Principal Enterprise Architect - AI, Cloud...

As a Principal Enterprise Architect or Senior Enterprise Architect, you will lead enterprise-scale digital transformation and application modernization initiatives for global clients. You will drive architecture strategy, define modern cloud-native solutions, and help organizations accelerate innovation through AI, GenAI, and agentic technologies.

You will collaborate closely with business leaders, engineering teams, and client stakeholders to design scalable, secure, and future-ready solutions while mentoring architects and developers throughout the delivery lifecycle.

In this role, you will:

• Lead end-to-end architecture initiatives, from discovery and solution design through implementation and business acceptance.

• Drive application modernization programs, transforming legacy platforms into cloud-native architectures.

• Define and implement scalable solutions using AWS, GCP, Java, Spring Boot, microservices, and event-driven architectures.

• Architect and guide GenAI and agentic AI solutions using modern frameworks, large language models, and vector databases.

• Create architecture roadmaps, proof of concepts (POCs), and points of view (POVs) that align business and technology objectives.

• Mentor architects, technology leads, and engineering teams while promoting architecture best practices and engineering excellence.

• Engage directly with clients to solve complex business challenges and deliver measurable outcomes.

Work Model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants across the United States.

Regardless of your working arrangement, we are committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs and employee-focused culture.

• 15+ years of experience leading enterprise architecture, digital transformation, or modernization programs.

• Deep expertise in cloud architecture with AWS and/or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

• Strong experience designing microservices, domain-driven architecture, event-driven systems, and Java-based solutions.

• Proven success modernizing monolithic applications into cloud-native platforms.

• Experience leading architecture teams and mentoring technical leaders.

• Strong client-facing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience developing and presenting architecture strategies, POCs, and executive recommendations.

AI & GenAI Expertise Required

• Hands-on experience designing and implementing agentic AI solutions using frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, or similar technologies.

• Experience building Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions utilizing vector databases.

• Strong understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs), including OpenAI and Google Gemini.

• Experience integrating AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Claude into modernization and transformation programs.

• Knowledge of GenAI solution architecture, security, governance, infrastructure planning, and operational considerations.

• Experience estimating and planning AI-driven initiatives, including agent development and enterprise deployment strategies.

These Will Help You Stand Out

• Experience designing enterprise communication or customer engagement platforms leveraging GenAI capabilities.

• Knowledge of AI governance, responsible AI frameworks, and enterprise security controls.

• Experience working in highly regulated industries and large-scale enterprise environments.

• Experience leading global modernization programs across multiple business units.

• Exposure to multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud architecture strategies., Our strength is built on our ability to work together. Our diverse backgrounds offer different perspectives and new ways of thinking. It encourages lively discussions, creativity, productivity, and helps us build better solutions for our clients. We want someone who thrives in this setting and is inspired to craft meaningful solutions through true collaboration.

If you are content with ambiguity, excited by change, and excel through autonomy, we’d love to hear from you!

The annual salary for this position will be in the range of $140,000 - $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