Generative AI Architect
Cognizant
Join us in shaping the next wave of enterprise innovation through Generative and Agentic AI.
We are seeking a pragmatic futurist and business-savvy technologist to redefine how enterprises operate in the AI-first era . This strategic role is available across Cognizant’s key delivery locations in India .
You will lead the design, adoption, and scaling of Generative and Agentic AI ecosystems for our most strategic clients.
This role blends advisory, hands-on solutioning, and practice-building leadership to ensure AI delivers tangible, industry-specific business outcomes .
Core Responsibilities
Architect & Implement Enterprise AI Ecosystems
Design and implement modular, scalable AI platforms that integrate Large Language Models (LLMs), Small Language Models (SLMs), and multi-agent orchestration . Ensure architectures are cloud-native, secure, and industry-compliant .
Drive AI Strategy
Serve as the anchor architect for major client accounts. Lead C-level discussions to define AI roadmaps that link technology to measurable business outcomes. Influence long-term investment strategies.
Industry-Specific AI Solutions
Envision, Design and Deliver verticalized AI use cases across one or more industries, including Banking & Financial Services, Consumer Goods, Energy & Utilities, Healthcare, Insurance, Life Sciences, Logistics, Manufacturing, Media, Retail, Telecom, and Travel & Hospitality.
Develop, Train & Optimize Models
Lead end-to-end model lifecycle : data preparation, training, fine-tuning , deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement. Balance LLM vs. SLM adoption for cost, latency, and performance optimization.
MLOps & LLMOps Leadership
Establish enterprise standards for MLOps/LLMOps pipelines (CI/CD, monitoring, observability, drift detection, compliance). Build agent lifecycle governance frameworks for scalable, auditable AI systems.
People Leadership & Practice Building
Mentor and grow a community of architects and engineers . Build capability squads in GenAI/Agentic AI. Shape the company’s AI practice , including skills development, hiring strategy, and succession planning .
Ecosystem & Partner Engagement
Build and leverage strategic partnerships with hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP), ISVs, and AI startups. Co-develop joint offerings, influence partner roadmaps, and co-sell AI solutions into strategic accounts.
Innovation & Thought Leadership
Publish white papers, frameworks, and patents . Lead executive roundtables and contribute to the Tech Radar , ensuring the firm shapes the AI conversation in the market.
Required Skills & Experience
15+ years in IT & architecture , with clear progression from hands-on engineering (Java/.NET preferred) into enterprise architecture leadership.
5+ years in AI/ML , with 1+ year in Generative & Agentic AI (LLMs, SLMs, multi-agent orchestration).
Model Training Expertise : Fine-tuning (SFT, RLHF, LoRA/QLoRA), RAG, evaluation pipelines.
Hyperscaler Certifications : Architect-level expertise in at least two (AWS, Azure, GCP).
MLOps/LLMOps Mastery : CI/CD pipelines, monitoring, observability, compliance, AI cost governance.
CxO Advisory : Proven experience leading executive AI strategy discussions with Fortune 500 clients.
Governance Expertise : Familiar with AI RMF (NIST), EU AI Act, Responsible AI practices .
People Leadership : Experience mentoring teams and building cross-functional AI capability practices .
Ecosystem Influence : Track record shaping AI initiatives through partner alliances (hyperscalers, startups, ISVs) .
Good to have.
Publications, patents , or open-source contributions in Agentic AI, LLMOps, or model compression/distillation .
Recognized thought leadership (conferences, panels, media interviews).
Industry domain depth in at least one vertical: Banking & Payments, Consumer Goods, Energy & Utilities, Healthcare, Insurance, Life Science, Logistics, Manufacturing, Media, Retail, Telecom, Travel & Hospitality
Experience with AgentOps, model evaluation frameworks, and AI observability tooling .
Functional Competencies
Business Acumen : Identify and execute high-value AI transformations across industries.
Consultative Mindset : Convert PoCs/PoVs into long-term transformation programs .
Practice Builder : Mentor, hire, and scale AI architecture talent pools .
Ecosystem Shaper : Drive co-innovation with hyperscalers, startups, and ISVs.
Pragmatic Execution : Balance build-vs-buy , deliver under pressure, and navigate enterprise politics.
Translation & Storytelling : Distill complex AI concepts into clear executive-ready narratives .