Consulting Principal, AI Architect (Jefferson City)

About Cognizant Consulting

Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant’s consulting practice—we’re a global community of 5,000+ experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. Blending our deep industry and technology advisory capability, we create innovative business solutions for Fortune 500 clients. And now, we’re looking for our next colleague who’ll join us in shaping the future of business. Could it be you?

About the role

As an Consulting Principal for AI & GenAI Platforms , you will make an impact by leading client-facing AI transformation initiatives focused on generative AI, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and advanced data and AI platform solutions within highly regulated environments. You will be a valued member of Cognizant Consulting’s AI and Data practice and work collaboratively with clients, consulting leaders, architects, and delivery teams to design and deliver scalable, production-grade AI solutions.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design and delivery of generative AI and agent-enabled solutions, including context engineering, RAG pipelines, and AI platform architectures for enterprise clients.
• Partner with client stakeholders to translate business objectives into actionable AI use cases, solution roadmaps, and measurable outcomes.
• Guide end-to-end solution delivery from discovery through implementation, ensuring AI systems are secure, compliant, and fit for regulated environments.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional consulting and engineering teams to integrate AI solutions with enterprise data platforms, cloud infrastructure, and core systems.
• Support business development activities by contributing to proposals, solutioning, statements of work, and client presentations related to AI and GenAI engagements.

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 in the United States . Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you must have to be considered

• 12+ years of experience across consulting, digital transformation, data engineering, or AI/analytics, with demonstrated experience delivering client‑facing consulting engagements.
• Hands‑on experience designing and delivering generative AI solutions, including RAG architectures, vector databases, and modern AI platforms.
• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and enterprise data platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks, or Microsoft Fabric.
• Proven ability to work directly with client stakeholders to define requirements, manage solution delivery, and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Experience operating within regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, or insurance.

These will help you succeed

• Familiarity with AI governance, evaluation frameworks, and responsible AI practices, including model risk, bias, and explainability considerations.
• Experience contributing to consulting proposals, solution architectures, and go‑to‑market initiatives.
• Exposure to MLOps or LLMOps practices, including CI/CD, monitoring, and model lifecycle management.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to mentor junior consultants or technical team members.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non‑technical audiences.

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.

Compensation

The annual base salary for this position is between $122,400 – $194,000 , depending on experience and qualifications.

This position is eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Employee assistance program
• Paid holidays plus paid time off (PTO)
• Paid parental leave and fertility assistance
• Learning and development programs and certifications

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.