Location: Remote or Chicago, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time
Domain: Life Science
Job Title:
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Architect, Manufacturing Technology (BTS)
Proposed Job Title: BTS Operations M&A Architect
PURPOSE:
Serve as the architect and technology strategist for manufacturing site lifecycle initiatives-including acquisitions, divestitures/separations (as applicable), new builds, and expansions. Lead end-to-end architecture from IT due diligence through Day-1 readiness, stabilization, and integration to AbbVie target standards-ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, compliant (GxP/CSV/Part 11 as applicable), and operationally supportable. Partner with BTS Ops delivery teams and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver repeatable, high-confidence site integrations that enable business growth and operational excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
M&A / Site Lifecycle Architecture Leadership
- Lead technical visioning and architecture for IT/OT systems supporting plant acquisitions, separations, new construction, and expansions, including transition-state and target-state architectures.
- Define Day-1 / Day-30 / Day-100 technology readiness plans, cutover approach, and stabilization ("hypercare") architecture for acquired/expanded sites.
- Produce and maintain a repeatable Site Integration Playbook (reference architectures, approved patterns, checklists, standard bills of material, and evidence templates).
IT Due Diligence & Integration Strategy
- Own the IT due diligence architecture assessment for target sites: current state inventories (apps/integration/data/infrastructure), IT/OT connectivity, vendor dependencies, obsolescence/EOL, licensing/contracts, support model, and integration complexity.
- Assess cybersecurity posture and third-party risk in coordination with InfoSec, including segmentation, remote access, endpoint posture, asset discovery, identity onboarding, and remediation planning.
- Develop integration options and recommendations (e.g., retain vs. standardize vs. replace) using agreed criteria (risk, compliance, speed, cost, sustainability, architectural fit).
Compliance, Risk, and Governance
- Ensure architectures align to AbbVie standards for security, data privacy, GxP/CSV expectations, and technology governance, with audit-ready traceability.
- Drive architecture decisioning through governance forums (e.g., ARB or equivalent): maintain architecture decision logs/records, exception/risk acceptance documentation, and standards conformance evidence.
- Identify and proactively manage cross-site risks (schedule, cyber, validation, operational readiness), escalating tradeoffs and decisions early.
Solution & Integration Architecture (IT + OT)
- Architect manufacturing technology stacks spanning MES, SCADA/automation interfaces, historians, plant connectivity, ERP integrations, and core infrastructure platforms.
- Define integration patterns and interface inventories: data flows, API/event/file interfaces where applicable, master data alignment, and operational reporting.
- Establish site connectivity and operating model requirements: monitoring, backup/recovery, patching, incident response, and support handoffs.
Delivery Partnership & Leadership
- Partner with BTS Ops program/project managers and implementation teams to guide execution and ensure delivered solutions match architecture intent, quality, compliance, and operational supportability.
- Lead cross-functional workshops with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and key vendors to align requirements, validate designs, and resolve tradeoffs.
- Mentor solution architects & project technical leads; set expectation and raise architectural maturity across site deployment teams.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's Degree with 7 years of experience, Master's Degree with 6 years, or PhD with 2 years in IT systems architecture or a related applied discipline; manufacturing or pharmaceutical industry experience strongly preferred.
• Strong background in manufacturing IT, including understanding of plant floor systems, enterprise integrations, and regulatory compliance (GxP, FDA, etc.).
• Proven experience leading IT projects for new site builds, plant expansions, or acquisition integrations.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to assess risk, think strategically, and deliver high-quality solutions in dynamic environments.
• Experience with relevant technology platforms (MES, ERP, Automation/SCADA, network infrastructure, etc.).
• Strong analytic, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Knowledge of applicable corporate and divisional policies and project management methodologies.
Application Accepted: 9/31/2026
The annual salary for this position is between $150,000 - $165,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
• Extended Health Coverage through Manulife
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Virtual Care Services (TELUS Health)
• Mental Health & Counselling Services
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Virtual Pharmacy Services
• Retirement Benefits
• Registered Pension Plan (RPP) with employer matching up to 3%
• RRSP contributions are available; however, Cognizant does not provide RRSP matching
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable language
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable la
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