Sr. MES Engineer

Execution Systems Lead Engineer - Emerson DeltaV MES Syncade (Remote)

Location: United States (Remote)
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Cognizant

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is one of the world's leading professional services companies, helping clients modernize technology, reimagine processes, and transform experiences. We engineer modern businesses to improve everyday life. Our associates around the globe help clients build stronger, more agile, and innovative organizations.

Our Life Sciences Manufacturing practice partners with leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device organizations to deliver innovative digital manufacturing solutions. Through expertise in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Automation, Digital Operations, and Pharma 4.0 technologies, we help clients optimize manufacturing performance, improve compliance, and accelerate business outcomes.

Role Overview

Cognizant is seeking an experienced Execution Systems Lead Engineer with deep expertise in Emerson DeltaV MES Syncade to support and enhance manufacturing execution systems across global Life Sciences manufacturing operations.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing, configuring, optimizing, and supporting MES solutions that enable efficient batch execution, strengthen data integrity, and ensure regulatory compliance. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Automation, and IT teams to deliver scalable execution system solutions that improve operational performance and support continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical leadership, MES solution design expertise, and hands-on production support experience within regulated manufacturing environments.

Work Model

This position is fully remote within the United States, with the flexibility to work from home while supporting global manufacturing operations and project teams.

The role requires regular collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders across multiple time zones and may involve occasional travel for client meetings, workshops, project activities, or critical business needs.

Key Responsibilities

MES Solution Design & Architecture

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing execution system architectures utilizing Emerson DeltaV MES Syncade and industry-standard MES frameworks.
• Architect scalable execution system solutions that support reliable batch manufacturing and standardized production processes across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Define and implement MES workflows, process models, and electronic manufacturing processes that improve operational consistency and productivity.
• Ensure MES solutions align with business objectives, operational requirements, and regulatory expectations.

MES Configuration & Implementation

• Configure and enhance MES recipes, workflows, electronic work instructions, and electronic batch records (EBRs).
• Develop solutions that improve right-first-time execution, reduce manual interventions, and support manufacturing compliance.
• Support MES deployment activities, including configuration updates, enhancements, system upgrades, and ongoing maintenance.
• Ensure execution system functionality supports efficient and sustainable manufacturing operations.

Production Support & System Optimization

• Provide hands-on support for Emerson DeltaV MES Syncade environments.
• Troubleshoot production issues, system defects, and process exceptions to maintain high system availability.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor system and production performance metrics to identify opportunities for optimization and continuous improvement.
• Drive initiatives focused on improving throughput, reducing downtime, and increasing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Automation, Validation, and IT teams to gather requirements and define MES solutions.
• Translate business, operational, and regulatory requirements into functional and technical execution system designs.
• Support project teams by reviewing solution designs and ensuring alignment with manufacturing strategies.
• Partner with stakeholders to prioritize MES enhancement requests and deliver measurable business value.

Integration & Technical Support

• Coordinate with automation and infrastructure teams to maintain reliable integrations between:
  • MES Platforms
  • Control Systems
  • Enterprise Applications
  • Manufacturing Data Systems
• Support interface development and integration activities to ensure seamless information flow across manufacturing environments.
• Assist with deployment planning, technical upgrades, and system lifecycle management activities.

Testing, Validation & Documentation

• Lead and support:
  • Unit Testing
  • Integration Testing
  • User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
  • Release Validation Activities
• Ensure MES functionality performs as intended before production deployment.
• Develop and maintain technical specifications, configuration documentation, support guides, and operational procedures.
• Support computerized system validation activities and maintain compliance documentation throughout the system lifecycle.

Continuous Improvement & Knowledge Sharing

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing MES capabilities to enhance:
  • Electronic Batch Records
  • Manufacturing Traceability
  • Process Efficiency
  • Data Integrity
• Mentor junior engineers and project team members on DeltaV MES Syncade best practices, solution design, troubleshooting methodologies, and implementation approaches.
• Contribute to delivery standards, templates, and reusable assets that improve project execution quality and consistency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Life Sciences, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Emerson DeltaV MES Syncade within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or process manufacturing environments.
• Strong experience configuring:
  • MES Workflows
  • Recipes
  • Electronic Batch Records (EBRs)
  • Electronic Work Instructions
• Deep understanding of MES concepts, including:
  • Material Management
  • Equipment Management
  • Work Order Execution
  • Electronic Batch Records
  • Manufacturing Process Control
• Experience translating business and regulatory requirements into scalable MES solutions.
• Strong knowledge of MES integration patterns involving automation systems, control systems, and enterprise applications.
• Experience supporting production environments through:
  • Incident Management
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Corrective Action Planning
  • System Optimization
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively with globally distributed teams in a remote environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting global manufacturing operations across multiple sites.
• Knowledge of manufacturing automation platforms and control systems.
• Experience integrating MES solutions with ERP platforms and enterprise applications.
• Familiarity with Pharma 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing initiatives.
• Experience with manufacturing performance analytics and operational excellence programs.
• Exposure to cloud, IIoT, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Prior experience leading technical teams or mentoring junior engineers.

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience with:

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
• FDA 21 CFR Part 11
• Computer System Validation (CSV)
• Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures
• Data Integrity Principles (ALCOA+)
• Change Control Processes
• Validation and Testing Methodologies for Regulated Systems

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is anticipated to be between $120,000 and $140,000 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

Occasional travel may be required to support client meetings, project workshops, manufacturing site visits, training activities, and critical business initiatives.

Why Cognizant

• Work with leading global pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations.
• Drive digital manufacturing innovation through advanced MES technologies.
• Contribute to high-impact manufacturing transformation initiatives.
• Collaborate with industry-leading engineers, architects, and consultants.
• Access ongoing learning, certification, and career growth opportunities.
• Be part of a global organization committed to improving the future of healthcare manufacturing.

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.