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Generative AI Developer

00069355771

Senior Developer – AI/ML & Generative AI (Airflow, Python, MLOps)

Location: Hybrid (Chicago, IL)
Experience: 6–10+ years

About Cognizant

Cognizant is a leading global professional services company, helping organizations modernize technology, reimagine processes, and transform customer experiences. We leverage expertise in AI, cloud, and digital engineering to deliver measurable outcomes across industries.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Developer with strong expertise in data engineering, AI/ML, and Generative AI to build scalable, production-grade solutions.

This role focuses on developing Airflow-orchestrated pipelines, operationalizing machine learning models, and building reusable AI frameworks that drive smarter business decisions and deliver meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

Data Pipelines & Workflow Orchestration

  • Design and implement robust data and model pipelines using Apache Airflow
  • Orchestrate complex workflows ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance across hybrid environments

AI & Generative AI Development

  • Develop Generative AI services to transform enterprise data into insights and content
  • Ensure solutions meet accuracy, safety, and compliance standards
  • Apply prompt engineering and model integration techniques in business applications

ML Engineering & Productionization

  • Build production-ready machine learning solutions from experimental prototypes
  • Develop scalable services with monitoring, logging, and fault tolerance
  • Ensure consistent delivery of value to downstream systems

MLOps & Automation

  • Implement MLOps best practices, including automated training, evaluation, deployment, and rollback
  • Enhance development velocity through CI/CD automation and lifecycle management

Data Engineering & Feature Management

  • Build and maintain feature pipelines and data preparation processes
  • Ensure high-quality, governed, and traceable data for model training and inference

Observability & Reliability

  • Implement monitoring, logging, and alerting for pipelines and models
  • Detect and resolve issues related to data quality, model drift, and system performance

Collaboration & Delivery

  • Partner with data scientists, engineers, and product stakeholders to translate ideas into scalable solutions
  • Contribute to backlog prioritization and iteration planning

Standards, Governance & Best Practices

  • Ensure security, privacy, and responsible AI principles are embedded in solutions
  • Promote best practices in version control, testing, and CI/CD

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

  • Evaluate emerging tools in Generative AI and MLOps
  • Support experimentation through A/B testing and model comparison frameworks

Mentorship & Leadership

  • Mentor junior developers on Airflow, debugging, and deployment strategies
  • Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented team environment

Required Qualifications

  • Strong experience in Python-based development for data and AI applications
  • Hands-on expertise with Apache Airflow (DAG design, operators, scheduling optimization)
  • Solid understanding of machine learning concepts (supervised/unsupervised learning, evaluation, feature engineering)
  • Practical experience with MLOps practices (packaging, deployment, monitoring, lifecycle management)
  • Experience implementing Generative AI solutions (prompt design, model integration)
  • Strong SQL and data modeling skills for high-performance data pipelines

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
  • Knowledge of Responsible AI frameworks and governance models
  • Experience working in enterprise-scale, hybrid environments
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Certifications (Preferred)

  • TensorFlow Developer Certification
  • AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
  • Equivalent certifications in AI/ML or MLOps

Compensation

  • Base Salary Range: $120,000 – $130,000 per year
  • Final compensation is based on experience, skills, and location
  • Eligible for performance-based bonuses and incentive compensation

Benefits

Cognizant offers a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and career growth:

  • Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Financial Benefits: 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance
  • Time Off: Generous PTO, paid holidays, and parental leave
  • Learning & Development: Access to certifications, training programs, and career advancement opportunities
  • Flexible Work: Hybrid work model to support work-life balance
  • Employee Experience: Wellness programs, employee resource groups, and recognition initiatives

Why Join Cognizant?

  • Work on cutting-edge Generative AI and ML solutions
  • Collaborate with global clients and cross-functional teams
  • Grow your career in a high-demand, innovation-driven space
  • Be part of a company committed to inclusion, diversity, and impact

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.

Phone Call Midnight Blue RGB

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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