Skip to main content

Principal Application Architect – Healthcare (Java/Spring Boot)

00069741861

Principal Application Architect – Healthcare (Java/Spring Boot)

About the Role

Cognizant is seeking a Principal Application Architect to lead the design and evolution of enterprise-scale healthcare applications supporting complex capitation payment processing. This role is ideal for a seasoned architect with deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Spring Framework, microservices, and Linux, combined with strong healthcare payer domain knowledge.

You will define architecture standards, establish best practices, mentor engineering teams, and drive the delivery of scalable, secure, and high-performing applications. Working closely with product owners, engineering leaders, and business stakeholders, you will transform complex business requirements into enterprise architecture solutions that support millions of healthcare transactions while meeting regulatory and operational requirements.

Location: St. Louis, MO (Onsite)

Experience: 10+ years

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Cognizant is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design enterprise application architectures using Java, Spring Boot, Spring Framework, and Linux for large-scale healthcare payer platforms.
  • Lead architecture for capitation-based payment systems with emphasis on scalability, resiliency, performance, and maintainability.
  • Define enterprise architecture standards, design principles, and reusable patterns across multiple engineering teams.
  • Partner with product owners and business stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable technical architectures.
  • Provide technical leadership for microservices architecture, API design, event-driven integration, messaging, and distributed systems.
  • Review solution designs and implementation approach to ensure compliance with architecture standards, security requirements, and healthcare regulations.
  • Architect provider data management solutions and enterprise data models supporting accurate provider information and interoperability.
  • Optimize Java applications and Linux environments for high availability, throughput, and operational efficiency.
  • Evaluate existing platforms to identify technical debt, modernization opportunities, and architectural improvements.
  • Produce architecture artifacts including solution diagrams, architecture decision records (ADRs), reference architectures, and migration strategies.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies within the Java ecosystem and recommend adoption strategies aligned with enterprise objectives.
  • Mentor software engineers, technical leads, and solution architects while promoting engineering excellence and architectural best practices.

Required Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience designing and architecting enterprise Java applications.
  • Deep expertise with Java, Spring Boot, Spring Framework, Spring Security, and RESTful API development.
  • Extensive experience designing distributed systems using microservices architecture and modern integration patterns.
  • Strong knowledge of object-oriented design principles, enterprise architecture, and common design patterns.
  • Hands-on experience supporting applications in Linux environments, including deployment, monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.
  • Experience designing highly available, scalable, and secure enterprise applications.
  • Proven ability to establish architecture standards and provide technical leadership across multiple engineering teams.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to influence technical and business stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with healthcare payer systems, including capitation, claims, provider data management, eligibility, or enrollment.
  • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform).
  • Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, OpenShift, or other container platforms.
  • Familiarity with messaging technologies such as Kafka, RabbitMQ, or JMS.
  • Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices.
  • Knowledge of healthcare interoperability standards and regulatory requirements.

Salary and Other Compensation:

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

Why Join Cognizant?

At Cognizant, we help leading organizations transform their businesses through modern engineering and digital innovation. As part of our Digital Engineering practice, you'll work on mission-critical healthcare platforms while collaborating with highly skilled architects and engineers solving complex technical challenges.

You'll have access to:

  • Challenging enterprise architecture initiatives
  • Continuous learning through Cognizant's award-winning learning platform
  • Technical certification opportunities
  • Competitive compensation, annual incentive eligibility, and stock award opportunities
  • Comprehensive benefits and career growth within a global technology leader

If you're passionate about designing enterprise-scale healthcare solutions, influencing technology strategy, and mentoring engineering teams, we'd love to hear from you.

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.

a blue line drawing of a plant with leaves

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.

Stay Healthy Midnight Blue RGB

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. 

Build The Career You Want Midnight Blue RGB

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.

Making A Meaningful Impact Midnight Blue RGB

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.

a person sitting at a table using a laptop

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.

a person holding a tablet and talking on the phone

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.

a person smiling at a table with a laptop

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.

a group of people sitting around a table

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.

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
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
3
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
4
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

Haven't yet found the right opportunity?

Get the latest updates on job opportunities, recruitment events and company news—tailored just for you!

Be in the know