About the group:

Cognizant’s Cloud, Infrastructure, and Security Services Practice (CIS), is all about accepting digital transformation by driving core modernization holistically across layers. We help customers transform infrastructure and workplace to meet the constantly evolving needs of the digital era. Our broad approach delivers key results for our customers by achieving cloud driven modernization and workplace and operational transformation to own the business in a secure environment.

Role: Lead AI Architect (X-Shaped Multiplier)

Location: Irvine, CA

Mandatory skills: Agentic AI Architecture Design, AIOps Driven Triage & Auto Remediation (with RAG), Cloud & Platform Ops (GCP Focused), Observability, LLMOps & Evaluation Frameworks, EUC Agentification, Endpoint Automation, Incident & Runbook Automation

We are looking for a Lead AI Architect who functions as a force multiplier. You are not just an expert in code; you are a credible leader who bridges the gap between traditional enterprise software and the frontier of AI. Your primary mission is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem of AI talent—teaching your team how to "fish" in the world of AI Engineering and empowering them to pass those skills to the next generation.

Roles/Responsibilities

• Design and maintain agentic AI architectures for Infra & EUC operations
• Lead AIOps driven triage & auto remediation initiatives using RAG
• Operate and enhance cloud & platform infrastructure (GCP focused)
• Establish observability and LLMOps evaluation frameworks
• Build and automate EUC endpoint operations and runbooks
• Prioritize and convert incidents into automation backlogs
• Implement strong security, governance & responsible AI controls
• Enable engineering teams to contribute new tools & workflows

The X-Shaped Framework

· Deep Vertical: Java Full-Stack mastery (Spring Framework) and AI Engineering patterns.

· Broad Horizontal: Cross-team collaboration, Digital Engineering methods, and Product Strategy.

· The Core (Intersection): Leadership credibility, mentorship, and the ability to foster a "teaching culture."

Core Responsibilities

AI Engineering Leadership & Mentorship

· Teach to Fish: Actively pair with developers to transition them from traditional software roles to high-performing AI Engineers.

· Scale the Knowledge: Establish "mentor-the-mentor" programs to ensure AI Engineering practices are disseminated across the entire organization.

· Lead by Doing: Remain hands-on in the codebase, demonstrating how to apply Extreme Programming (XP)—such as Pair Programming and TDD—to non-deterministic AI outputs.

Advanced AI Integration

· Context & Prompt Engineering: Architect complex, structured prompt engineering and context engineering pipelines that move beyond simple chat inputs into sophisticated agentic workflows.

· AI-PDLC Mastery: Drive the AI Product Development Lifecycle, utilizing spec-driven development and agent-as-code patterns to ensure AI features are predictable, testable, and aligned with business goals.

· Data Set Engineering: Oversee the curation and engineering of high-quality data sets for model grounding and fine-tuning.

Modern Enterprise Architecture

· Java Full-Stack: Leverage deep experience in the Spring Framework to build robust, scalable backends that treat AI models as integrated system components.

· AI Tooling & Frameworks: Deploy and manage advanced tools including Google Vertex AI, Langchain, CrewAI, MCP, A2A and GitHub Copilot. (We should consider adding Python as most of the frameworks are also Python based)

Tools: GitHub Copilot, MCP (Model Context Protocol), Vector Databases (e.g., Pinecone or Vertex Vector Search).

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until 3/27/2026

The annual salary for this position is between $135,000- $160,000 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

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, subject to applicable law.

*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or 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.