About the role
As a Senior AI Software Engineer, you will make an impact by designing and building scalable, cloud-native backend platforms and AI-enabled solutions. You will be a valued member of the engineering team and work collaboratively with product, architecture, QA, security, and business stakeholders to deliver high-quality, enterprise-grade applications.
In this role, you will:
- Design and develop backend and platform-based solutions using Node.js, TypeScript, and Python, including APIs, services, and data layers
- Build, deploy, and optimize cloud-native applications on AWS, leveraging services such as API Gateway, Lambda, Bedrock, S3, EventBridge, DynamoDB, PostgreSQL, and Fargate
- Implement and manage Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using AWS CDK to enable scalable, maintainable cloud environments
- Develop and integrate Generative AI solutions (RAG, chatbot/copilot experiences) into enterprise workflows
- Ensure high-quality code through testing, debugging, CI/CD pipelines, and best engineering practices
Work model
We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a Hybrid position in Des Moines, IA.
Regardless of your working arrangement, we support a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may evolve depending on business and client needs.
What you need to have to be considered
- 6–8 years of software engineering experience with strong hands-on development in modern application engineering
- Mandatory (Non-negotiable): Strong expertise in Node.js, TypeScript, and Python
- Mandatory: Hands-on experience with AWS CDK and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Strong AWS experience, including services such as API Gateway, Lambda, Bedrock, S3, EventBridge, DynamoDB, PostgreSQL, CloudWatch, and Fargate
- Experience building backend/platform-oriented full-stack systems, including APIs, microservices, databases, and cloud deployments
- At least 1 year of hands-on experience building Generative AI solutions, such as RAG-based systems, chatbots, or enterprise AI assistants
- Practical understanding of prompt engineering and how prompt design impacts output quality and reliability
- Familiarity with retrieval and generation concepts such as embeddings, chunking, semantic search, vector search, and response tuning (top-k, top-p)
- Strong understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including testing, debugging, version control, and CI/CD
These will help you stand out
- Experience implementing guardrails, safety controls, and output validation in AI systems (e.g., handling hallucinations, prompt injection, and security risks)
- Experience delivering enterprise-grade APIs/services integrating AI capabilities into business processes
- Strong collaboration and communication skills with cross-functional teams
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments with a focus on delivery and quality
Benefits:
Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
- 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.
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.
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.
