Applications Architect

We are looking for an Applications Architect to shape and deliver enterprise product lifecycle solutions for engineering and manufacturing organizations in Chicago, Illinois. This contract opportunity with potential for a permanent role is suited for a senior architect who brings deep Aras Innovator expertise, strong consulting presence, and the ability to turn complex operational needs into scalable application strategies. The role blends hands-on technical direction, stakeholder partnership, and implementation leadership across the full solution lifecycle, with occasional travel based on project demands.

Responsibilities:
• Architect and guide end-to-end application solutions built on Aras Innovator to support product lifecycle management goals across complex enterprise environments.
• Work closely with business leaders, technical teams, and client stakeholders to evaluate needs and define practical, scalable system designs.
• Oversee delivery from early discovery through configuration, validation, rollout, and post-deployment support to ensure successful execution.
• Provide architectural leadership for custom development, API design, platform extensions, and integration efforts involving related enterprise systems.
• Direct data conversion and migration activities, ensuring information is mapped, validated, and transitioned accurately into target solutions.
• Lead workshops and design sessions that clarify requirements, align priorities, and establish a clear technical direction for project teams.
• Produce and review solution blueprints, use cases, technical documentation, and functional artifacts to maintain quality and delivery consistency.
• Mentor delivery team members, coordinate technical workstreams, and perform oversight of implementation outputs to support strong project results.
• Contribute to planning activities by helping define scope, estimates, proposals, and statements of work for upcoming initiatives.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience delivering enterprise application or product lifecycle management solutions in complex business settings.
• Proven success architecting or leading implementations using Aras Innovator in a client-facing or enterprise delivery capacity.
• Strong background in application architecture, solution design, and technical leadership across full project lifecycles.
• Experience translating business objectives into well-structured technical approaches, including integrations, customizations, and data migration strategies.
• Hands-on knowledge of technologies such as C#, ASP.NET, .NET, JavaScript, API development, and AWS-based environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with technical staff, business stakeholders, and executive audiences.
• Familiarity with Agile delivery methods and project tracking tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, or comparable platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience; experience in manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, defense, or high-tech environments is valued.