HMI Software Architect (Ignition)

We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary professional to lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable industrial automation solutions using Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform. This role is critical in bridging operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), ensuring robust, secure, and future-ready architectures for SCADA, HMI, and IIoT systems.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience with Ignition, a strong background in industrial control systems, and a solid understanding of modern IT security practices. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including controls engineers, IT security professionals, and business stakeholders to deliver high-performance, secure, and maintainable automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and directly develop enterprise-grade Ignition-based SCADA/HMI systems across multiple facilities and environments.
• Lead the development of standardized Ignition templates and project structures for deployment across multiple sites and customers, ensuring consistency, scalability, and maintainability.
• Define and enforce best practices for tag management, UDTs, templates, and scripting.
• Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure secure integration with enterprise systems, databases, and cloud platforms.
• Implement role-based access control (RBAC), secure authentication (e.g., SSO, LDAP), and encrypted communications (SSL/TLS).
• Conduct code reviews, performance tuning, and system audits to ensure reliability and scalability.
• Stay current with Ignition platform updates, new modules, and industry trends in industrial automation and cybersecurity.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to developers and engineers working on Ignition projects.
• Support disaster recovery planning, backup strategies, and high-availability configurations.
• Document system architecture, design decisions, and standard operating procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, with at least 3 years focused on hands-on Ignition platform architecture and development.
• Inductive Automation Ignition Core Certification (Perspective)
• Strong proficiency in Python (Jython) scripting within Ignition.
• Experience with SQL databases, Microsoft SQL Server, and Postgres.
• Experience with Perspective & web basics (HTML/CSS/JS)
• Experience with various communication protocols (OPC UA, MQTT, API’s, SSL/TCP)
• Deep understanding of network security, firewalls, VLANs, and secure data transmission in OT environments.
• Familiarity with NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISA/IEC 62443, or similar standards.
• Proven ability to design redundant, fault-tolerant architectures for mission-critical systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes for deploying, managing, and scaling containerized applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Inductive Automation Ignition Gold Certification (Perspective)
• Experience with OpenShift (Red Hat) or other enterprise Kubernetes platforms
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and version control (e.g., Git)
• Experienced in:

• Cloud integration (e.g., Azure IoT, AWS Greengrass).
• Regulated industries (e.g., food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, energy).
• Linux administration (RHEL)
• Database optimization (indexes, stored procedures, tuning)
• Ignition SDK & module development (create custom Java-based modules/components)
• Enterprise architecture (gateway networks, redundancy, security policies)
• SSO & Identity management (SAML, Active Directory, OAuth)
• CI/CD pipeline (Ignition specifically)
• Automated testing (Selenium/Playwright)
• Role-based access control
• Certificate management
• Agile/Scrum-based project delivery

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.