Prompt Engineer
About the Role
As a Prompt Engineer (LLM / Generative AI), you will make an impact by designing and delivering intelligent AI-powered solutions using large language models. You will be a valued member of the engineering team and collaborate with product managers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to build scalable, production-ready AI applications.
Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.
In This Role, You Will:
- Design, develop, and deploy LLM-powered applications using Python
- Integrate and manage OpenAI APIs (GPT models, embeddings, function calling, assistants, fine-tuning)
- Create, test, and optimize prompt engineering strategies for accuracy, reliability, and cost-efficiency
- Build pipelines for retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) using vector databases
- Implement LLM evaluation, monitoring, and observability techniques (prompt versioning, output scoring, hallucination detection)
- Optimize latency, token usage, and cost for production LLM workloads
- Develop APIs, backend services, and microservices to support AI solutions
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into AI-driven features
- Ensure solutions follow security, privacy, and responsible AI best practices
- Stay current with evolving LLM technologies and prompt engineering techniques
Work Model
We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs.
What You Need to Have to Be Considered:
- Strong proficiency in Python (data structures, APIs, async programming)
- Hands-on experience with OpenAI APIs or comparable LLM providers
- Practical experience with prompt engineering techniques (few-shot, chain-of-thought, system prompts, guardrails)
- Experience building production-ready applications using LLMs
- Familiarity with REST APIs, JSON, and backend frameworks (FastAPI, Flask, or Django)
- Solid understanding of NLP concepts and limitations of LLMs
- Experience with version control systems (Git)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with frameworks such as LangChain or LlamaIndex
- Familiarity with vector databases (e.g., FAISS, Pinecone, Weaviate)
- Knowledge of SQL / NoSQL databases
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP)
- Exposure to DevOps practices such as Docker and CI/CD pipelines
Salary and Other Compensation
Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2026.
The annual salary for this position is between $95,000 – $130,000, 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 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.
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The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
- Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000+ associates around the world.
- We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
- We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
- We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.
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.
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, state or local laws.
Disclaimer:
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.