Generative and Agentic AI Architect

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in IT and enterprise architecture, with a strong engineering background (preferably Java/.

NET)

• 5+ years in AI/ML, including at least 1 year focused on Generative & Agentic AI
• Expertise in model training techniques (SFT, RLHF, LoRA/QLoRA), RAG, and evaluation pipelines
• Architect-level certifications with at least two hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Extensive experience in MLOps/LLMOps, including CI/CD processes, monitoring, and compliance
• A proven track record in advisory roles at CxO levels and strategic AI engagements
• Familiarity with AI governance frameworks such as NIST RMF, EU AI Act, and Responsible AI
• Strong leadership skills with experience in mentoring and building cross-functional AI teams
• Business Acumen
• Consultative Mindset
• Practice Development
• Ecosystem Engagement
• Pragmatic Execution
• Executive Communication & Storytelling

Benefits

• Salary and Other Compensation:
• The annual salary for this position ranges from $120K to $165K, depending on the experience and qualifications of the chosen candidate
• This role is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of the applicable plans
• Benefits: Cognizant offers a comprehensive benefits package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements, including:
• 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, compensation, and benefits information provided is accurate as of the date of this posting

Responsibilities

• We are looking for a dynamic AI Architect to revolutionize the design and execution of Generative and Agentic AI ecosystems for Cognizant's strategic clients
• This position combines advisory leadership, hands-on solution development, and practice enhancement to drive transformational changes in the AI-first era
• Collaborate with C-level executives to craft AI strategies, architect scalable platforms, and implement industry-specific AI solutions
• Design and build modular, cloud-native AI platforms utilizing LLMs, SLMs, and multi-agent orchestration while ensuring security, scalability, and compliance with industry standards
• Engage with senior executives to outline AI roadmaps and investment strategies, serving as the lead architect for key client accounts
• Deliver customized AI solutions across diverse sectors such as Banking, Healthcare, Retail, and Manufacturing
• Oversee the entire model development lifecycle including data preparation, training, fine-tuning (SFT, RLHF, LoRA), deployment, and optimization
• Establish robust enterprise-grade pipelines for CI/CD, monitoring, observability, and compliance, while defining governance frameworks for agent lifecycle management
• Build and manage AI capability squads, mentoring architects and engineers, and contributing to the hiring strategy and succession planning
• Collaborate closely with hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP), ISVs, and startups to co-create offerings and shape partner roadmaps
• Publish white papers, lend expertise for patents, and represent Cognizant in executive roundtables and industry forums

Full Description

Job ID: 000

Location: Teaneck, NJ or Plano, TX (Hybrid - 2 to 3 days per week in office)

Role Summary

We are looking for a dynamic AI Architect to revolutionize the design and execution of Generative and Agentic AI ecosystems for Cognizant's strategic clients.

This position combines advisory leadership, hands-on solution development, and practice enhancement to drive transformational changes inthe AI-first era.

Collaborate with C-level executives to craft AI strategies, architect scalable platforms, and implement industry-specific AI solutions.

If you are a business-savvy technologist eager to influence the future of enterprise AI, this opportunity is for you!

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build modular, cloud-native AI platforms utilizing LLMs, SLMs, and multi-agent orchestration while ensuring security, scalability, and compliance with industry standards.

• Engage with senior executives to outline AI roadmaps and investment strategies, serving as the lead architect for key client accounts.

• Deliver customized AI solutions across diverse sectors such as Banking, Healthcare, Retail, and Manufacturing.

• Oversee the entire model development lifecycle including data preparation, training, fine-tuning (SFT, RLHF, LoRA), deployment, and optimization.

• Establish robust enterprise-grade pipelines for CI/CD, monitoring, observability, and compliance, while defining governance frameworks for agent lifecycle management.

• Build and manage AI capability squads, mentoring architects and engineers, and contributing to the hiring strategy and succession planning.

• Collaborate closely with hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP), ISVs, and startups to co-create offerings and shape partner roadmaps.

• Publish white papers, lend expertise for patents, and represent Cognizant in executive roundtables and industry forums.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in IT and enterprise architecture, with a strong engineering background (preferably Java/.

NET).

• 5+ years in AI/ML, including at least 1 year focused on Generative & Agentic AI.

• Expertise in model training techniques (SFT, RLHF, LoRA/QLoRA), RAG, and evaluation pipelines.

• Architect-level certifications with at least two hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP).

• Extensive experience in MLOps/LLMOps, including CI/CD processes, monitoring, and compliance.

• A proven track record in advisory roles at CxO levels and strategic AI engagements.

• Familiarity with AI governance frameworks such as NIST RMF, EU AI Act, and Responsible AI.

• Strong leadership skills with experience in mentoring and building cross-functional AI teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Publications, patents, or contributions to open-source projects in Agentic AI or LLMOps.

• Recognized as a thought leader through conferences, panels, or media appearances.

• In-depth domain expertise in one or more industries.

• Experience with AgentOps, model evaluation frameworks, and AI observability tools.

Functional Competencies

• Business Acumen

• Consultative Mindset

• Practice Development

• Ecosystem Engagement

• Pragmatic Execution

• Executive Communication & Storytelling

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applicants will be accepted until 11/24/2025.

The annual salary for this position ranges from $120K to $165K, depending on the experience and qualifications of the chosen candidate. This role is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of the applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers a comprehensive benefits package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements, including:

• 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, compensation, and benefits information provided is accurate as of the date of this posting.

Cognizant reserves the right to adjust this information at any time, consistent with applicable law.

At Cognizant, we harness the strength of our diverse backgrounds to foster collaboration, encourage creativity, and build innovative solutions for our clients.

If you thrive in environments rich in collaboration and are inspired to create meaningful solutions, we want to hear from you!

Apply Now!