About the role
As a Senior QA Engineer : API, you will make an impact by ensuring the quality, stability, and reliability of complex data integrations, APIs, and backend systems. You will be a valued member of the Quality Engineering team and work collaboratively with developers, data engineers, product owners, and other cross functional partners.
In this role, you will:
• Design and execute API functional tests, including contract and schema validations using Swagger, JSON Schema, and GraphQL schemas.
• Validate diverse file formats (CSV, JSON, XML, fixed width) including delimiter/escape rules, encoding, line endings, and record count integrity.
• Reconcile source to target data counts and balances; support ETL/Data Lake teams with defect triage and root cause analysis.
• Work with enterprise job schedulers such as Control M, Autosys, and Cron.
• Develop and maintain automated tests using Python and SQL for backend validation.

Work model
We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this position is onsite and requires working 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in New York, NY or Denver, CO. Regardless of your working arrangement, we support a healthy work life balance through our wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. They may change based on project engagement, business needs, or client requirements.

What you need to have to be considered
• 6–8 years of hands on QA experience across API, data, and backend testing.
• Strong experience with REST and GraphQL API testing.
• Expertise in writing complex SQL queries for data validation.
• Strong Python automation skills.
• Experience validating structured and semi structured file formats.
• Experience working with enterprise schedulers (Control M, Autosys, Cron).
• Strong test management capabilities across planning, execution, risk mitigation, defect tracking, and stakeholder reporting.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

These will help you stand out
• Experience with cloud based data platforms or Data Lake environments.
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and integration with test automation.
• Familiarity with data reconciliation frameworks and schema driven testing.
• Experience in highly regulated or data sensitive domains (finance, insurance, healthcare)
• Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship. *Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
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.

Salary and Other Compensation:
Applications will be accepted until 4/01/2026.
The annual salary for this position is between [$53,477/- to $92,500/-] 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

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.