Life Sciences & Manufacturing IoT SME / Pre-Sales Lead

As a Life Sciences (Pharma) Manufacturing SME / Pre-Sales Lead , you will make an impact by serving as a domain and solution expert who translates complex client challenges across Biopharma Manufacturing into scalable Smart Manufacturing and Engineering solutions. You will be a valued member of the Life Sciences pre-sales and solutioning team and work collaboratively with client engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality and technology teams, as well as internal product engineering, IoT, cloud, data, AI, cybersecurity and enterprise architecture teams.

In this role, you will

• Serve as a Life Sciences Manufacturing subject-matter expert for IoT, and Smart Manufacturing opportunities, leading technical and domain-focused discovery sessions with client stakeholders.

• Translate client business and engineering challenges into IoT-enabled solutions, architectures, solution roadmaps and transformation initiatives , covering connected devices, embedded systems, sensors, gateways, edge computing, connectivity, cloud integration, device management, data platforms, analytics and enterprise integration.

• Lead technical responses for RFPs, RFIs, solution proposals, statements of work, architecture documents and client presentations , and develop solution blueprints, reference architectures, business use cases, estimation approaches and implementation roadmaps.

• Conduct client workshops, technical deep-dives, solution demonstrations and architecture discussions, providing domain guidance across the medical device and product development lifecycle from concept and design through engineering, validation, manufacturing, connectivity and post-market support.

• Contribute to reusable IoT offerings, accelerators, reference architectures and industry-specific frameworks, bringing strong awareness of regulated Life Sciences environments including quality, validation, data integrity, security and GxP considerations.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a Hybrid position open to qualified applicants in the Chicago, IL. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• Minimum 14 years of overall experience , with significant experience in Life Sciences, Engineering, Manufacturing, IoT or Industrial Automation, and strong domain expertise in Biopharma, Manufacturing and Engineering.

• Proven experience in a SME, Pre-Sales, Consulting or Engineering Advisory capacity supporting complex technology and engineering programs.

• Experience with Smart Manufacturing / Industry 4.0 use cases such as equipment connectivity, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, asset tracking and manufacturing analytics, and knowledge of embedded software engineering, edge intelligence, device engineering, and industrial connectivity.

• Experience developing technical solutions and responding to RFPs/RFIs , with the ability to communicate complex engineering concepts to both technical and business stakeholders, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality organisations. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, Biomedical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related technical discipline.

These will help you stand out

• Experience working within regulated Life Sciences / GxP environments .

• Deep expertise and consulting skills with Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, Digital Thread, Digital Twin, MES, PLM, OT/IT integration and Industrial IoT environments.

• Deep BioPharma domain expertise.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until November 15, 2026.

• The annual salary for this position is between $180,000 - $200,000 depending on the experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

• This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits

• 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.