Job Title- R & D Domain Architect
Location: Deerfield, IL (Hybrid)
** Unfortunately no Visa transfer / sponsorship available for this role**
Role Purpose
The R&D Domain Architect is the senior architecture leader accountable for shaping and governing technology strategy across end-to-end product development and launch. This role translates R&D and enterprise growth strategy into coherent, executable architecture outcomes that deliver measurable in-year savings, enable multi-year simplification, and establish a scalable target-state architecture supporting the full value delivery lifecycle.
The role spans portfolio planning, stage-gate management, regulatory submission, launch readiness, and cross-functional enablement with Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance and other functions. The architect ensures consistency, reuse, and operational efficiency across global R&D portfolios in a regulated healthcare environment.
Outcomes That Define Success
· Quantifiable in-year and recurring cost savings across the R&D technology portfolio
· Approved multi-year simplification and modernization roadmaps with clear cost-reduction targets
· Reduced architectural complexity and standardization of project and portfolio management across divisions
· Improved time-to-market and launch readiness through integrated, end-to-end architecture
· Improved decision quality and visibility across portfolio, pipeline, and investment trade-offs
Core Responsibilities
Strategy Realization: R&D Architecture
· Partner with R&D leadership to translate innovation and growth strategies into target operating models and capability roadmaps
· Lead target-state architecture across product development, R&D lab management, product design and testing, product security and regulatory compliance, and product release.
· Ensure architectural alignment across regulatory, clinical, quality, manufacturing, and commercial readiness activities
· Develop sequenced, value-backed roadmaps delivering in-year savings and sustained simplification
Solution and Platform Architecture Leadership
· Provide architectural leadership for major R&D initiatives, programs, and platform investments
· Drive consistency and reuse across product lifecycle management, project and portfolio management, and development platforms
· Ensure alignment with Commercial and Finance systems to support product costing, pricing readiness, and launch execution
· Ensure solutions meet regulatory, validation, data integrity, and security requirements
Portfolio Simplification and Savings Delivery
· Assess the R&D application landscape to identify consolidation, rationalization, and retirement opportunities
· Standardize project, portfolio, and development workflows across divisions to reduce duplication and cost
· Partner with Finance and Enterprise Architecture to quantify, track, and realize savings
· Embed simplification, automation, and cost discipline into R&D architecture decisions
Governance and Decision Enablement
· Represent R&D architecture within enterprise governance, investment, and technology assessment forums
· Enable consistent architectural decision-making without slowing innovation or delivery
· Surface cross-domain dependencies, risks, and readiness gaps early
Executive Relationships
The R&D Domain Architect serves as a trusted advisor to R&D, Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance, Regulatory, and IT leadership, enabling integrated product development and successful market launches.
Qualifications and Experience
· Bachelor’s degree in IT, Engineering, Life Sciences, or equivalent experience
· 10+ years in enterprise, domain, or solution architecture roles supporting R&D or product development functions
· Deep understanding of regulated healthcare or life sciences development environments
· Proven track record delivering portfolio simplification, cost savings, and enterprise-scale standardization
· Strong executive communication and influence skills
Leadership Profile
· Enterprise-first and outcome-driven mindset
· Strong understanding of end-to-end product lifecycle and launch readiness
· Pragmatic systems thinker balancing innovation, compliance, and cost
Trusted leader who aligns diverse stakeholders and drives execution
About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
