What are the responsibilities and job description for the MES Functional Consultant – Plant Assessments - Remote position at Cognizant?
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.
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced MES Assessment SME with deep expertise in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and their integration within manufacturing environments. The ideal candidate will lead Industry 4.0 assessments, evaluate current IT/OT systems, identify gaps in automation and connectivity, and design scalable architectures that integrate MES with ERP, IoT, and plant control systems. This role requires strong domain knowledge, familiarity with MESA and ISA-95 standards, and the ability to provide actionable recommendations for improving efficiency, quality, and compliance. The position involves up to 20% onsite travel for plant assessments and deployment support.
Mandatory Skills
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
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.
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced MES Assessment SME with deep expertise in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and their integration within manufacturing environments. The ideal candidate will lead Industry 4.0 assessments, evaluate current IT/OT systems, identify gaps in automation and connectivity, and design scalable architectures that integrate MES with ERP, IoT, and plant control systems. This role requires strong domain knowledge, familiarity with MESA and ISA-95 standards, and the ability to provide actionable recommendations for improving efficiency, quality, and compliance. The position involves up to 20% onsite travel for plant assessments and deployment support.
Mandatory Skills
- Extensive knowledge of MES and integration with Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) applications.
- Hands-on experience performing standard MES assessments of as-is state and recommending to-be state solutions based on business requirements.
- Strong understanding of MES interfaces with Level 2 (PLC, SCADA) and Level 4 (ERP) systems.
- Awareness of MESA and ISA-95 standards.
- Expertise in MES L4, L3 & L2 Integration and manufacturing domain knowledge.
- Ability to travel onsite for assessments and deployments (up to 20%).
- Act as a senior MES Assessment SME with 10–15 years of experience.
- Serve as a key link between IT and manufacturing operations to ensure seamless data flow and efficient production.
- Perform Industry 4.0 assessments, including evaluating IT/OT systems for compatibility, identifying gaps in automation, connectivity, and designing new architectures.
- Assess cybersecurity, modular/scalable design, and real-time data capabilities for decision-making, quality management, and compliance automation.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret complex production data to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
- Determine how MES can improve efficiency, quality, and flexibility.
- Identify opportunities for process optimization, quality control enhancement, and cost reduction using data-driven insights.
- Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma) to streamline workflows.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to align solutions with business objectives.
- Display excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Manufacturing domain experience.
- Ignition MES knowledge.
- Experience integrating MES/Plant Systems.
- Strong SQL Server / Oracle DB skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
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
Salary : $90,000 - $150,000