Job Description
The Automation Architect to lead and support enterprise automation initiatives across Integration, RPA, and emerging AI capabilities. This hands-on role will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing existing automation solutions while driving new initiatives that improve business efficiency and productivity. Primary accountability is the reliability, evolution, and delivery of enterprise integrations and automation platforms, with plant data enablement and AI initiatives as secondary focus areas.
The ideal candidate is a pragmatic problem-solver who can operate across technologies, work closely with business stakeholders, and partner with managed services vendors to deliver reliable, scalable solutions.
Open to remote applicants; however, preference will be given to local candidates available to work in a hybrid capacity at our Katy headquarters.
Integration Operations & Project Delivery
- Own day-to-day support of enterprise integrations built on Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) and related platforms
- Partner with managed services vendors to:
- Triage and resolve production issues
- Maintain SLAs and system uptime
- Reduce recurring errors and improve stability
- Monitor integration performance and proactively identify improvement opportunities
- Lead integration projects end-to-end, including:
- Requirements gathering with business stakeholders
- Solution design and architecture
- Oversight of development (internal or vendor-led)
- Testing, deployment, and post-go-live support
- Ensure integrations follow best practices for security, scalability, and maintainability
RPA Support & Enhancement
- Support and maintain RPA solutions (UiPath / Power Automate) currently in production
- Troubleshoot bot failures and coordinate fixes with vendors or internal teams
- Optimize bot performance and reliability
- Identify opportunities to enhance or expand automation coverage
- Ensure proper governance, monitoring, and documentation of bots
AI & Automation Innovation
- Research emerging AI and automation tools relevant to business use cases
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, decision-making, and process efficiency
- Design and execute Proof of Concepts (POCs) combining AI and automation
- Evaluate feasibility, cost, and business value of solutions
- Provide recommendations to leadership on scaling successful pilots into production solutions
Automation-Led Modernization Initiatives
- Participate in enterprise modernization initiatives by applying proven automation, integration, and data patterns
- Assess existing business processes and workflows to determine where automation solutions can be effectively implemented
- Translate modernization goals into automation‑centric solution designs aligned with enterprise architecture standards
- Provide technical leadership for automation‑focused modernization efforts, including leading initiatives when required
- Guide implementation and adoption of approved automation solutions to ensure measurable operational improvements
Plant Data and Application Ownership
- Own and manage plant-facing applications and data solutions that intersect wtih integration and automation initiatives
- Act as a consumer of plant data from systems such as Wonderware and FactoryTalk
- Design and support solutions for:
- Integration operational data for reporting
- Making data actionable (alerts and notifications)
- Ensure plant data is reliable, accessible, and actionable
Core Responsibilities Across All Areas
- Act as a bridge between business, IT, and vendors
- Work closely with stakeholders to understand processes and recommend improvements
- Develop solution architectures that align with enterprise standards
- Be hands-on when required—capable of troubleshooting, configuring, or developing solutions
Drive continuous improvement through automation and process optimization
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required.
7+ years of experience in Integration, Automation, or Application Development
Strong experience with:
Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) or similar integration platforms
RPA tools such as UiPath or Power Automate
Experience working with .NET and/or Azure technologies
One or more programming languages preferably .Net, Python
Experience supporting production systems and managing SLAs
Familiarity with plant/OT systems (PLC, HMI, historians)
Proven ability to work with managed services vendors
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Experience designing scalable and maintainable solutions
Ability to work independently in a lean team environment
Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision
Experience delivering solutions end-to-end, including business case development
Experience leading and managing external vendors or delivery partners
Preferred Qualifications
Experience integrating AI capabilities into business workflows
Exposure to AI / GenAI tools and platforms (e.g., CoPilot Studio, Azure AI, OpenAI, ML services)
Familiarity with cloud platforms (OCI, Azure)
Experience in manufacturing, logistics, or industrial environments
Knowledge of API design, event-driven architecture, and microservices
Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric / Power BI
U.S. Silica is a leading producer of industrial minerals essential to modern life. With $1B+ in annual revenue, 26 production facilities, and industry-leading last-mile logistics for the oil & gas sector, we supply high-quality silica, diatomaceous earth, clay, and other materials to industries ranging from energy and construction to food & beverage.
As a portfolio company of Apollo Global Management, we are positioned for strategic growth in both our Oil & Gas and Industrial segments. For more than 100 years, our products and innovations have helped make the world cleaner, safer, and more energy-efficient.