Solution Architect (H/F) remote

3-month contract to hire MUST be onsite a minimum of quarterly. 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. 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. ~ 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. ~ Experience working in Agile methodologies.