Principal Enterprise Architect - AI, Cloud & Modernization (Remote)

About The Role

As a Principal Enterprise Architect or Senior Enterprise Architect, you will lead enterprise-scale digital transformation and application modernization initiatives for global clients. You will drive architecture strategy, define modern cloud-native solutions, and help organizations accelerate innovation through AI, GenAI, and agentic technologies. You will collaborate closely with business leaders, engineering teams, and client stakeholders to design scalable, secure, and future-ready solutions while mentoring architects and developers throughout the delivery lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end architecture initiatives, from discovery and solution design through implementation and business acceptance.
• Drive application modernization programs, transforming legacy platforms into cloud-native architectures.
• Define and implement scalable solutions using AWS, GCP, Java, Spring Boot, microservices, and event-driven architectures.
• Architect and guide GenAI and agentic AI solutions using modern frameworks, large language models, and vector databases.
• Create architecture roadmaps, proof of concepts (POCs), and points of view (POVs) that align business and technology objectives.
• Mentor architects, technology leads, and engineering teams while promoting architecture best practices and engineering excellence.
• Engage directly with clients to solve complex business challenges and deliver measurable outcomes.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience leading enterprise architecture, digital transformation, or modernization programs.
• Deep expertise in cloud architecture with AWS and/or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Strong experience designing microservices, domain-driven architecture, event-driven systems, and Java-based solutions.
• Proven success modernizing monolithic applications into cloud-native platforms.
• Experience leading architecture teams and mentoring technical leaders.
• Strong client-facing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience developing and presenting architecture strategies, POCs, and executive recommendations.

AI & GenAI Expertise

• Hands-on experience designing and implementing agentic AI solutions using frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, or similar technologies.
• Experience building Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions utilizing vector databases.
• Strong understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs), including OpenAI and Google Gemini.
• Experience integrating AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Claude into modernization and transformation programs.
• Knowledge of GenAI solution architecture, security, governance, infrastructure planning, and operational considerations.
• Experience estimating and planning AI-driven initiatives, including agent development and enterprise deployment strategies.

Qualifications That Will Help You Stand Out

• Experience designing enterprise communication or customer engagement platforms leveraging GenAI capabilities.
• Knowledge of AI governance, responsible AI frameworks, and enterprise security controls.
• Experience working in highly regulated industries and large-scale enterprise environments.
• Experience leading global modernization programs across multiple business units.
• Exposure to multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud architecture strategies.

Pay

The annual salary for this position will be in the range of $140,000 - $160,000 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.

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

Schedule

This is a remote, full-time position open to qualified applicants across the United States. The work model strives to provide flexibility and supports a healthy work-life balance through wellbeing programs and an employee-focused culture.