About the Position

Principal Data Scientist & AI Thought Leader - Enterprise Intelligence

Date published: Aug 12 2026

Location: Dallas, TX - 2626 Cole Avenue / United States

Job category: Digital

Work model: Hybrid

"Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future."

About the Role

As a Principal Data Scientist & AI Thought Leader - Enterprise Intelligence, you will make an impact by leading the transformation of enterprise analytics from traditional reporting to an AI-first, conversational intelligence ecosystem. You will be a valued member of the Data & AI leadership team and work collaboratively with executive stakeholders, business leaders, data engineering teams, analytics teams, and technology partners to deliver innovative AI-powered decision intelligence solutions.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic advisor to senior business and technology leaders, translating advanced AI and data science concepts into actionable business outcomes and transformation roadmaps.
Lead the design and evolution of conversational analytics platforms that enable natural language, “What-If,” “Why,” and scenario-based decision-making across the enterprise.
Architect AI-driven business intelligence solutions leveraging Databricks, large language models (LLMs), agentic AI frameworks, and modern data platforms.
Establish enterprise frameworks for model observability, AI governance, performance monitoring, and synthesis of insights across multiple analytics and machine learning systems.
Drive the development of executive intelligence dashboards that incorporate anomaly detection, automated root-cause analysis, dynamic metric attribution, and predictive insights.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
Extensive experience architecting and delivering enterprise-scale solutions on the Databricks platform, including Databricks Genie, Delta Lake, and Lakehouse architectures.
Hands-on experience building agentic AI solutions, conversational analytics platforms, NL2SQL/NL2 Analytics capabilities, and LLM orchestration frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, or AutoGen.
Deep expertise in Business Intelligence modernization, diagnostic analytics (root-cause synthesis), and executive dashboard strategy.
Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, statistical modeling, machine learning, forecasting techniques, and causal inference methodologies.
Proven ability to engage and influence executive stakeholders while aligning AI initiatives with measurable business objectives.
Experience defining AI governance, model monitoring, observability, and responsible AI frameworks within complex enterprise environments.

Nice to Have

Experience designing AI-powered decision intelligence platforms for large, multi-functional organizations.
Preferred certifications include Azure Data Engineer Associate or Azure AI Engineer Associate or equivalent cloud and AI credentials aligned to Azure Databricks and MLOps.
Knowledge of emerging AI-for-BI frameworks, enterprise knowledge management solutions, and intelligent automation platforms.
Experience leading cross-functional teams through data and AI transformation programs.
Demonstrated thought leadership through industry speaking engagements, publications, patents, or contributions to the AI and analytics community.

We Offer

Salary and Other Compensation: The annual salary for this position is between $150,000 - $180,000 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

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 @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.

Apply Now

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, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program and more.

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.

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 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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Principal Data Scientist & AI Thought Leader - Enterprise Intelligence

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