Sustaining Manufacturing & Logistics Specialist

Cognizant is a leading provider IT and BPO services, providing critical initiatives to a variety of global clients. The Hardware Operations team is a part of a high profile client project that provides interactive panoramas from positions along many streets in the world. Hardware Operations is responsible for building, testing, deploying, and maintaining imagery hardware and sensors used on different platforms. This dual-role position is responsible for both the operational logistics and the sustaining manufacturing engineering support for imagery collection equipment. It involves managing the product lifecycle through inventory coordination, equipment movement, and stock control, while also supporting the manufacturing process to ensure quality, yield, and timely implementation of engineering changes. Please note that this role is based in Palo Alto, CA . Only local candidates will be considered. Role Responsibilities Manufacturing Sustaining & Engineering Support BOM & ECR Management : Understand and define the requirements of basic Bills of Materials (BOM) for assemblies and subassemblies. Submit Engineering Change Requests (ECR) and New Part Requests (NPR). Production Transactions : Generate Assembly Complete (AC) and 'Dekit' orders for assemblies and sub-assemblies at the Contract Manufacturer (CM). Quality Support : Assist in monitoring manufacturing process yields and test fallout rates. Support engineers in basic Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for recurring production issues. Documentation : Collect and organize Return Material Authorization (RMA) data related to manufacturing failures. Maintain the inventory overview of failed / repaired units. Inventory and Logistics Coordination Standard Moves : Manage all inbound and outbound CM shipments, ensuring operational readiness and setup support. Process ticket requests and manage service ticket creation and monitoring in collaboration with the Logistics workflow team. Equipment Movement : Support in fulfilling imagery collection equipment movement requests (domestic and international) through the product lifecycle, keeping in mind country-specific regulations. Inventory Audits & Control : Assist with annual physical inventory counts in collaboration with the CM. Review inventory data, identify discrepancies, and perform necessary audits or reconciliations. Support stock management, scheduled stock count, and forecasting activities Desired Skills & Experience A bachelor's degree is preferred, but a High School diploma will be accepted with enough relevant experience. 2-5 years of combined experience in logistics / inventory and manufacturing / sustaining engineering roles. 2 years of experience with Hardware Operations Proficient in ERP and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems). Supply Chain & Logistics : Experienced in logistics, vendor management, and warehouse operations. Familiarity with stock management, forecasting principles, and spreadsheet applications. Knowledgeable in manufacturing processes, quality control methodologies, and problem-solving techniques (e.g., Root Cause Analysis - RCA, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - FMEA). Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to operate and communicate effectively Hourly Rate and Other Compensation : The annual salary for this position is between $80,000 - $99,000 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 : 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 Disclaimer : The hourly rate, 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 law. LA County (only) : Qualified applicants with arrest and / or conviction records will be considered for employment. Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.