Pre-Sales Solution Architect - Cloud Infrastructure Security; CIS

The Infrastructure Presales Solution Architect will be a key member of Cognizant’s Cloud, Infrastructure & Security (CIS) practice
, responsible for shaping, designing, and presenting end‑to‑end infrastructure solutions for strategic and large‑scale client pursuits. This role partners closely with Sales, Delivery, and Practice teams to support proactive and reactive opportunities across managed services, infrastructure transformation, cloud modernization, digital workplace, security, and hybrid IT engagements.

The architect will lead solution definition from opportunity qualification through proposal submission, ensuring solutions are differentiated, scalable, commercially viable, and aligned to client business outcomes. This role requires strong technical breadth across infrastructure domains, presales leadership, and the ability to articulate value propositions to both technical and executive stakeholders.

• end‑to‑end presales solutioning and commercial creation for infrastructure, cloud, and security deals, including managed services and transformation engagements.
• client discovery workshops
  , due diligence sessions, and solution discussions to understand business requirements, current‑state environments, and transformation objectives.
• integrated infrastructure solutions spanning hybrid and multi‑cloud, data center modernization, digital workplace, networking, security, resilience, and IT operations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Sales, Delivery, CIS practices, Alliances, Finance, Legal) to develop winnable, compliant, and differentiated proposals
  .
• Define solution architectures, service models, transition approaches, and operating models aligned with CIS offerings and industry best practices.
• Develop and reuse standardized bid components, solution assets, and value propositions to improve proposal quality, consistency, and speed.
• Support RFI, RFP, RFQ, and SOW responses
  , including assumptions, dependencies, risks, pricing inputs, and internal governance approvals.
• Participate in customer presentations, executive briefings, and solution defense sessions
  , clearly articulating technical solutions and business value.

• 12+ years of overall IT experience with strong exposure to infrastructure architecture, cloud platforms, or security domains
  , including presales or consulting roles.
• Broad technical expertise across hybrid and multi‑cloud, data center, networking, storage, digital workplace, security, and IT service management
  .
• Proven experience leading presales engagements
  , including solution workshops, proposal development, and executive‑level customer presentations.
• Strong ability to translate business requirements into scalable, cost‑effective, and outcome‑driven infrastructure solutions
  .
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and presentation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Experience working within large infrastructure services organizations or enterprise consulting environments
  , preferably supporting North American clients.
• Exposure to large or complex infrastructure deals
  , including managed services, outsourcing, and transformation programs.
• Understanding of commercial constructs, contracting considerations, and governance processes for infrastructure engagements.
• Relevant certifications across cloud, infrastructure, security, or ITSM platforms
  .
• Willingness to travel for client workshops and solution engagements as required

The annual salary for this position is between $175,000 to $190,000+ 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.

• 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

Disclaimer:
The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.