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Principal Architect

00070221651

Principal Architect

About the role

As a Principal Architect, Forward-Deployed Engineering, you will make an impact by defining and driving the enterprise architecture strategy that enables large-scale data, AI, and digital transformation outcomes. You will be a valued member of the Data & AI organization and work collaboratively with executive stakeholders, architects, engineering teams, and business leaders to establish a scalable, governed, and outcome-driven Enterprise Data Foundation that delivers measurable business value.

This is a highly influential leadership role responsible for translating executive vision into enterprise architecture, modernization roadmaps, AI-enabled platforms, and operational excellence initiatives. The successful candidate will serve as the primary technical authority across the enterprise and help shape the future of data and AI capabilities at scale.

In this role, you will:

  • Define and evolve the enterprise architecture strategy and target-state Data Foundation roadmap, ensuring alignment to business objectives and transformation priorities.
  • Lead architecture decisions across enterprise data platforms, governance frameworks, AI-enabled solutions, and modern data ecosystems.
  • Partner with executive stakeholders to translate architecture investments into tangible business outcomes, operational efficiencies, and strategic value.
  • Establish architecture governance standards, review processes, and enterprise-wide best practices that drive consistency, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
  • Mentor architects and engineering leaders while advancing a forward-deployed engineering culture focused on ownership, delivery excellence, and measurable outcomes.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible and support a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring work in a Cognizant or client office in Plano, TX.

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

  • 15+ years of experience in enterprise data, analytics, AI, cloud, or technology architecture roles.
  • 5+ years of experience serving as a Principal Architect, Enterprise Architect, Distinguished Architect, or comparable enterprise leadership position.
  • Proven track record designing and implementing enterprise-scale data foundations, modernization programs, or AI-enabled platforms within large organizations.
  • Experience driving enterprise architecture strategy, governance, standards, and technology roadmaps.
  • Deep expertise in modern cloud data platforms, data governance, metadata management, and enterprise architecture principles.
  • Experience leading large-scale modernization initiatives involving legacy platform transformation, cloud migration, and business-critical technology programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and communicate complex technology strategies to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring architects, engineering teams, and technical leaders.

These will help you stand out

  • Experience within Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Retail, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or similar enterprise industries.
  • Expertise with Databricks Lakehouse architecture, Unity Catalog, Delta Live Tables, Mosaic AI, and related data platform technologies.
  • Experience designing and governing enterprise AI, agentic AI, and multi-agent orchestration platforms.
  • Strong understanding of FinOps, cloud cost optimization, enterprise data governance, lineage, and data quality frameworks.
  • Experience evaluating build-versus-buy decisions and managing strategic technology partnerships.
  • Ability to translate architecture decisions into business value, ROI, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation outcomes.

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:

Applications will be accepted until August 21, 2026

The annual salary for this position is between $145,000- $170,000 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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