Gen AI and Agentic AI Architect
Job ID:
Location: Teaneck, NJ or Plano, TX (Hybrid - 2 to 3 days per week in office)
Role Summary
We are seeking a visionary and pragmatic AI Architect to lead the design and implementation of Generative and Agentic AI ecosystems for Cognizant's strategic clients. This role blends advisory leadership, hands-on solutioning, and practice development to drive enterprise transformation in the AI-first era. You will work closely with C-level stakeholders to define AI strategies, architect scalable platforms, and deliver verticalized AI solutions across industries. This is a high-impact role for a business-savvy technologist passionate about shaping the future of enterprise AI.
Key Responsibilities
Design and implement modular, cloud-native AI platforms integrating LLMs, SLMs, and multi-agent orchestration. Ensure security, scalability, and compliance with industry standards.
Lead executive-level engagements to define AI roadmaps and investment strategies. Serve as the anchor architect for major client accounts.
Deliver tailored AI use cases across verticals such as Banking, Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing, and more.
Oversee end-to-end model development including data preparation, training, fine-tuning (SFT, RLHF, LoRA), deployment, and optimization.
Establish enterprise-grade pipelines for CI/CD, monitoring, observability, and compliance. Define governance frameworks for agent lifecycle management.
Build and lead AI capability squads. Mentor architects and engineers, contribute to hiring strategy, and support succession planning.
Collaborate with hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP), ISVs, and startups to co-develop offerings and influence partner roadmaps.
Publish white papers, contribute to patents, and represent Cognizant in executive roundtables and industry forums.
Required Qualifications
15+ years in IT and enterprise architecture, with hands-on engineering background (Java/.NET preferred).
5+ years in AI/ML, including 1+ year in Generative & Agentic AI.
Expertise in model training techniques (SFT, RLHF, LoRA/QLoRA), RAG, and evaluation pipelines.
Architect-level certifications in at least two hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Deep experience in MLOps/LLMOps, including CI/CD, monitoring, and compliance.
Proven track record in CxO-level advisory and strategic AI engagements.
Familiarity with AI governance frameworks (NIST RMF, EU AI Act, Responsible AI).
Strong leadership experience in mentoring and building cross-functional AI teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Publications, patents, or open-source contributions in Agentic AI or LLMOps.
Recognized thought leadership in conferences, panels, or media.
Deep 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 till 12/29/2025
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future
The annual salary for this position will be in the range of $120K-$165K 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 : Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
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.
Our strength is built on our ability to work together. Our diverse backgrounds offer different perspectives and new ways of thinking. It encourages lively discussions, creativity, productivity, and helps us build better solutions for our clients. We want someone who thrives in this setting and is inspired to craft meaningful solutions through true collaboration.
If you are content with ambiguity, excited by change, and excel through autonomy, we'd love to hear from you!
Apply Now!
...An online learning platform is seeking a Principal Designer to shape the future learner experience. This senior role involves designing... ...leading motion and interaction design, and collaborating with product and engineering teams. Ideal candidates will have a strong portfolio...
...Mental Health Coach If you are passionate about working with/for vulnerable youth and families, implementing evidence-based models of treatment and care, we have a professional opportunity for you! The MST Coach is a specialized Case Planner role with a concentration...
...then, weve built an A-team of software engineers, designers, product managers and domain experts, from companies like Google, Apple, Dropbox, Opower, and Sidewalk Labs. Recidiviz was part of Y-Combinators 2019 class and has received support from some of the most...
...Job Description: JOB SUMMARY The National Account Manager, Sam's Club, is responsible for delivering the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and executing customer strategies for Sam's Club within the beverage/alcohol category. This role manages distribution, program...
A dedicated IT services firm is seeking an experienced Information Section Chief to support emergency operations. This role involves defining disaster recovery strategies and acting as a liaison between operational and IT teams. The ideal candidate must have strong technical...