Data Science & AI/ML Lead
About the role
As a Data Science & AI/ML Lead, you will make an impact by leading the design, development, and optimization of enterprise AI solutions that transform experimental models into scalable, production-grade capabilities. You will be a valued member of the AI Engineering team and work collaboratively with architects, data engineers, cloud specialists, and business stakeholders to deliver innovative AI-powered solutions.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the development of AI and machine learning solutions, including data preparation, model training, fine-tuning, and deployment strategies.
- Design and implement scalable data pipelines to curate, cleanse, and prepare structured and unstructured data for machine learning and foundation model training.
- Build and optimize complex agentic AI workflows using modern orchestration frameworks to drive intelligent automation and decision-making.
- Architect advanced Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions, including semantic search, vector embeddings, re-ranking strategies, and document retrieval optimization.
- Establish robust evaluation and benchmarking frameworks to measure model accuracy, reliability, safety, and performance while collaborating on cloud-native AI deployments.
Work model
For Hybrid Roles
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 [X] days a week in a client or Cognizant office in [Location]. 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. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.
What you need to have to be considered
- 10+ years of experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, or AI Engineering, including experience preparing and managing large-scale datasets.
- Expert-level proficiency in Python and machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn.
- Hands-on experience with large language models (LLMs), small language models (SLMs), prompt engineering, and agentic AI frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of vector databases, semantic search architectures, and SQL/NoSQL data platforms.
- Experience working with cloud AI platforms such as Azure AI Foundry, Vertex AI, or Amazon SageMaker, including model deployment and operationalization.
These will help you stand out
- Experience implementing advanced RAG architectures and enterprise search solutions.
- Expertise in model fine-tuning techniques such as LoRA, PEFT, and hyperparameter optimization.
- Experience establishing AI evaluation and benchmarking frameworks using tools such as RAGAS or TruLens.
- Knowledge of synthetic data generation, data labeling strategies, and responsible AI practices including bias mitigation.
- Experience deploying AI solutions in cloud-native and containerized environments across Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform.
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.
