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AI Engineer

00069429631

AI Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced AI Engineer to design, build, and deploy production-grade agentic AI solutions for enterprise-scale use cases. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with Agent-to-Agent frameworks, Model Context Protocol integrations, AI/ML engineering, cloud-native architecture, and Azure-based deployment. This role requires a strong engineering mindset, the ability to build scalable and reliable AI systems, and effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Roles and Responsibilities

· Design, build, and maintain multi-agent AI systems using Agent-to-Agent frameworks, including agent roles, communication contracts, orchestration patterns, and lifecycle management.

· Implement and enhance Model Context Protocol integrations to support standardized context sharing, memory management, and tool access across distributed AI pipelines.

· Develop embedding pipelines, prompt engineering strategies, and context engineering approaches for retrieval-augmented generation and LLM-based applications.

· Build production-grade AI services, ML inference wrappers, APIs, and asynchronous components using Python, Java, and/or Go.

· Deploy and manage scalable AI workloads on Azure using Azure Functions, Azure Container Apps, API Management, Event Grid, Service Bus, and related cloud services.

· Design and optimize data and storage solutions using Azure AI Search, Redis, Cosmos DB, Blob Storage, and related vector or caching technologies.

· Apply cloud-native architecture principles to ensure scalability, resiliency, performance optimization, observability, and cost efficiency across AI platforms.

· Collaborate with engineering, product, data science, and DevOps teams to deliver reliable AI solutions, technical documentation, architecture decisions, and stakeholder updates.

Required Qualifications

· Hands-on experience with Agentic Layer, Agent-to-Agent frameworks, and Model Context Protocol.

· Strong AI/ML engineering experience, including vector embeddings, prompt engineering, context engineering, and retrieval-augmented generation concepts.

· Strong programming experience in at least two of the following languages: Python, Java, and Go.

· Proven experience deploying cloud-native solutions on Microsoft Azure.

· Experience with Azure AI Search, Redis, Cosmos DB, and related database or vector search technologies.

· Experience designing and managing Azure Functions and Azure Container Apps.

· Strong understanding of cloud-native architecture, scalability, performance optimization, monitoring, and distributed system design.

· Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with Azure Blob Storage and document ingestion pipelines.

· Exposure to Iceberg-based lakehouse patterns for large-scale training data management or offline AI evaluation datasets.

· Experience with emerging agentic frameworks such as LangGraph, AutoGen, CrewAI, or custom multi-agent frameworks.

· Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code tools such as Bicep, Terraform, or ARM templates.

· Experience with distributed tracing, structured logging, metrics dashboards, load testing, and capacity planning.

Interview and Work Details

· Client interview is required before candidate finalization.

· Client interview availability is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET/CT/PT.

Important Disclaimers:

**Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.**

**Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future**

Exact work location is Norfolk, VA, USA.

-- We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $81K – $141K depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

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

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits 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

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.

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.

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.

Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our benefits program is built with you in mind—so you can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.

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Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include financial education, a pension plan with matching contributions, etc.

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Physical and mental health

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. 

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Your career, your way

With 350,000+ roles at Cognizant, you’ll have opportunities explore new technologies, industries and locations—and build the skills you need to grow your career.

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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.

Your path to Cognizant

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process. Please keep in mind that it may vary by role and location. Explore our FAQs to learn more.

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Step 1: Apply to the right opportunity

Find an open role that matches your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Don’t see the right opportunity? Consider joining our Talent Community.

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Step 2: Connect with your recruiter

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short intro call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills match the role.

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Step 3: Show off your skills

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

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Step 4: Decision time

Our team will then review each candidates’ potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time because we want to find the right fit for both you and us—but you can count on us to keep you updated.

CAN Brigitte
Cognizant is great for those wanting to make the world a better place, as we create solutions with top technology partners to address complex problems for our clients.
Brigitte Roy Director of Strategy Alliances
CAN Rahul
I’m supported by motivational leaders who empower me to grow in my career through learning programs, industry conferences and internal job moves. I’m proud of the career progression I’m making here.
Rahul Sathe Principal Product Architect – Insurance
Can Amita
The moment I joined Cognizant, I felt like I belonged. I was heard and empowered to challenge ideas—and I still am to this day.
Dr. Amita Oppal Gill Service Line Sales Manager
1 (2)
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

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