AI Automation Architect - Manufacturing and MES processes- Remote

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future

About Us:

Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant, a member of the NASDAQ-100, is ranked 195 on the Fortune 500 and is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com.

About Cognizant’s IoT Practice:

Intelligent, IoT-enabled products will soon result in the proliferation of data and disrupt virtually all industries. To be successful, both large and small companies must leverage IoT capabilities by designing modern products that fundamentally connect people with processes. Within Cognizant IOT, we engineer industry-aligned, IoT-enabled products that merge industry needs with human drivers. Our intelligent products will revolutionize experiences and result in exciting, transformative outcomes. Without human-centered thinking, connected products are just standalone things—but with it, our modern connected products facilitate a unified way of life enjoyed by all.

AI Automation Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Experience: 10+ years overall, including 3–5 years in AI or intelligent automation

Role Summary

We are seeking an AI Automation SME to lead the design and delivery of AI-enabled automation solutions for manufacturing and MES processes. The role will translate business requirements into secure, scalable, and production-ready solutions using AI, workflow automation, system integrations, data processing, and Azure DevOps.

Key Responsibilities

Lead discovery, feasibility assessment, solution architecture, and technical design.

Design AI agents and automation workflows for master-data synchronization, validation, gap analysis, hotfix generation, bulk deployment, and facility setup.

Develop governed automation solutions using Azure AI, Azure OpenAI, Azure DevOps, APIs, and enterprise integration patterns.

Establish human-in-the-loop approvals, exception handling, audit trails, monitoring, and rollback controls.

Guide prototypes, development, testing, deployment, production readiness, and stabilization.

Ensure compliance with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, data privacy, and responsible-AI standards.

Mentor automation engineers and collaborate with MES, DevOps, data, and business teams.

Prepare solution-design, operational-support, and knowledge-transfer documentation.

Required Skills

Strong experience in AI-enabled automation, intelligent workflows, or enterprise automation architecture.

Hands-on knowledge of generative AI, AI agents, prompt engineering, NLP, and retrieval-based solutions.

Experience with Azure AI services, Azure OpenAI, and Azure DevOps pipelines.

Proficiency in Python, PowerShell, C#, or similar technologies.

Experience with APIs, workflow orchestration, data validation, integration, monitoring, and security controls.

Strong stakeholder-management, analytical, communication, and technical-leadership skills.

Preferred Skills

Experience with Critical Manufacturing MES or another enterprise MES platform.

Knowledge of manufacturing master data, multi-environment configuration, PLM integration, and site rollouts.

Familiarity with responsible AI governance and model-risk controls.

Relevant Microsoft Azure, AI, DevOps, or solution-architecture certifications.

Compensation: - $150,000 to $180,000 and this position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program 10%, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans. Application will be accepted by 12/7/2026

Benefits : Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

• 401(k) plan and contributions

• Long-term/Short-term Disability

• Paid Parental Leave

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.