models, and functional/technical requirements. Design strategies, technology patterns, and service structures utilizing PLM widgets. 

 

Migration Architecture: Compile, develop, and align architectural models detailing the current state (FEDE BOM) and proposed future state (3DX capabilities). Support strategy, investment decisions, and portfolio management through clear architectural roadmaps. 

 

Integration & Alignment: Describe and evaluate opportunities for enterprise capability integration. Align information and process flows between legacy Ford systems and the 3DX environment, selecting appropriate implementation strategies and widget technology mechanisms. 

 

Architecture Governance: Act as the accountable authority for architecture and information management guidance during the migration. Facilitate architecture governance and ensure adherence to Ford IT and PLM architecture standards. 

 

Artifact Delivery: Deliver comprehensive architecture artifacts (business, information, data, process, solution, application, and technology architectures) to support the FEDE to 3DX delivery initiatives, programs, and projects. 

 

Technical Direction: Set architecture and design direction (technologies, patterns, design principles, and widget development frameworks) in cooperation with project management and system development teams. 

 

Stakeholder Communication: Visualize and communicate complex architecture concepts, migration strategies, and models for the BOM transition. Facilitate discussions with cross-functional business sponsors, IT leaders, and product lines to obtain buy-in and ensure alignment. 

 

Innovation & Research: Direct and approve innovations and/or prototypes based on research (e.g., new 3DX widget functionalities). Approve recommendations on architecture, tools, methodologies, and processes to improve the business value of the migration project. Data Integration: Drive information integration, data standards, and data management through thorough capability and value assessment of the legacy FEDE BOM data structures.

Skills Preferred:

N/A

Experience Required:

Specialist Exp: 10 yrs in IT; 4 yrs in concentration