Sr. AI Architect

About the Position

We are seeking an AI Architect to lead the design, development, and delivery of enterprise-scale Generative AI and agentic AI solutions on Google Cloud Platform. This role focuses on defining end-to-end AI/ML architecture strategy, building scalable LLM and multi-agent systems, and driving innovation using Vertex AI. You will play a key role in enabling intelligent automation through advanced AI frameworks while ensuring production readiness, governance, and business alignment. The position requires strong technical leadership, deep hands-on expertise, and client-facing consulting experience.

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

Responsibilities

• Define and lead enterprise AI architecture strategy for Generative AI and agentic AI solutions on GCP.
• Architect and implement LLM-based applications using Vertex AI services including Model Garden, Gemini API, and custom training pipelines.
• Design and develop multi-agent AI systems using Google ADK or equivalent frameworks (LangGraph, CrewAI, AutoGen).
• Build scalable Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines using Vertex AI Search, Vector Search, and BigQuery.
• Develop and manage LLMOps pipelines covering model versioning, evaluation, fine-tuning (SFT/RLHF/PEFT), and deployment using Vertex AI Pipelines.
• Leverage GCP-native services (Cloud Run, GKE, Dataflow, Pub/Sub, Apigee) to design and implement AI-first platforms.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor teams, and conduct architecture reviews ensuring governance and responsible AI practices.
• Define reusable design patterns, best practices, and reference architectures for LLM and agentic AI solutions.
• Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to define AI strategy, lead PoCs, solution demos, and RFP/RFI responses.
• Drive innovation adoption by evaluating emerging AI tools, models, frameworks, and enterprise AI capabilities.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in AI/ML, cloud architecture, or enterprise digital transformation roles.
• Strong hands-on expertise in Google Cloud Platform including Vertex AI, BigQuery, Dataflow, GKE, Cloud Run, Pub/Sub, and IAM.
• Proven experience designing and delivering production-grade Generative AI and LLM-based applications.
• Deep knowledge of RAG architectures, embeddings, vector databases, prompt engineering, and model evaluation strategies.
• Experience building agentic AI systems using ADK or frameworks like LangGraph, CrewAI, or AutoGen.
• Strong programming skills in Python with experience in MLOps tools (Vertex AI Pipelines, MLflow, Kubeflow).
• Solid understanding of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and consulting experience working with enterprise clients.
• GCP certifications (Professional Architect / ML Engineer) and experience in regulated industries are a plus.

We Offer

• Competitive salary between $174,500 - $204,500 depending on experience and other qualifications.
• Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance.
• 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 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.

Application Process

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.