**Summary:** We are seeking a seasoned **Ignition SME / Solution Architect** with over 4 years of hands-on experience in **Ignition by Inductive Automation** and 10+ years in IT/OT systems integration. This role focuses on architecting and deploying scalable **Industrial IoT (** **IIoT** **)** solutions across manufacturing environments, going beyond traditional SCADA implementations. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in **OT systems** , **MQTT protocol** , **UNS (Unified Namespace)** design, and **ISA-95 contextualization** , with a proven track record of **template-driven, reusable solution delivery** across multiple sites. **Key Responsibilities:** + Lead the **architecture, design, and deployment** of IIoT solutions using **Ignition Perspective** , MQTT, and edge computing strategies. + Develop **modular templates and reusable components** to accelerate multi-site rollouts and ensure consistency across deployments. + Align solution architecture with **ISA-95 standards** and **UNS models** for contextualized data flow across enterprise layers. + Configure and manage **MQTT brokers** (e.g., EMQX, HiveMQ) and implement **Sparkplug B** for efficient OT data transmission. + Design and implement **redundancy configurations** for high availability and disaster recovery. + Build **near real-time dashboards** using Ignition Perspective for monitoring OEE, batch performance, traceability, and other MES/IIoT use cases. + Integrate Ignition with **upstream systems** (ERP, MES, cloud platforms) and **downstream OT systems** (PLCs, SCADA, historians). + Define and execute **IT/OT integration strategies** , ensuring secure and scalable data exchange across layers. + Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, define URS/FS, and create system design documentation. + Ensure **data security** for both **data at rest and in transit** , including encryption, role-based access control, and secure network configurations. + Support deployments across **Dev, Test, and Production environments** , including version control and rollback strategies. + Provide technical leadership in **proposal development** , **solution reviews** , and **stakeholder engagement** . **Preferred Qualifications:** + 4+ years of experience with **Ignition** (Perspective, Vision, MQTT modules). + 10+ years of experience in **IT/OT systems** , industrial automation, and manufacturing operations. + Strong understanding of **industrial protocols** (OPC UA, Modbus, MQTT) and **edge computing** . + Experience with **UNS architecture** , **ISA-95 modeling** , and **contextualization frameworks** . + Proven track record of **multi-site deployments** with standardized templates and scalable architecture. + Familiarity with **cloud platforms** (Azure, AWS, GCP) and hybrid architectures. + Experience integrating with **MES/ERP systems** (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and **SCADA/PLC** environments. + Knowledge of **pharma manufacturing** , GxP compliance, and validation lifecycle is a plus. + Strong documentation skills and ability to lead technical workshops and training sessions. **Nice to Have:** + Certifications in **Ignition** , **MQTT** , or **cloud platforms** . + Experience with **digital twin modeling** , **AI/ML integration** , and **predictive analytics** . + Exposure to **containerized deployments** (Docker, Kubernetes) and **DevOps practices** . + Familiarity with **data lakes** , **streaming analytics** , and **event-driven architectures** . Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.