AI Automation Architect - Manufacturing and MES processes- Remote

Experience: 10+ years overall, including 3–5 years in AI or intelligent automation

Role Summary: We are seeking an AI Automation SME to lead the design and delivery of AI-enabled automation solutions for manufacturing and MES processes. The role will translate business requirements into secure, scalable, and production-ready solutions using AI, workflow automation, system integrations, data processing, and Azure DevOps.

Key Responsibilities: Lead discovery, feasibility assessment, solution architecture, and technical design. Design AI agents and automation workflows for master-data synchronization, validation, gap analysis, hotfix generation, bulk deployment, and facility setup. Develop governed automation solutions using Azure AI, Azure OpenAI, Azure DevOps, APIs, and enterprise integration patterns. Establish human-in-the-loop approvals, exception handling, audit trails, monitoring, and rollback controls. Guide prototypes, development, testing, deployment, production readiness, and stabilization. Ensure compliance with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, data privacy, and responsible-AI standards. Mentor automation engineers and collaborate with MES, DevOps, data, and business teams. Prepare solution-design, operational-support, and knowledge-transfer documentation.

Required Skills: Strong experience in AI-enabled automation, intelligent workflows, or enterprise automation architecture. Hands-on knowledge of generative AI, AI agents, prompt engineering, NLP, and retrieval-based solutions. Experience with Azure AI services, Azure OpenAI, and Azure DevOps pipelines. Proficiency in Python, PowerShell, C#, or similar technologies. Experience with APIs, workflow orchestration, data validation, integration, monitoring, and security controls. Strong stakeholder-management, analytical, communication, and technical-leadership skills.

Preferred Skills: Experience with Critical Manufacturing MES or another enterprise MES platform. Knowledge of manufacturing master data, multi-environment configuration, PLM integration, and site rollouts. Familiarity with responsible AI governance and model-risk controls. Relevant Microsoft Azure, AI, DevOps, or solution-architecture certifications.

Compensation: $150,000 to $180,000 and this position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program 10%, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans. Application will be accepted by 12/7/2026

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase PlanThings 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 CareersNA2@cognizant.com 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.