Lead Ignition Architect - SCADA/MES/IIoT Solutions - Remote

About Us:

Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant, a member of the NASDAQ-100, is ranked 195 on the Fortune 500 and is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com.

About Cognizant's IoT Practice:

Intelligent, IoT-enabled products will soon result in the proliferation of data and disrupt virtually all industries. To be successful, both large and small companies must leverage IoT capabilities by designing modern products that fundamentally connect people with processes. Within Cognizant IOT, we engineer industry-aligned, IoT-enabled products that merge industry needs with human drivers. Our intelligent products will revolutionize experiences and result in exciting, transformative outcomes. Without human-centered thinking, connected products are just standalone things-but with it, our modern connected products facilitate a unified way of life enjoyed by all.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Ignition Technical Architect to join our team. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with deep expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing complex SCADA, MES, and IIoT solutions using the Inductive Automation Ignition platform. This role will be critical in translating business requirements into robust, scalable, and secure technical architectures that drive operational excellence and digital transformation for our clients.

Responsibilities:

Solution Design & Architecture:

Lead the design and development of enterprise-level Ignition SCADA, MES, and IIoT architectures, ensuring alignment with client business objectives, technical constraints, and industry best practices (e.g., ISA-95, ISA-99/IEC 62443).

Translate complex functional and non-functional requirements into detailed technical specifications and architectural blueprints.

Define system components, data flows, integration points, and communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, Ethernet/IP) for Ignition-based solutions.

Architect solutions for high availability, redundancy, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity.

Select and recommend appropriate Ignition modules (Vision, Perspective, Edge, MES, Reporting, etc.) and third-party integrations.

Design and optimize database structures (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, InfluxDB) for data historization, alarming, and reporting.

Technical Leadership & Guidance:

Act as a subject matter expert and technical lead for Ignition projects, providing guidance and mentorship to development and engineering teams.

Conduct technical reviews of designs, code, and configurations to ensure quality, performance, and adherence to architectural standards.

Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance Ignition solution capabilities.

Drive innovation and promote continuous improvement in Ignition development and deployment processes.

Implementation & Deployment Support:

Oversee and provide hands-on support during the implementation, configuration, and commissioning of Ignition systems.

Develop and debug complex Python scripting within Ignition for automation, data processing, and system logic.

Configure and optimize Ignition Gateways, tag providers, alarming, and historical data storage.

Collaborate with IT and OT teams to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure, including networks, servers, virtualization, and cloud environments (AWS, Azure).

Client & Stakeholder Engagement:

Work closely with clients, project managers, and other stakeholders to gather requirements, present technical solutions, and manage expectations.

Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Provide expert consulting services, including pre-sales support, technical assessments, and gap analysis.

Documentation & Best Practices:

Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including architectural diagrams, design specifications, configuration guides, and troubleshooting procedures.

Define and enforce Ignition development standards, coding guidelines, and best practices.

Stay current with the latest Ignition platform features, modules, and industry trends.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Proven experience (10+ years preferred) in designing, developing, and deploying industrial automation and control systems, with a significant focus on the Inductive Automation Ignition platform.

Minimum of 5 full Ignition SCADA/MES implementation projects, with at least two in a Solution Architect or Lead Architect role.

Ignition Gold Certification is highly preferred; Ignition Core Certification is a minimum requirement.

Deep understanding of Ignition modules, including Vision, Perspective, Edge, MES (e.g., Sepasoft SPC, OEE, Track & Trace), and Enterprise Administration.

Proficiency in Python scripting for Ignition.

Strong experience with SQL databases (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL) for data historization, reporting, and complex queries.

Solid understanding of industrial communication protocols (OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, MQTT).

Familiarity with PLC programming concepts and integration with SCADA systems.

Experience with network architecture design, virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V), and cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems.

Knowledge of web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) for Ignition Perspective UI development.

Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Ability to travel to client sites as required.

Desired Skills:

Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and IIoT architectures.

Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

Experience in specific industry domains (e.g., Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Pharma, Biotech, Utilities).

Knowledge of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integrations.

Why Join Us:

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in a dynamic and innovative environment.
• Collaborative and inclusive company culture.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

Compensation: - $90,000 to $160,000 +/- and this position are also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans. Application will be accepted by 05/29/2025

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 Plan