Consulting Principal, AI Architect

About Cognizant Consulting

Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant's consulting practice-we're a global community of experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. Blending deep industry knowledge with advanced technology capabilities, we deliver transformative solutions to Fortune 500 clients.

About the role

As a Consulting Principal - AI Architect, you will make an impact by designing and delivering advanced AI solutions focused on LLM-based systems, context engineering, and agentic workflows. You will be a key member of the AI & Data Consulting team and will collaborate closely with clients, delivery leads, and engineering teams to build scalable, enterprise-grade AI applications..

In this role, you will:

• Architect and implement enterprise-grade LLM solutions, including context architectures, memory models, and prompt engineering strategies
• Design and optimize RAG pipelines (retrieval, embeddings, re-ranking) with measurable evaluation frameworks for quality and performance
• Lead development of agentic workflows and AI-powered applications, integrating APIs, tools, and enterprise systems with strong guardrails
• Partner with business and technology stakeholders to connect AI solutions with enterprise platforms (ERP, CRM, data platforms) ensuring security and data integrity
• Drive technical leadership by mentoring teams, guiding solution design, and delivering high-impact client outcomes while ensuring scalability, reliability, and cost optimization

Work model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this position requires travel as needed and a hybrid work model, with time spent in a client or Cognizant office in the United States. We are committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on project and client requirements.

What you must have to be considered

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, AI/ML, or consulting with strong expertise in Python-based production systems
• Proven hands-on experience with RAG architectures, vector databases, and LLM frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex, or equivalent)
• Strong expertise in prompt engineering, context design, and structured output patterns, including mitigation of prompt injection risks
• Experience designing and deploying agentic systems and AI integrations across enterprise environments
• Demonstrated leadership in consulting or client-facing roles, with the ability to drive delivery, mentor teams, and align AI solutions to business outcomes

These will help you succeed

• Experience integrating AI solutions with enterprise platforms, identity systems (SSO/IAM), and secure data environments
• Familiarity with evaluation and observability tools (e.g., RAG evaluation frameworks, monitoring pipelines)
• Knowledge of enterprise SDLC practices, including CI/CD, governance, and production support
• Exposure to distributed systems and scalable architectures in cloud environments
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; research or thought leadership in AI/NLP is a plus

We''re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don''t hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Compensation

• $165,000 - $219,750
• This position is eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Employee assistance program
• 10 paid holidays plus PTO
• Paid parental leave and fertility assistance
• Learning and development certifications and programs

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.

Applicants for US based positions must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The company is unable to provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for US based positions.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.

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.