About the Position

We are seeking a highly technical AI Architect for Automation Delivery to drive the design, engineering, and implementation of scalable AI automation programs for a North America–based client, with a strong focus on Banking and Financial Services (BFS) environments.

Responsibilities

AI-Led Automation Architecture
- Lead the end-to-end architecture of AI/ML/GenAI/Agentic AI solutions-including model selection, data pipelines, orchestration layers, integration patterns, and deployment architecture-tailored for BFS use cases such as KYC/AML, fraud detection, credit decisioning, servicing, and regulatory reporting.
- Define reference architectures, reusable frameworks, and engineering standards for automation and AI workloads across financial operations.
- Architect solutions using cloud AI services (Azure OpenAI, AWS Bedrock, GCP Vertex), IPA platforms (UiPath, Power Platform), and custom Python-based pipelines, ensuring compatibility with core banking systems, payment platforms, and risk engines.
- Conduct technical feasibility assessments, including data availability, model readiness, integration constraints, and infrastructure requirements within regulated BFS environments.
- Ensure solutions meet enterprise standards for security, scalability, observability, compliance, responsible AI, and BFS-specific model risk management expectations.
- Own the technical delivery lifecycle: requirements, solution design, development oversight, testing, deployment, and hypercare.
- Guide engineering teams on model training, prompt engineering, RAG pipelines, vector databases, orchestration frameworks, and automation workflows supporting high-volume financial processes.
- Oversee creation of APIs, microservices, connectors, and integration layers to embed AI into enterprise systems such as core banking, CRM, and data platforms.
- Implement CI/CD pipelines, MLOps practices, and automation deployment frameworks aligned with BFS governance and auditability needs.
- Drive performance tuning, model evaluation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of deployed AI systems.
- Establish AI governance and AI strategy including model lifecycle management, versioning, auditability, and risk controls consistent with BFS regulatory expectations.
- Serve as the primary technical advisor to client architects, product owners, and engineering leaders, supporting adoption and operationalization of AI solutions across financial operations.
- Lead AI programs, driving alignment between business stakeholders, technical teams, and delivery partners, with experience navigating BFS risk, compliance, and operational constraints.

Requirements

AI/ML/GenAI Technical Expertise
- Strong practitioner experience designing and implementing AI/ML pipelines, GenAI solutions, RAG architectures, and agent-based systems.
- Hands-on experience with cloud AI platforms: Azure AI / Azure OpenAI, AWS AI/ML stack, GCP Vertex AI.
- Experience with vector databases (Pinecone, FAISS, Chroma, Redis), embeddings, prompt engineering, and LLM orchestration frameworks.
- Proficiency in Python, API development, microservices, and automation frameworks.
Candidate Background
- Strong development and technical background, with hands-on experience in modern engineering stacks such as Python, Java, .NET, and related frameworks.
- Deep understanding of scalable architecture and clean coding practices.
- Experience delivering AI or automation solutions within regulated financial institutions.
Automation & Integration Experience
- Strong understanding of workflow orchestration, event-driven architectures, and enterprise integration patterns.
- Experience integrating AI with core systems (policy admin, claims, CRM, data lakes, APIs), including BFS platforms such as core banking, payments, lending, and risk systems.
Architecture & Delivery Leadership
- Proven ability to lead large-scale AI automation delivery programs with complex technical dependencies.
- Strong background in MLOps, DevOps, CI/CD, model monitoring, and production deployment.
- Experience conducting architecture reviews, threat modeling, and performance optimization.
- Ability to create technical roadmaps, solution blueprints, and engineering playbooks.

We Offer

Competitive compensation and benefits package.
Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment.
Collaborative and inclusive work culture.

About the Company

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 follow us on Twitter.

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.

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.

Physical and Mental Health

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counseling, our Mental Health Allyship program, and more.

Your Career, Your Way

With 350,000+ roles at Cognizant, you’ll have opportunities to explore new technologies, industries, and locations-and build the skills you need to grow your career.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Step 4: Decision Time

Our team will then review each candidate’s 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.

AI Architect for Automation Delivery - BFS

Tech Stack

Job Description, Responsibilities & Requirements