Principal Program Lead (Digital Thread and PLM)- Remote

Cognizant • Teaneck, NJ

8h • Remote

About The Position

Principal Program Lead (Digital Thread and PLM) Role Summary: This leader owns the delivery governance and strategic alignment for large-scale Digital Thread engagements. They bridge the gap between Executive Stakeholders, Technical Delivery teams, and Software Partners (e.g., Dassault Systemes). They are responsible for turning "Digital Transformation" concepts into executed, value-driven programs while managing strict regulatory (ITAR/EAR) and budget constraints.

Requirements

• US Citizenship or a US Person is needed.
• 12+ years of Program Management experience specifically in PLM/Digital Thread transformations.
• Deep functional understanding of Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE ecosystem (Enovia, Catia, Simulia, Cameo/MBSE) capabilities and licensing models.
• Experience managing governance models (Client + SI + Software Vendor).
• Solid understanding of MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) and MBD (Model-Based Definition) workflows.
• Proven track record of delivering $10M+ digital transformation programs from concept to sustainment.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science required.
• Minimum of 12-15 years of experience in Digital Transformation or Engineering Services.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to Aerospace & Defense (A&D) product development lifecycles (Concept to Production) is a big plus.
• Ambiguity Management: Ability to define roadmaps in an evolving setting where requirements are fluid.
• Executive Presence: Ability to present "Journey Maps" and ROI models to CxOs, VPs, and senior engineering leadership.
• Financial Acumen: Experience managing fixed-capacity budgets, resource burn rates, and software licensing ramp-ups.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to mediate between Process teams, Platform teams, and R&D teams.
• Strong logical intellect with the ability to storyboard complex technical dependencies into executive summaries.
• MBA or PMP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Program Governance: Define and execute the roadmap for multi-year PLM/Digital Thread initiatives, managing scope, risk, and P&L.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary liaison between Client Executives (CxO/VP), System Integrator teams, and Software Vendor R&D.
• Strategic Alignment: Translate business objectives (e.g., "reduce cycle time," "infrastructure readiness") into actionable technical program increments.
• Compliance & Security: Ensure all program activities adhere to strict A&D security standards (NIST 800-171, CMMC, ITAR).
• Methodology Leadership: Champion the adoption of hybrid delivery models (Agile/SAFe for software, Waterfall for stage-gate engineering).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees