Machine Learning Researcher

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Location: Teaneck, NJ or Plano, TX (Hybrid – 2 to 3 days per week in office)

Role Summary

We are seeking a visionary and pragmatic AI Architect to lead the design and implementation of Generative and Agentic AI ecosystems for Cognizant’s strategic clients. This role blends advisory leadership, hands-on solutioning, and practice development to drive enterprise transformation in the AI-first era. You will work closely with C-level stakeholders to define AI strategies, architect scalable platforms, and deliver verticalized AI solutions across industries. This is a high-impact role for a business-savvy technologist passionate about shaping the future of enterprise AI.

Key Responsibilities

· Design and implement modular, cloud-native AI platforms integrating LLMs, SLMs, and multi-agent orchestration. Ensure security, scalability, and compliance with industry standards.

· Lead executive-level engagements to define AI roadmaps and investment strategies. Serve as the anchor architect for major client accounts.

· Deliver tailored AI use cases across verticals such as Banking, Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing, and more.

· Oversee end-to-end model development including data preparation, training, fine-tuning (SFT, RLHF, LoRA), deployment, and optimization.

· Establish enterprise-grade pipelines for CI/CD, monitoring, observability, and compliance. Define governance frameworks for agent lifecycle management.

· Build and lead AI capability squads. Mentor architects and engineers, contribute to hiring strategy, and support succession planning.

· Collaborate with hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP), ISVs, and startups to co-develop offerings and influence partner roadmaps.

· Publish white papers, contribute to patents, and represent Cognizant in executive roundtables and industry forums.

Required Qualifications

· 15 years in IT and enterprise architecture, with hands-on engineering background (Java/.NET preferred).

· 5 years in AI/ML, including 1 year in Generative & Agentic AI.

· Expertise in model training techniques (SFT, RLHF, LoRA/QLoRA), RAG, and evaluation pipelines.

· Architect-level certifications in at least two hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP).

· Deep experience in MLOps/LLMOps, including CI/CD, monitoring, and compliance.

· Proven track record in CxO-level advisory and strategic AI engagements.

· Familiarity with AI governance frameworks (NIST RMF, EU AI Act, Responsible AI).

· Strong leadership experience in mentoring and building cross-functional AI teams.

Preferred Qualifications

· Publications, patents, or open-source contributions in Agentic AI or LLMOps.

· Recognized thought leadership in conferences, panels, or media.

· Deep domain expertise in one or more industries.

· Experience with AgentOps, model evaluation frameworks, and AI observability tools.

Functional Competencies

· Business Acumen

· Consultative Mindset

· Practice Development

· Ecosystem Engagement

· Pragmatic Execution

· Executive Communication & Storytelling

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applicants will be accepted till 12/29/2025

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*

The annual salary for this position will be in the range of $120K-$165K 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.