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AIA - Principal Architect

00069277831

Job Description

We are looking for a highly skilled Principal Solution Architect to join our AI solutioning team. In this role, you will lead pre-sales solutioning for enterprise Agentic AI engagements. You will be the technical face to the customer during the sales cycle – assessing their data landscape, designing target state architecture and developing compelling technical proposals that win RFIs and RFPs. In this pre-sales solutioning role, you will partner closely with Sales, Business development, Consulting and Delivery teams to ensure what we propose is both best-in-class and deliverable at a reasonable cost and time.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Design multi-agent systems using frameworks like LangGraph, Crew.ai, Strands SDK, Microsoft Agent Framework or Google ADK with clear agent contracts, guardrails, observability and governance
  2. Provide pre-sales solution support for RFIs/RFPs, Capability/PoV presentations and customer workshops related to GenAI/Agentic AI use cases
  3. Provide technical advisory on Agentic AI topics such as orchestration patterns, evaluation, observability, AgentOps, context engineering etc. to customers
  4. Architect context engineering patterns covering semantic layers, vector stores, metadata catalogs, lineage and knowledge graphs to setup data for AI Agents consumption
  5. Establish engineering patterns for MCP server development, A2A protocol integration and tool orchestration
  6. Demonstrate technical authority and thought leadership in GenAI/Agentic AI discussions
  7. Lead architecture reviews and make technology selection decisions across the stack
  8. Leverage coding agents to experiment and build AI Agent prototypes to demonstrate tools & design patterns
  9. Create architecture decision frameworks, technology comparison matrices and visual slide decks to communicate complex architecture and technical strategies to mixed audience (executive + engineering)
  10. Mentor engineering and sales teams on agentic patterns, context engineering and the evolving AI services landscape
  11. Provide technology consulting support to delivery, CoE/community by publishing best practices/architectural guidelines, providing training, publishing whitepapers/case studies and building reusable components.

Requirements:

• Overall, 15 + years of experience in the Data Engineering and/or AIML Space

• 2+ years of experience in Generative AI/Agentic AI architecture & implementation

• 2+ years of experience in pre-sales solutioning in GenAI/Agentic AI space

• Strong proficiency in one or more Agentic AI frameworks (LangGraph, Crew.ai, Strands SDK, Google ADK, Microsoft Agent Framework)

• Strong proficiency in foundational models and AI/GenAI Services in one of the hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP)

• Deep expertise in architecting & implementing multi-agentic systems with appropriate guardrails, observability and governance

• Deep expertise in advanced prompt engineering, RAG implementation and AI Agents evaluation techniques

• Proven track record of designing, developing and deploying AI Assistants & AI Agents in production environments.

• Solid understanding of Generative AI fundamentals, LLMOps/AgentOps and cloud platforms (AWS,).

• Familiarity with responsible AI practices and AI governance processes

• Basic understanding on building lakehouse and data products in Snowflake and Databricks

• Prior experience in building ontologies and knowledge graphs is an added advantage

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.

About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap 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, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information
Compensation 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.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

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.

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.

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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.

02.2026 Superlearner Debashish
"Cognizant has one of the best learning ecosystems you can ask for. From sponsored certifications to training platforms to mentorship, we have all that we need to grow.”
Debashish Mishra SAP MM Developer
Laura Reynaud
"Cognizant offers me more than a job; it offers a community. We support each other, collaborate across borders and celebrate wins together. If you’re looking for a culture that values flexibility, diversity and growth, this is the place to be."
Laura Reynaud Lead Counsel
Lucas Hoffman
“I’ve had the chance to work on impactful projects and shadow colleagues, all while getting involved in internal initiatives. The world is your oyster at Cognizant—you just need to take advantage of it!”
Lucas Hoffman Consultant
Sujatha’S Journey Main
“When I first joined, I was quiet and hesitant to share my thoughts. The leadership programs and the mentoring I’ve received have helped me find my voice and grow as a leader.”
Sujatha Gopalakrishnan Portfolio Delivery Lead
Paulo Miguel Epili Main
"Nobody here says ‘that’s not my job.’ People just help. That’s the entrepreneurial culture that makes me stay at Cognizant.”
Paulo Miguel Epili Sr. Process Executive

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