Generative AI Architect

**Architecting the Future: Agentic AI & Enterprise Transformation** _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** + **12+ 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** . 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.