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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

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, state 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] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.

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 retirement plans, financial education, 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.

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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
2
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
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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
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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

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