AI Program Lead

About the role

As an AI Program Lead, you will make an impact by driving the strategy, development, and implementation of responsible and scalable AI solutions across the organization.

You will be a valued member of our AI and engineering teams and collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners to establish Responsible AI governance, deliver impactful GenAI solutions, and guide the adoption of modern AI technologies including LLMs, Azure OpenAI, and agentic frameworks.

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

12+ years of experience required

In this role, you will

Lead cross‑functional teams to build Responsible AI and governance frameworks (PII protection, model auditing, compliance)

Drive development of GenAI and agentic solutions using Azure OpenAI, Microsoft AI Foundry, and agent frameworks

Design integrations between frontend apps and backend AI services, data lakes, and APIs using Python, Type Script, and Azure PaaS

Provide expertise in LLMs, prompt engineering, image generation, AI ethics, and enterprise AI patterns

Evaluate and manage AI risk, model performance, and operational readiness

What You Need

Experience leading AI/ML or GenAI programs across cross‑functional teams

Strong understanding of LLMs, prompt engineering, Responsible AI, and governance

Hands‑on experience with Azure AI, Azure OpenAI, or other major GenAI platforms

Experience integrating AI systems with data lakes, APIs, and cloud‑native solutions

Strong communication, influence, and leadership skills

Nice to Have

Experience with agentic frameworks, multi‑agent systems, or autonomous workflows

Familiarity with Google Cloud AI or OpenAI platforms

Background in data privacy, AI risk, or compliance

Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT or equivalent

Work model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a remote position with occasional travel to Alpharetta, GA open to qualified applicants located in United States. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

Please note:

This role will require an in-person meet and greet at our Cognizant offices or client location.

Applications will be accepted until February 16th, 2026.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $81,337 to $141,500 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

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.