Principal Architect - Gen AI & Agentic Systems
Job ID:
Location: Phoenix, AZ or Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid - 2 to 3 days/week in office)
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the role
As a Gen AI and Agentic AI Architect, you will lead the design and deployment of scalable AI ecosystems for Cognizant's strategic clients. You'll drive AI strategy, build modular platforms, and deliver industry-specific solutions that transform enterprise operations.
In this role, you will:
- Architect cloud-native AI platforms using LLMs, SLMs, and multi-agent orchestration.
- Advise Fortune 500 clients on AI strategy and transformation.
- Deliver verticalized AI use cases across industries.
- Lead model development, fine-tuning, and optimization.
- Establish MLOps/LLMOps pipelines and governance frameworks.
- Build and mentor AI teams and practices.
- Co-innovate with hyperscalers, startups, and ISVs.
- Contribute to thought leadership through publications and forums.
Work model
This is a hybrid position requiring 2 to 3 days/week in a Cognizant or client office in Phoenix, AZ or Minneapolis, MN. We support flexible work arrangements and a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs.
What you need to have to be considered
- 15+ years in IT and architecture, including hands-on engineering experience.
- 5+ years in AI/ML, with 1+ year in Generative & Agentic AI.
- Expertise in model training (SFT, RLHF, LoRA), RAG, and evaluation.
- Certifications in at least two cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Strong background in MLOps/LLMOps and AI governance.
- Experience advising CxOs and leading strategic AI engagements.
- Proven leadership in building cross-functional AI teams.
These will help you stand out
- Publications or patents in Agentic AI or LLMOps.
- Thought leadership in industry events or media.
- Deep domain expertise in one or more verticals.
- Experience with AgentOps, model evaluation, and AI observability tools.
Salary and Other Compensation:
Applicants will be accepted till 1/08/2026
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future
The annual salary for this position will be in the range of $120K-$165K 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 the terms of Cognizant's 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.
Our strength is built on our ability to work together. Our diverse backgrounds offer different perspectives and new ways of thinking. It encourages lively discussions, creativity, productivity, and helps us build better solutions for our clients. We want someone who thrives in this setting and is inspired to craft meaningful solutions through true collaboration.
If you are content with ambiguity, excited by change, and excel through autonomy, we'd love to hear from you!
Apply Now!
