IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management Digital Thread Architect

Overview

Client is seeking an IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management Digital Thread Architect to design, implement, and maintain the IBM ELM/Jazz platform supporting safety-critical aerospace workflows. This role will connect systems engineering data with enterprise engineering lifecycles, support Requirements-Based Engineering activities, and establish end-to-end traceability across aircraft requirements, manufacturing, software, hardware, testing, and verification.

Core Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain integrations between IBM ELM and PLM, CAD, ERP, and MES systems to establish a unified Digital Thread.
• Build linked-data pipelines using OSLC, REST APIs, specialized middleware, and IBM Engineering Lifecycle Optimization Integration Adapter.
• Define data-federation and synchronization strategies that provide single-source-of-truth visibility across the product lifecycle.
• Establish automated configuration-management links between systems engineering data and As-Designed and As-Built bills of materials.
• Align IBM ELM workflows with ARP4754A/B guidelines for civil aircraft development.
• Map and track Development Assurance Levels A through E across system architecture elements.
• Develop automated traceability and verification matrices supporting compliance audits and Stage of Involvement reviews.
• Administer and configure IBM DOORS Next, Engineering Workflow Management, Engineering Test Management, Rhapsody, Global Configuration Management, and Jazz Team Server.
• Configure project areas, access rights, permissions, and workflow templates.
• Troubleshoot performance issues, resolve configuration conflicts, and maintain platform availability.
• Align Engineering Test Management with Requirements-Based Engineering workflows.
• Manage change requests, defects, and sprint planning within Engineering Workflow Management.
• Ensure engineering and systems data comply with ARP4754A/B, DO-178C, DO-254, and applicable security standards.
• Develop automation scripts, plugins, and integrations using REST APIs, OSLC, JavaScript, and Python.
• Design and maintain automated reporting templates, traceability reports, and compliance dashboards using IBM Engineering Lifecycle Optimization, BIRT, or related tools.

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Technologies

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of experience supporting software or systems engineering tooling.
• Deep, hands-on expertise across the IBM ELM ecosystem.
• Proven experience integrating IBM ELM with a major PLM platform such as Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill, or Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE.
• Strong practical experience with ARP4754A/B frameworks and their interaction with DO-178C and DO-254.
• Experience with Requirements-Based Engineering and Model-Based Systems Engineering.
• Experience developing OSLC integrations and REST API-based solutions.
• Scripting or automation experience using JavaScript, Python, or related technologies.
• Familiarity with safety-critical lifecycle management and Agile, SAFe, and Waterfall delivery models.
• Strong cross-functional communication, technical documentation, and stakeholder-management skills.

Preferred Skills or Experience

• IBM Certified Specialist or a related IBM ELM certification.
• Experience with IBM Engineering Lifecycle Optimization, Integration Adapter, or BIRT.
• Experience supporting aerospace compliance audits or Stage of Involvement reviews.

Work Details

• Hybrid role based in Phoenix, Arizona.