IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialist

Location: Portland, OR (On-site)

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

About the Role

Hands-on technical support for our Design Studio and Product Validation Engineering (PVE)

teams. This is not a traditional help-desk position. The Design Studio operates a unique

technology environment spanning high-performance Windows and macOS workstations,

networked fabrication and printing equipment, large display systems, and dedicated data

servers, which requires specialized, proactive support beyond standard corporate IT services.

The ideal candidate will serve as the primary IT liaison for these teams: a trusted partner who

understands creative and engineering workflows, advocates for the teams' technology needs

within the broader IT organization, and keeps systems running reliably so designers and

engineers can focus on their work.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the dedicated IT liaison and primary point of contact for the Design Studio and Product Validation Engineering (PVE) teams, coordinating with corporate IT and representing specialized technology requirements.

• Provide hands-on technical support for high-performance Windows and macOS workstations, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and ongoing operational support.

• Manage end-to-end IT onboarding for new team members, ensuring accounts, hardware, software, and required system access are ready from day one.

• Support the evaluation, approval, and implementation of specialized software and emerging tools, including AI-enabled design and productivity solutions.

• Administer and maintain software licensing, including Autodesk and Adobe products, ensuring assignments and renewals support business requirements.

• Install, configure, and support specialized peripherals and display technologies, including Wacom Cintiq pen displays, monitors, and large-scale video wall systems.

• Provide IT support for network-connected studio equipment, including clay milling machines, 3D printers, and large-format printers, while coordinating with equipment vendors when required.

• Diagnose and resolve network connectivity issues impacting Design Studio/PVE equipment, systems, and technical workflows, coordinating with network and security teams as needed.

• Maintain departmental servers and storage, including access management, backups, and connectivity support.

• Proactively identify recurring technical issues and drive permanent resolutions, providing reliable support that minimizes disruption to design and engineering workflows.

Mandatory Skills

• Desktop support and Engineering 5-8 years

Proficiency in Windows 11, MacOS, M365, Hardware support - Computers and Printers, End User Computing tools

• Server Support 2-3 years

Server administration including User access management, Backup, etc.

• Network 3+ years

Working knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, WI-FI, Firewalls)

• ITSM process 3+ years

Service oriented mindset with working knowledge of Incident and Problem management

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting design, engineering, lab, or media production environments

• Experience administering software licenses for creative or engineering suites (e.g.,

Autodesk, Adobe)

• Familiarity with large-format printers (e.g., Canon, HP) and AV/video wall systems

• Certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Apple Certified Support Professional

• Interest in or experience with AI-assisted tools in a corporate environment

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.