Lead AI Engineer, Consulting Principal

Lead AI Engineer, Consulting Principal

We are looking for a Lead AI Engineer who functions as a force multiplier. You are not just an expert in code; you are a credible leader who bridges the gap between traditional enterprise software and the frontier of AI. Your primary mission is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem of AI talent—teaching your team how to "fish" in the world of AI Engineering and empowering them to pass those skills to the next generation.

In this role, you will:

• AI Engineering Leadership & Mentorship
• Teach to Fish: Actively pair with developers to transition them from traditional software roles to high-performing AI Engineers.
• Scale the Knowledge: Establish "mentor-the-mentor" programs to ensure AI Engineering practices are disseminated across the entire organization.
• Lead by Doing: Remain hands-on in the codebase, demonstrating how to apply Extreme Programming (XP)—such as Pair Programming and TDD—to non-deterministic AI outputs.
• Advanced AI Integration
• Context & Prompt Engineering: Architect complex, structured prompt engineering and context engineering pipelines that move beyond simple chat inputs into sophisticated agentic workflows.
• AI-PDLC Mastery: Drive the AI Product Development Lifecycle, utilizing spec-driven development and agent-as-code patterns to ensure AI features are predictable, testable, and aligned with business goals.
• Data Set Engineering: Oversee the curation and engineering of high-quality data sets for model grounding and fine-tuning.
• Modern Enterprise Architecture
• Java Full-Stack: Leverage deep experience in the Spring Framework to build robust, scalable backends that treat AI models as integrated system components.
• AI Tooling & Frameworks: Deploy and manage advanced tools including Google Vertex AI, Langchain, CrewAI, MCP, and GitHub Copilot.

Work Model:

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring regular travel (up to 50%) and presence in client or Cognizant offices on the US East Coast or Central Time Zones. 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 need to have to be considered:

• Technical Foundation: 8+ years in Java Full-Stack development with significant experience in Spring-based architectures.
• Methodology: Expert in Extreme Programming (XP); ability to adapt XP practices (like continuous integration of LLM prompts) to AI workflows.
• AI Specialization: Hands-on experience with A2A (Agent-to-Agent) communication, ADK (AI Development Kits), and context-aware system design.
• Leadership: Proven track record of leading digital engineering teams and a passion for teaching others.

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.

Work Authorization: Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship (H-1B, L-1B, L-1A, etc.)

Salary and Other Compensation: Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2026. The annual salary for this position is between $122,400 - $223,500 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.
• Long-term/Short-term Disability.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

What we offer:

• The chance to work with impact. Here, you're empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
• Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
• The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other's experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and pension plan with matching contributions.
• Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents from day one.
• True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.

About us Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World's Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com.

Other employment-related information Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com with your request and contact information.

Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you'll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.