Service Line Specialist- Software & Platform Engineering

Overview

The Service Line Specialist (SLS) role is centered on Software & Platform Engineering (SPE), encompassing several critical areas: AI engineering, Digital Engineering, Software and Product Engineering, Enterprise Application Modernization, Application Development & Maintenance Services, and Quality Assurance Services. A key focus is the integration of artificial intelligence across all these domains, guiding clients in AI adoption to enhance their capabilities.

The SLS will be responsible for balancing client and project duties with business development efforts, driving innovative ideas and AI-led thought leadership for Cognizant clients. This includes identifying new opportunities for AI within the scope of SPE services. The position involves collaborating with senior client leadership teams—such as C-suite executives, SVPs, and VPs—and designing strategies to further penetrate accounts with offerings in AI, digital engineering, and application services. Working closely with Client Partners, the SLS aims to achieve “trusted AI advisor” status, gaining experience with senior management both within Cognizant and its client organizations.

Location

The position is available in several locations: NJ, Dallas, Toronto, Phoenix, and San Francisco.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead discussions with clients on AI thought leadership and AI adoption in software engineering, including development, maintenance, and testing. These responsibilities involve facilitating conversations, conducting sessions and workshops, and overseeing AI PoC (Proof of Concept) and MVP (Minimum Viable Product) initiatives with delivery teams on a daily basis.
• Work closely with clients, account partners, solution teams, and delivery teams to identify opportunities, develop solutions, co-create Points of View, conduct workshops, deliver pitches, and lead AI-driven Proof of Concepts in software engineering, application development and support, digital and product engineering, cloud migration and adoption, quality engineering, and legacy modernization.
• Develop strong, long-term relationships with account and client organizations.
• Operate within a matrix organization and be responsible for activities related to solution sales.
• Manage a portfolio of accounts and share revenue growth KPIs with account teams.
• Contribute actively to building the roadmap for offerings, developing the partnership ecosystem, and collaborating with delivery teams.
• Be willing to travel for business purposes as required.

Required Experience

• Minimum of five years of experience in project delivery, either participating in AI projects or managing and consulting on them. At least two years of hands-on experience and solid understanding of AI, including generative, physical, and agentic AI.
• A mindset oriented toward creative thinking, solution development, and a proactive, go-getter attitude is essential.
• Strong technical background with the ability to identify technical solutions for business challenges and engage potential customers using a consultative approach.
• Knowledge of industry trends and a deep understanding of at least one hyperscaler’s capabilities (Anthropic, Google, AWS, Microsoft OpenAI). Experience with companies such as Palantir, Cursor, Loveable, Cognition, or other AI startups is a plus, though not required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as executive presentation and persuasion abilities.
• Ability to interface with all levels of an organization, both internally and externally.

Top Reasons to Join Our Team

Cognizant is a leading AI builder company and top partners of tech giants and strategic partners to most of fortune 500 clients. SPE services lines commands tops positions in scale, maturity and reach in industry as regarded by all the analysts across the globe. We take great pride in being top partners with leading tech giants such as Google, AWS, and Microsoft. Furthermore, our strategic partnership with Anthropic highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence. Our Software Engineering Practice (SPE) services are recognized by analysts worldwide for their leadership in scale, maturity, and industry reach.

Excellent compensation/benefits. A strong financial incentive package that includes a solid base salary with a highly attractive bonus plan. Wide exposure to industry, product, and functional standard methodologies; as well as outstanding teams supporting your sales pursuits. Encouraging management team that rewards initiative & success. Exciting, industry leading practice where you can truly build a long-term career.

Congenial, collaborative, and goal-oriented environment; the opportunity to work with and learn from a diverse, highly experienced team of business professionals. Tremendous opportunities for growth with a real career path promoting career advancement.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $150,000-$175,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual bonus 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

· 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, based on applicable law.

A Good fit for the Cognizant culture

A person who possesses a true passion for changing organizations for the better, and desires to do so within a goal, yet professional atmosphere filled with business professionals who all manifest a belief in partnership, innovation, and excellence. Our “Cultural Value Drivers” are well-known and clearly communicated within the organization: Open, Visible, Motivated, Empowered, Opportunity-Filled, Flexible & Collaborative.

Work Authorization

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or any time in the future.

The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

• Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
• We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
• We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
• We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.

About us:
Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com

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.

Disclaimer:
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.