Full Job Description
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
AI Automation Subject Matter Expert (SME)
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 Plan
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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.
