Generative AI Lead Engineer

About the role

As a Generative AI Engineer, you will make an impact by designing and building advanced AI-powered applications and scalable solutions using modern technologies such as .NET, React, Python, and large language models (LLMs). You will be a valued member of the engineering team, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to drive innovation and accelerate AI adoption across enterprise workflows.

In this role, you will:

• Design and develop AI-powered web applications using Generative AI tools (e.g., Claude) and modern frameworks (.NET, React, Python)
• Build and implement agentic AI solutions across the software development lifecycle (requirements, coding, testing, deployment, and code reviews)
• Develop scalable architectures leveraging Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and integrate AI models into enterprise systems
• Design and optimize prompts and orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex) to improve AI performance and outcomes
• Deploy and manage AI-enabled applications on Azure, ensuring scalability, reliability, and compliance with enterprise standards

Work model:

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Dallas, TX, Stamford, CT or Chicago, IL. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements.

What you need to have to be considered

• Strong experience in Generative AI, LLMs, and prompt engineering
• Hands-on experience building applications using .NET, React, Python, or similar technologies
• Experience designing AI/ML architectures, including RAG-based pipelines and API integrations
• Experience with model training, fine-tuning, and optimization for performance, scalability, and cost
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure preferred) and deploying AI-enabled applications

These will help you stand out

• Experience with orchestration frameworks such as LangChain or LlamaIndex
• Exposure to GANs, diffusion models, or advanced generative modeling techniques
• Understanding of LLMOps, monitoring AI performance, and ensuring ethical and compliant AI usage
• Experience working with structured and unstructured data pipelines
• Banking domain experience

Compensation

The annual salary for this position ranges from $120,000 to $140,000, depending on experience and qualifications. This role is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, subject to performance and applicable plan terms.

Benefits

Cognizant offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan with company contributions
• Short‑term and Long‑term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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.

We’re excited to meet people who share our passion for technology and innovation and who can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don’t hesitate to apply, even if you meet most—but not all—of the requirements. We value transferable skills, diverse experiences, and fresh perspectives.

This position does not offer visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work without sponsorship now or in the future, including OPT, CPT, or any other work authorization requiring employer sponsorship.