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Principal Architect - Forward Deployed Engineer

00067698143

Forward Deployed Engineer (Agentic AI)

About the role

As a Forward Deployed Engineer (Agentic AI), you will make an impact by defining and delivering enterprise-scale agentic AI solutions that drive measurable business outcomes. You will act as a trusted technical advisor, partnering with client leadership and internal stakeholders to shape AI strategy, architect scalable systems, and build reusable capabilities across engagements.


In this role, you will:

  • Serve as the primary technical authority for agentic AI engagements, owning architecture, delivery quality, and executive stakeholder alignment.
  • Define and execute AI roadmaps by identifying high-value use cases, prioritizing initiatives, and linking solutions to business outcomes such as cost, revenue, and risk optimization.
  • Architect and implement enterprise-scale multi-agent systems, including orchestration, communication, memory management, governance, and fail-safe mechanisms.
  • Drive technology decisions across model selection, platforms, and build-versus-buy strategies aligned to client constraints and environments.
  • Establish robust evaluation, monitoring, and governance standards, including performance tracking, drift detection, and agent behavior auditing.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible while supporting a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 5 days a week in a Cognizant office in Chennai, Bangalore, or Hyderabad.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on project and business requirements.


What you need to have to be considered

  • Proven experience delivering enterprise-scale GenAI or agentic AI solutions in production environments.
  • Strong expertise in agentic AI frameworks, large language models, and multi-agent system design.
  • Hands-on experience with cloud AI platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and enterprise AI architecture patterns.
  • Solid foundation in distributed systems, scalability, and resilient system design.
  • Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders (CTO, CDO, business leaders) with clear technical and business communication.

These will help you stand out

  • Experience contributing to AI accelerators, reusable frameworks, or platform capabilities.
  • Knowledge of AI security, governance, and responsible AI practices including risk mitigation strategies.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and mentor high-performing engineering teams.
  • Track record of driving AI adoption across large enterprises and complex environments.
  • Contributions to thought leadership such as blogs, conferences, or industry forums.

Closing statement

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don’t hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and innovative ideas to this role.


What we offer

  • The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
  • Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
  • The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
  • A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
  • Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
  • True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.  

About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

Other employment-related information
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.

Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.

Your path to Cognizant

Wondering what to expect after you apply? Here’s a peek at our recruitment process—and keep in mind that not all candidates advance through every step and the process may vary depending on your role and location.

Your Application Midnight Blue RGB

Step 1: Application

Find an open role that aligns with your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Consider joining our Talent Community if you don’t find the right opportunity.

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Step 2: Recruiter call

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short introductory call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills align with the role.

Step 3: Interview(s)

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll meet with one of our hiring managers. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

Step 4: Final decision

Our hiring team will then review each candidates’ potential to succeed in the role. This process may take some time because we want to get it right—but you can count on us to keep you updated.

Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our teams achieve incredible things when they feel fully supported. That’s why our benefits program is built around the diverse needs of our people—so they can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.

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Financial wellbeing

Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation is competitive and reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include retirement plans, financial education, discount programs, etc.

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Physical and mental wellbeing

Physical and mental wellbeing

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program and more. 

Your Career, Your Way
Your career, your way

Your career, your way

With 90% of our associates building skills through GenAI training, job shadowing, industry certifications and more, you have everything you need to build a full career.

Professionals
Real-world impact

Real-world impact

Think about the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to help strengthen their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

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