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Lead Software Engineer

00069778662

This position is intended for engineering leaders with strong software development and architecture experience. Candidates whose primary background is program or project management, without significant hands-on engineering experience, are not the target profile.

The candidate should demonstrate the following capabilities:

Leadership & Engineering Expectations

  • Strong Engineering Mindset - Hands-on software engineering experience with the ability to lead by example and make sound technical decisions.
  • Solution Architecture & Design - Ability to design scalable, resilient, secure, and high-performing engineering solutions, supported by a strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and distributed systems.
  • Technical Strategy & Execution - Ability to define the engineering roadmap, translate strategy into execution, and consistently deliver business outcomes.
  • People Leadership - Proven experience in hiring, coaching, mentoring, performance management, succession planning, and building high-performing engineering teams.
  • Stakeholder Management - Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders, build strong partnerships, and effectively manage executive expectations.
  • Engineering Excellence - Strong focus on code quality, CI/CD, testing strategy, DevSecOps, operational excellence, technical debt reduction, and continuous improvement.
  • Operational & Production Excellence - Experience driving reliability, observability, performance optimization, incident management, root cause analysis, and production stability.
  • Engineering Productivity & AI - Experience leveraging AI-assisted development, automation, and modern engineering practices to improve developer productivity, quality, and delivery efficiency.

Technical Expectations

The candidate should have strong experience in:

  • Spring Boot and Node.js ; RESTful APIs and GraphQL; Microservices and distributed systems architecture
  • API strategy, governance, lifecycle management, and security; Modern design patterns and engineering best practices
  • Cloud-native application development (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
  • Kubernetes/OpenShift and containerized platforms
  • CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices
  • Observability and monitoring platforms

Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate the ability to:

  • Build enterprise engineering platforms, reusable frameworks, and foundational capabilities.
  • Establish engineering standards and governance.
  • Enable federated engineering teams through reusable solutions while driving enterprise-wide adoption and consistency.

Location: Hyderabad

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.

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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What I value most about working at Cognizant is the opportunity to innovate while delivering real business impact. My role allows me to combine strategy, technology, and collaboration across global teams, which makes every project meaningful. The support for continuous learning and innovation has been instrumental in my growth.
Beata Ogorzala Senior Event 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
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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