About Cognizant Consulting
Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant’s consulting practice—we’re a global community of experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. Blending deep industry knowledge with advanced technology capabilities, we deliver transformative solutions to Fortune 500 clients.
About the role
As a Consulting Principal – AI Architect, you will make an impact by designing and delivering advanced AI solutions focused on LLM-based systems, context engineering, and agentic workflows. You will be a key member of the AI & Data Consulting team and will collaborate closely with clients, delivery leads, and engineering teams to build scalable, enterprise-grade AI applications..
In this role, you will:
- Architect and implement enterprise-grade LLM solutions, including context architectures, memory models, and prompt engineering strategies
- Design and optimize RAG pipelines (retrieval, embeddings, re-ranking) with measurable evaluation frameworks for quality and performance
- Lead development of agentic workflows and AI-powered applications, integrating APIs, tools, and enterprise systems with strong guardrails
- Partner with business and technology stakeholders to connect AI solutions with enterprise platforms (ERP, CRM, data platforms) ensuring security and data integrity
- Drive technical leadership by mentoring teams, guiding solution design, and delivering high-impact client outcomes while ensuring scalability, reliability, and cost optimization
Work model
We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this position requires travel as needed and a hybrid work model, with time spent in a client or Cognizant office in the United States. We are committed to supporting 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 change based on project and client requirements.
What you must have to be considered
- 10+ years of experience in software engineering, AI/ML, or consulting with strong expertise in Python-based production systems
- Proven hands-on experience with RAG architectures, vector databases, and LLM frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex, or equivalent)
- Strong expertise in prompt engineering, context design, and structured output patterns, including mitigation of prompt injection risks
- Experience designing and deploying agentic systems and AI integrations across enterprise environments
- Demonstrated leadership in consulting or client-facing roles, with the ability to drive delivery, mentor teams, and align AI solutions to business outcomes
These will help you succeed
- Experience integrating AI solutions with enterprise platforms, identity systems (SSO/IAM), and secure data environments
- Familiarity with evaluation and observability tools (e.g., RAG evaluation frameworks, monitoring pipelines)
- Knowledge of enterprise SDLC practices, including CI/CD, governance, and production support
- Exposure to distributed systems and scalable architectures in cloud environments
- Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; research or thought leadership in AI/NLP is a plus
- $165,000 - $194,000
- This position is eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Employee assistance program
- 10 paid holidays plus PTO
- Paid parental leave and fertility assistance
- Learning and development certifications and programs
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.
