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
Things to know before you apply
- Work authorization: Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
- Accommodations: If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
- AI in hiring: We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help us screen and assess applications more efficiently. Our team performs additional human review and ultimately decides who moves forward in our hiring process.
- Open position: Unless otherwise stated, this job posting is for an open position on our team.
- Language proficiency: We ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
- Inclusion: 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, provincial or local laws.
About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap 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, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
