At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and integration of cutting-edge Operational Technology systems in water utilities.
- Company: Join Cognizant, a top global tech company transforming industries with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health perks, remote work options, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in the utilities sector.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable water management and digital transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational technology and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Company Cognizant (NASDAQ:CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services, dedicated to helping the world's leading companies build stronger businesses. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey (U.S.), Cognizant has over 340,000 employees as of January 2025.
Cognizant Consulting At Cognizant, our consultants orchestrate the capabilities to truly change the game across strategy, design, technology and industry/functional knowledge to deliver insight at speed and solutions at scale. Our consulting services elevate the unique abilities and business aspirations of customers and employees and build relationships based on trust and value.
Energy & Utilities Consulting Energy & utilities in the UK are going through a transformation journey with the focus on making data-centric Asset Investment decisions, enhanced customer experience (through digital and data enablement), sustainable and reliable infrastructure (green energy driven water treatment, fewer leakages etc.), digitalisation of the aging infrastructure, visualisation of their disparate decision support systems in a single pane of glass and most importantly disruption from innovative technologies entering the marketplace.
Cognizant has engagements with multiple energy & utilities clients in the UK where we are helping them being customer obsessed and lead the transformation initiatives to build new offerings, solutions and innovative business models aligned to the market trends and regulatory commitments.
Role Overview The OT Architect will lead the design integration and governance of Operational Technology (OT) systems across a modern utilities environment. This role focuses on secure SCADA telemetry and industrial automation platforms ensuring seamless interoperability with enterprise IT ERP and cloud ecosystems.
Roles & Responsibilities
- OT Architecture & Systems Integration: Design and maintain end to end OT architectures covering SCADA RTUs/PLCs telemetry historian platforms and field communications. Develop integration patterns between OT systems and enterprise IT/ERP platforms (e.g. SAP Oracle Maximo GIS asset management). Define secure data flows between plant control rooms corporate networks and cloud services. Lead the adoption of IIoT technologies edge computing and modern data architectures for real time operational insight.
- Cybersecurity & Compliance: Embed ISA/IEC 62443 NIS2 and UK CNI security principles into OT designs. Conduct risk assessments threat modelling and architecture reviews across OT environments. Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to implement segmentation zero trust principles and secure remote access for OT assets.
- SCADA & Utilities Operations: Provide architectural leadership for SCADA upgrades control system migrations and telemetry modernization programs. Work closely with control room operations and engineering teams to ensure system reliability availability and regulatory compliance. Support lifecycle planning for OT assets including vendor selection obsolescence management and technology road mapping.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Technical Leadership: Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership engineering managers and IT/OT program teams. Translate operational requirements into scalable secure and compliant architectures. Lead workshops produce high quality technical documentation and guide delivery partners and system integrators. Support procurement contract reviews and vendor governance for OT and IIoT solutions.
Essential skills
- Utilities Operational Domain Knowledge
- Understanding of end-to-end business process model in Water and Wastewater treatment operations
- Understanding of supervisory and control processes
- Expertise in defining solutions for data acquisitions from operational systems and OT-IT Integration
- Understanding of operational technology elements (PLCs, RTUs, Data Loggers, SCADA systems, Timeseries historian etc.) and how they help utility operational processes
- Appreciation of protocols used in process automation - Modbus, OPC UA, OPC DA, MQTT, AMQP etc.
- Enterprise Asset Management Domain Expertise for Utilities
- Solution Design and Prototyping
- Business & technology process mapping, capability maps and value streams
- Excellent communication skills
Desired Skills
- Expertise in Cloud Technologies preferably Azure
- Appreciation of IoT Technologies
- An appreciation of Enterprise Architecture
About us Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world.
Additional employment information Compensation 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. Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview. Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.
OT Architect (Operational Technology & Cyber Security) - Water Utilities employer: Cognizant Technology Solutions
Cognizant is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the rapidly evolving field of Operational Technology and Cyber Security. Employees benefit from extensive growth opportunities, access to cutting-edge technologies, and a commitment to sustainability in the water utilities sector, all while being part of a globally recognised leader in technology services. With a focus on employee well-being and diversity, Cognizant ensures a supportive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to meaningful projects that make a real impact.
Contact Details:
Cognizant Technology Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OT Architect (Operational Technology & Cyber Security) - Water Utilities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their projects and challenges, especially in the water utilities sector. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your experience with OT systems and cybersecurity. Be prepared to showcase how your expertise aligns with the role of an OT Architect and how you can contribute to their transformation initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about wanting to join Cognizant and be part of their exciting journey in the energy and utilities sector.
We think you need these skills to ace OT Architect (Operational Technology & Cyber Security) - Water Utilities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the OT Architect role. Highlight your experience with SCADA systems, cybersecurity, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in operational technology.
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of the water utilities sector and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Use industry jargon where appropriate to show you know your stuff!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the role without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognizant Technology Solutions
✨Know Your OT Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Operational Technology systems, especially SCADA and industrial automation platforms. Brush up on the protocols like Modbus and OPC UA, as well as how they integrate with IT systems. This knowledge will help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Cybersecurity Savvy
Familiarise yourself with ISA/IEC 62443 and NIS2 security principles. Be prepared to discuss how you would embed these into OT designs and your experience with risk assessments. Demonstrating your cybersecurity knowledge will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios
Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led OT architecture projects or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Cognizant's approach to digital transformation in the utilities sector. Inquire about their current projects or challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
