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Software Test Automation Lead

00070776041

About the Role

Software Test Automation Lead (MES) About the Role Lead the testing and validation function for MES implementations, upgrades, and integration programs in a regulated manufacturing environment, driving both team performance and technical testing strategy.

Responsibilities

  • Own and evolve the overall testing strategy across MES implementation, upgrade, and integration projects, ensuring end-to-end coverage from planning through execution.
  • Serve as the release quality gate for MES changes, confirming that regulatory, functional, and performance criteria are satisfied before anything reaches production.
  • Guide Computer System Validation (CSV) activities, ensuring all testing aligns with GxP, GAMP 5, and regulated software lifecycle expectations.
  • Build and maintain the full suite of test documentation — plans, cases, and scripts — spanning functional, regression, integration, performance, automation, and UAT testing.
  • Work with manufacturing process owners, business stakeholders, and validation teams to make sure test scenarios genuinely reflect how operations run on the floor.
  • Own defect management end-to-end: triage, prioritisation, root cause analysis, and resolution tracking, using Azure DevOps, Jira, or equivalent platforms.
  • Partner with development and DevOps teams to weave automated testing into CI/CD pipelines, raising release quality, repeatability, and delivery speed.
  • Select, roll out, and refine test automation frameworks and standards fit for a regulated MES environment.
  • Keep test environments properly configured and aligned with production-like conditions.
  • Report testing metrics, quality status, and risk assessments in a form that gives stakeholders and senior leadership genuine visibility into project health.
  • Build and lead a team of test and validation engineers, embedding a culture of quality ownership and continuous improvement.

Required Skills

  • What We're Looking For A track record leading QA/testing functions on complex enterprise software programs within Agile/DevOps delivery models.
  • Demonstrated ability to define and run a full-spectrum testing strategy — functional, regression, integration, performance, automation, and UAT — while leading a QA team.
  • Practical experience embedding test automation frameworks into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Direct experience with Azure DevOps, plus test tools such as Cucumber, Behave, Tosca, or Robot and test management frameworks such as Xray, Zephyr, qTest, or similar.
  • Solid MES testing background — Emerson Syncade (DeltaV MES) preferred — covering electronic batch records, workflow configuration, and system integrations in a regulated setting.
  • Working knowledge of GxP, CSV, and GAMP 5, along with experience testing MES integrations with systems like SAP and LIMS, gained in a pharma or life sciences environment.
  • Strong stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Comfortable with a hybrid schedule: three days on-site in Limerick, two days remote.

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.

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.

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.

Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our benefits program is built with you in mind—so you can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.

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Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include retirement plans, financial education, etc.

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Physical and mental health

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program and more. 

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Your career, your way

With 350,000+ roles at Cognizant, you’ll have opportunities explore new technologies, industries and locations—and build the skills you need to grow your career.

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Real-world impact

Think about the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to help strengthen their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

Your path to Cognizant

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process. Please keep in mind that it may vary by role and location. Explore our FAQs to learn more.

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Step 1: Apply to the right opportunity

Find an open role that matches your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Don’t see the right opportunity? Consider joining our Talent Community.

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Step 2: Connect with your recruiter

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short intro call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills match the role.

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Step 3: Show off your skills

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

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Step 4: Decision time

Our team will then review each candidates’ potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time because we want to find the right fit for both you and us—but you can count on us to keep you updated.

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