IT Support Specialist

Cognizant; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant in Portland, OR seeks an IT Support Specialist to anchor hands-on technical support for design studio and PVE teams. You will manage high-performance Windows and macOS workstations, printers, display systems, and networked services to keep creative workflows running smoothly.

This role partners with corporate IT, handling onboarding, software licensing (Autodesk/Adobe), peripherals, and studio equipment like Wacom displays, media printers, and 3D printers, ensuring reliable operations

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of desktop support and engineering experience.
• Proficiency with Windows 11, macOS, M365, and hardware support.
• Server administration including user access and backups.
• Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, firewalls).
• ITSM processes including incident and problem management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the dedicated IT liaison for Design Studio and PVE teams.
• Provide hands-on support for Windows/macOS workstations, printers, and displays.
• Manage end-to-end IT onboarding for new team members.
• Evaluate, approve, and implement specialized software and AI-enabled tools.
• Maintain software licensing for Autodesk and Adobe.
• Install and support studio peripherals and large-format displays.
• Support network-connected studio equipment and coordinate with vendors.
• Diagnose and resolve network connectivity issues.
• Maintain servers and storage, including backups and access management.
• Proactively identify recurring issues and drive permanent resolutions.

Skills

Desktop support

Engineering

Windows 11

MacOS

M365

Hardware support

Server administration

Networking

ITSM process

Job description

IT Support Specialist

Location: Portland, OR (On-site)

*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

About the Role

Hands-on technical support for our Design Studio and Product Validation Engineering (PVE) teams. This is not a traditional help-desk position. The Design Studio operates a unique technology environment spanning high-performance Windows and macOS workstations, networked fabrication and printing equipment, large display systems, and dedicated data servers, which requires specialized, proactive support beyond standard corporate IT services.

The ideal candidate will serve as the primary IT liaison for these teams: a trusted partner who understands creative and engineering workflows, advocates for the teams' technology needs within the broader IT organization, and keeps systems running reliably so designers and engineers can focus on their work.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the dedicated IT liaison and primary point of contact for the Design Studio and Product Validation Engineering (PVE) teams, coordinating with corporate IT and representing specialized technology requirements.

Provide hands-on technical support for high-performance Windows and macOS workstations, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and ongoing operational support.

Manage end-to-end IT onboarding for new team members, ensuring accounts, hardware, software, and required system access are ready from day one.

Support the evaluation, approval, and implementation of specialized software and emerging tools, including AI-enabled design and productivity solutions.

Administer and maintain software licensing, including Autodesk and Adobe products, ensuring assignments and renewals support business requirements.

Install, configure, and support specialized peripherals and display technologies, including Wacom Cintiq pen displays, monitors, and large-scale video wall systems.

Provide IT support for network-connected studio equipment, including clay milling machines, 3D printers, and large-format printers, while coordinating with equipment vendors when required.

Diagnose and resolve network connectivity issues impacting Design Studio/PVE equipment, systems, and technical workflows, coordinating with network and security teams as needed.

Maintain departmental servers and storage, including access management, backups, and connectivity support.

Proactively identify recurring technical issues and drive permanent resolutions, providing reliable support that minimizes disruption to design and engineering workflows.

Mandatory Skills

• Desktop support and Engineering 5-8 years

Proficiency in Windows 11, MacOS, M365, Hardware support - Computers and Printers, End User Computing tools

• Server Support 2-3 years

Server administration including User access management, Backup, etc.

• Network 3+ years

Working knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, WI-FI, Firewalls)

• ITSM process 3+ years

Service oriented mindset with working knowledge of Incident and Problem management

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting design, engineering, lab, or media production environments

Experience administering software licenses for creative or engineering suites (e.g., Autodesk, Adobe)

Familiarity with large-format printers (e.g., Canon, HP) and AV/video wall systems

Certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Apple Certified Support Professional

Interest in or experience with AI-assisted tools in a corporate environment