Senior Solutions Architect - MES

Role Overview

Cognizant is seeking a Senior Solution Architect - MES to join our Life Sciences Manufacturing Industry Solutions Group (LSM ISG). This is a strategic leadership role within the Solution Engineering and Accelerators team focused on driving the growth, innovation, and delivery excellence of Cognizant's MES offerings across the Life Sciences industry.

The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, MES platforms, and digital manufacturing transformation. This role will be responsible for solution architecture, service development, offering enhancement, business growth, pre-sales support, and client engagement across global Life Sciences organizations.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical architecture experience with consulting, stakeholder management, and business development capabilities.

Work Model

This position follows a remote model.

Key Responsibilities

Solution Architecture & Technical Leadership

• Lead the design and architecture of enterprise and multi-site MES solutions for Life Sciences manufacturers.
• Define scalable, secure, compliant, and high-performing MES architectures supporting both greenfield manufacturing facilities and existing manufacturing networks.
• Drive technical solutioning activities for MES programs, including implementation strategies, integration approaches, deployment models, and platform standards.
• Participate in architecture reviews, technical workshops, discovery sessions, and customer strategy discussions.
• Provide technical leadership for MES product evaluations, maturity assessments, blueprinting engagements, and roadmap development.
• Support billable consulting and architecture engagements as required.

MES Offering Development & Innovation

• Own and enhance Cognizant's MES service offerings, accelerators, methodologies, and reusable assets.
• Develop delivery frameworks and managed service models supporting MES implementations and operations.
• Build tools and accelerators that enhance quality, consistency, delivery speed, and project outcomes.
• Develop and maintain estimation models, execution frameworks, and solution standards.
• Collaborate with internal practices to expand digital manufacturing capabilities and innovation initiatives.

Business Development & Pre-Sales Support

• Partner closely with sales, business development, and regional leadership teams to drive MES business growth.
• Develop technical proposals, solution presentations, and sales collateral for client pursuits.
• Participate in client presentations, workshops, RFP responses, and executive-level discussions.
• Articulate the business value of MES and digital manufacturing solutions to senior manufacturing, operational, and IT stakeholders.
• Support annual planning, business strategy development, and growth initiatives for the MES practice.

Industry Consulting & Client Engagement

• Advise Life Sciences clients on MES strategy, digital manufacturing transformation, and Pharma 4.0 initiatives.
• Support clients in developing business cases, site roadmaps, pilot programs, and global deployment strategies.
• Engage with manufacturing leadership, IT organizations, quality teams, engineering groups, and operational stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients throughout the solution lifecycle.

Practice Development & Team Leadership

• Support the development and growth of Cognizant's MES consulting and delivery capabilities.
• Assist with workforce planning, recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and capability development.
• Mentor solution architects, consultants, and engineering teams across regions.
• Collaborate with talent management and practice leadership to build critical MES competencies and career development pathways.

Partner & Ecosystem Management

• Build strategic relationships with key MES and digital manufacturing technology partners.
• Support development of joint offerings, competencies, and industry solutions.
• Manage internal development environments, technology sandboxes, and partner licensing requirements.
• Stay current with emerging MES, manufacturing, automation, and digital operations technologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience within Life Sciences manufacturing environments supporting manufacturing systems and digital transformation initiatives.
• Minimum 10 years of experience working with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) at site and enterprise levels.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, GxP compliance requirements, and regulated environments.
• Expertise in MES solution architecture, deployment planning, and implementation methodologies.
• Experience with one or more leading MES platforms, including:
  • Körber Werum PAS-X
  • Siemens Opcenter Pharma Execution
  • Emerson Syncade
  • Rockwell FactoryTalk PharmaSuite
• Deep understanding of manufacturing IT/OT architectures and digital manufacturing ecosystems.
• Experience defining global MES strategies, pilot deployments, enterprise rollouts, and business cases.
• Knowledge of ISA-95 Enterprise-Control System Integration frameworks.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams across global organizations.
• Excellent presentation, consulting, and facilitation skills.
• Experience supporting strategic client pursuits and solution development activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or a related discipline.
• Strong experience with Werum PAS-X implementations and strategy development.
• Experience with Digital Operations and Low-Code platforms such as:
  • Tulip
  • Mendix
  • Apprentice
• Experience developing Pharma 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing roadmaps.
• Program and project management experience supporting global deployments.
• Experience leading multi-site or global manufacturing transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with laboratory systems, automation platforms, and OT infrastructure environments.
• Experience building and scaling consulting or technology practices.

Industry & Technology Expertise

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience in:

• Pharma 4.0
• Smart Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Digital Manufacturing Transformation
• ISA-95
• GxP and cGMP Compliance
• Manufacturing IT/OT Architecture
• Automation and Industrial Control Systems
• Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations
• Global Manufacturing Standardization Programs

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is anticipated to be between $120,000 to 130,000 USD, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for:

• Annual performance-based bonus
• Merit-based compensation increases
• Employee referral bonuses, where applicable

The compensation information provided is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify compensation information based on business needs and applicable laws.

Benefits

Cognizant offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
• 401(k) Plan with Company Contributions (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (where available)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Parental Leave and Family Care Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Programs
• Access to Learning, Certification, and Career Development Opportunities

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan terms.

Travel

This position requires flexibility to support global clients and business initiatives. Periodic travel may be required across the United States, Europe, and Asia for client engagements, workshops, solution assessments, and strategic planning activities.

Why Cognizant

• Shape the future of digital manufacturing and Pharma 4.0 transformation.
• Engage with leading global pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations.
• Influence enterprise MES strategies and smart factory initiatives.
• Collaborate with industry-leading consultants, architects, and engineers.
• Access significant career growth, leadership opportunities, and professional development programs.
• Be part of an organization driving innovation across Life Sciences manufacturing worldwide.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all associates feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.