Lead Java/AWS Architect

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Java/AWS Architect with deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, AWS, JavaScript and healthcare payer solutions. In this role, you will lead the design and delivery of secure, scalable and cloud-enabled enterprise applications that support Medicare and Medicaid claims processing, payer workflows and mission-critical healthcare operations. You will partner with business and technology stakeholders, guide engineering teams and drive high-quality solution outcomes aligned with Cognizant’s commitment to innovation, delivery excellence and client success.

Work model: Hybrid. This is a hybrid position open to qualified applicants in Phoenix, AZ. A few roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development and delivery of cloud-enabled enterprise applications using Java, Spring Boot, JavaScript and AWS to support scalable Medicare and Medicaid claims processing workflows.
• Define end-to-end solution architecture, application components, data flows and integration patterns that improve claims adjudication accuracy, performance and operational efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership for microservices-based architectures, ensuring solutions are secure, maintainable, resilient and aligned with long-term platform strategy.
• Develop and optimize SQL, PL/SQL and MySQL data models, queries and procedures to support high-volume claims processing, reporting and analytics.
• Partner with product owners, business stakeholders and operations teams to translate payer requirements and regulatory changes into clear, testable technical specifications.
• Lead integration efforts across claims platforms, rules engines, eligibility systems, payment gateways and internal or external healthcare interfaces.
• Ensure secure handling of protected health information through application controls, encryption patterns, access management and healthcare compliance best practices.
• Coordinate engineering delivery across hybrid teams by planning technical execution, managing risks, supporting sprint delivery and promoting high-quality engineering practices.
• Mentor engineers through code reviews, architecture discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions focused on Java, AWS, data engineering and payer systems.
• Drive troubleshooting, root cause analysis, platform stability improvements and continuous improvement initiatives across mission-critical payer applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 12+ years of experience in software engineering, including experience in a senior, lead or architecture-focused role.
• Strong hands-on experience with Java, Spring Boot, JavaScript and cloud-native application development.
• Deep expertise with AWS services for compute, storage, networking, observability and resilient application architecture.
• Advanced proficiency with SQL, PL/SQL and MySQL, including complex data modelling, stored procedures and query performance tuning.
• Strong understanding of Medicare, Medicaid, payer workflows, claims processing and healthcare regulatory considerations.
• Experience designing and implementing RESTful services, event-driven integrations, messaging patterns and enterprise system interfaces.
• Proven ability to lead hybrid engineering teams, influence technical decisions and deliver complex enterprise solutions.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, problem-solving and mentoring skills.

Please note, this role cannot offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rules engines, claim editing platforms or payment integrity solutions.
• Exposure to modern front-end frameworks and user experience practices for operations, analytics or care management users.
• Background in performance engineering, capacity planning and cloud cost optimization.
• Experience supporting healthcare payer modernization, claims transformation or large-scale transaction processing platforms.

Pay

The annual salary for this position will be between $102,000 to $162,500 per year depending on experience and other qualifications. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program and stock awards, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits

• 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.