Senior Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Analyst

Cognizant is a leading provider of IT and BPO services, providing critical initiatives to a variety of global clients. The Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) team within our New Product Introduction (NPI) group is the backbone of our hardware scaling strategy. You will own the structural integrity of our hardware products from inception to mass production. As a Senior PLM Analyst, you will not just administer the system; you will architect bills of material (BOMs), streamline engineering change workflows, and act as the crucial bridge between Hardware Engineering, Global Supply Chain, and our international Contract Manufacturers (CMs). Your work directly ensures global customs compliance, accurate procurement, and seamless product launches across the full hardware lifecycle. Please note that this role is Fully Onsite in Palo Alto. Only local candidates will be considered that do not need to relocate. Strategic Responsibilities PLM System Leadership: Act as the primary subject matter expert and administrator for our PLM ecosystem, optimizing workflows for past, present, and future hardware systems. BOM Architecture & NPI Support: Partner closely with engineering and program management to architect complex Engineering and Production BOMs aligned with key NPI milestones. Change Management Excellence: Drive the end-to-end lifecycle for Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Manufacturer Change Orders (MCOs), and Deviations. Facilitate Change Control Board (CCB) reviews to resolve discrepancies and ensure rapid disposition. Vendor & Global Alignment: Collaborate daily with Buyer/Planners and CM counterparts in East Asian time zones to conduct high-level BOM reviews, ensuring full compliance with AML/AVL requirements, RoHS certifications, and MPN specifications. System Integration: Oversee the accurate and timely transfer of released ECR/ECN, Controlled Part Number, and BOM data from the PLM environment into our central Oracle ERP system. Process Optimization: Monitor SLA adherence for change approvals. Proactively identify workflow bottlenecks and implement process improvements to reduce cycle times and eliminate backlog. Future-Proofing: Support internal initiatives to modernize PLM processes, maintaining readiness for potential future system migrations or upgrades. Desired Qualifications & Experience Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Information Systems, Business, or equivalent practical experience. Experience: Required: 5–7+ years of experience implementing, optimizing, and heavily supporting the PLM systems in a fast-paced hardware manufacturing environment. Experience with enterprise PLM systems like Windchill, Agile, Arena, or Teamcenter. Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of NPI hardware lifecycles, global supply chain principles, and ERP integrations (Oracle E-Business Suite or SAP modules such as PIM, Inventory, and Order Management). Global Collaboration: Proven ability to partner effectively with international contract manufacturers and cross-functional engineering teams. Soft Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to thrive in a rapidly changing, high-growth environment. Salary and Other Compensation The annual salary for this position is between $90,000 - $109,500 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 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 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cognizant