ERP Modernization Architect

Job Summary

We are seeking an ERP Modernization Architect to drive the evolution of our IBM i (AS/400) Mincron ERP environment. Mincron is our system of record and we are committed to getting the most out of it -- enhancing it where we can and extending it where we cannot. Our RPGLE development team is experienced and capable, and this role works alongside them to help prioritize and shape native Mincron enhancements while also addressing the gaps that the platform cannot fill on its own.

Where Mincron has limitations, this role is responsible for designing the right solution around them -- whether that is a functional overlay in a modern language, an agentic AI workflow to automate a manual process, or a data connector that enables trading partner ERP integration. This person will also guide our UI modernization effort, providing architectural direction on our active Lansa rollout and evaluating whether Lansa remains the right long-term approach. This is a hands-on individual contributor role reporting directly to the VP of IT.

Essential Duties/Accountabilities

• Work with the ERP Development Manager and RPGLE development team to identify, prioritize, and shape native Mincron enhancements -- understanding the business need, determining whether it can be addressed within the ERP, and helping get it scoped and sequenced against other work.

• When native Mincron cannot address a business need, design the right solution around that limitation -- whether an overlay in a modern language, an automated workflow, or an integration -- and see it through to delivery.

• Serve as the architectural authority for our UI modernization effort -- providing guidance on Lansa configuration and design decisions as the RPGLE team executes the active rollout, while also evaluating whether Lansa remains the right long-term approach or whether an alternative strategy better serves our needs.

• Design and build functional overlay solutions using modern languages (Python, Node.js, Java, C#, or similar), REST APIs, and DB2 for i stored procedures to deliver capabilities the native ERP cannot provide.

• Evaluate and implement agentic AI solutions to automate manual ERP workflows, building processes that are reliable, auditable, and operationally safe.

• Architect and build data connectors for trading partner ERP-to-ERP integration covering electronic ordering and invoicing, including API-based B2B connectivity, data contracts, and documented, supportable interfaces.

• Define and maintain the overall ERP integration architecture -- data flows, authentication patterns, error handling, and monitoring -- as a framework the development team can extend over time.

• Review technical designs before work begins to ensure alignment with the modernization roadmap and catch architectural problems early.

• Work alongside the RPGLE development team to introduce and evaluate modern development tools and workflows -- including Git, VS Code, and AI-assisted coding tools -- approaching adoption as a collaborative, shared effort that respects the team's experience and existing practices.

• Engage with business stakeholders to surface unmet needs, determine the right delivery approach, and validate that solutions address the real operational problem.

• Document architectural decisions, integration patterns, and system design. Stay current on AI tooling and integration platforms and bring informed recommendations to leadership.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field -- or equivalent professional experience.

• Hands-on experience building integration or overlay solutions in one or more modern languages (Python, Node.js, Java, C#, or similar). This is the primary new development work for this role.

• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing REST API integrations, including exposing backend data via APIs and consuming external APIs.

• Experience building B2B data connectors or ERP-to-ERP integrations -- EDI, API-based trading partner connectivity, or iPaaS platforms.

• Experience working within or alongside a legacy ERP environment, including participating in enhancement prioritization and scoping discussions with development teams and business stakeholders.

• Experience with Lansa or a comparable IBM i UI modernization framework is strongly preferred. Candidates who can speak to both the strengths and limitations of available UI modernization approaches for IBM i are ideal.

• Experience with AI-assisted development tools. We currently use Claude; we expect our toolset to evolve and want someone who evolves with it.

• Enough IBM i and DB2 for i familiarity to work confidently alongside an experienced RPGLE team -- understanding data structures, stored procedures, and system behavior without needing to be an RPG developer.

• Experience in SOX-compliant or regulated environments with formal change control requirements.

• Mincron ERP or warehouse/distribution/manufacturing ERP experience is a strong plus.

Skills

• Proficiency in one or more modern languages in an integration or overlay context -- Python, Node.js, Java, C#, or equivalent.

• REST and SOAP web services, API security (OAuth, JWT, API keys), and event-driven and synchronous integration patterns.

• B2B data connector design -- data mapping, transformation, error handling, and trading partner onboarding.

• Working knowledge of DB2 for i for querying, schema understanding, and stored procedure integration. Deep RPG skills are not required.

• Familiarity with IBM i UI modernization options -- Lansa, Profound UI, Valence, or comparable frameworks -- and the ability to evaluate tradeoffs between them objectively.

• Proficiency with GitHub for source control and VS Code as a primary development environment.

• Practical experience with AI-assisted development tools and genuine interest in agentic AI for business process automation. We currently use Claude.

• Sufficient IBM i platform familiarity to collaborate effectively with an experienced RPGLE team.

• Ability to work across both legacy enhancement and modern solution delivery -- knowing when to work within the ERP and when to build around it.

• Strong documentation discipline and ability to communicate architecture to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Understanding of SDLC and agile methodologies in a technical leadership or architecture capacity.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Must be able to stand, sit, walk, climb, kneel, crouch, or crawl for long periods of time.

• Ability to utilize a computer keyboard and computer monitor for prolonged periods of time.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.