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Generative AI Architect

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Architecting the Future: Agentic AI & Enterprise Transformation

Join us in shaping the next wave of enterprise innovation through Generative and Agentic AI.

We are seeking a pragmatic futurist and business-savvy technologist to redefine how enterprises operate in the AI-first era. This strategic role is available across Cognizant’s key delivery locations in India.

You will lead the design, adoption, and scaling of Generative and Agentic AI ecosystems for our most strategic clients.

This role blends advisory, hands-on solutioning, and practice-building leadership to ensure AI delivers tangible, industry-specific business outcomes.

Core Responsibilities

  • Architect & Implement Enterprise AI Ecosystems

Design and implement modular, scalable AI platforms that integrate Large Language Models (LLMs), Small Language Models (SLMs), and multi-agent orchestration. Ensure architectures are cloud-native, secure, and industry-compliant.

  • Drive AI Strategy

Serve as the anchor architect for major client accounts. Lead C-level discussions to define AI roadmaps that link technology to measurable business outcomes. Influence long-term investment strategies.

  • Industry-Specific AI Solutions

Envision, Design and Deliver verticalized AI use cases across one or more industries, including Banking & Financial Services, Consumer Goods, Energy & Utilities, Healthcare, Insurance, Life Sciences, Logistics, Manufacturing, Media, Retail, Telecom, and Travel & Hospitality.

  • Develop, Train & Optimize Models

Lead end-to-end model lifecycle: data preparation, training, fine-tuning, deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement. Balance LLM vs. SLM adoption for cost, latency, and performance optimization.

  • MLOps & LLMOps Leadership

Establish enterprise standards for MLOps/LLMOps pipelines (CI/CD, monitoring, observability, drift detection, compliance). Build agent lifecycle governance frameworks for scalable, auditable AI systems.

  • People Leadership & Practice Building

Mentor and grow a community of architects and engineers. Build capability squads in GenAI/Agentic AI. Shape the company’s AI practice, including skills development, hiring strategy, and succession planning.

  • Ecosystem & Partner Engagement

Build and leverage strategic partnerships with hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP), ISVs, and AI startups. Co-develop joint offerings, influence partner roadmaps, and co-sell AI solutions into strategic accounts.

  • Innovation & Thought Leadership

Publish white papers, frameworks, and patents. Lead executive roundtables and contribute to the Tech Radar, ensuring the firm shapes the AI conversation in the market.

Required Skills & Experience

  • 15+ years in IT & architecture, with clear progression from hands-on engineering (Java/.NET preferred) into enterprise architecture leadership.
  • 5+ years in AI/ML, with 1+ year in Generative & Agentic AI (LLMs, SLMs, multi-agent orchestration).
  • Model Training Expertise: Fine-tuning (SFT, RLHF, LoRA/QLoRA), RAG, evaluation pipelines.
  • Hyperscaler Certifications: Architect-level expertise in at least two (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • MLOps/LLMOps Mastery: CI/CD pipelines, monitoring, observability, compliance, AI cost governance.
  • CxO Advisory: Proven experience leading executive AI strategy discussions with Fortune 500 clients.
  • Governance Expertise: Familiar with AI RMF (NIST), EU AI Act, Responsible AI practices.
  • People Leadership: Experience mentoring teams and building cross-functional AI capability practices.
  • Ecosystem Influence: Track record shaping AI initiatives through partner alliances (hyperscalers, startups, ISVs).

Good to have.

  • Publications, patents, or open-source contributions in Agentic AI, LLMOps, or model compression/distillation.
  • Recognized thought leadership (conferences, panels, media interviews).
  • Industry domain depth in at least one vertical: Banking & Payments, Consumer Goods, Energy & Utilities, Healthcare, Insurance, Life Science, Logistics, Manufacturing, Media, Retail, Telecom, Travel & Hospitality
  • Experience with AgentOps, model evaluation frameworks, and AI observability tooling.

Functional Competencies

  • Business Acumen: Identify and execute high-value AI transformations across industries.
  • Consultative Mindset: Convert PoCs/PoVs into long-term transformation programs.
  • Practice Builder: Mentor, hire, and scale AI architecture talent pools.
  • Ecosystem Shaper: Drive co-innovation with hyperscalers, startups, and ISVs.
  • Pragmatic Execution: Balance build-vs-buy, deliver under pressure, and navigate enterprise politics.
  • Translation & Storytelling: Distill complex AI concepts into clear executive-ready narratives.

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] 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 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 struck me the most when I joined 25 years ago was Cognizant’s entrepreneurial culture. Colleagues and leaders alike were open to hearing new ideas, no matter how small. This culture exists to this day.
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My leaders are very supportive of my career. If I want to pursue an opportunity, I can just speak with them and they’ll help me reach my goals.
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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.
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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.
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