Generative AI Architect

About the role

**Architecting the Future:** Agentic AI \& Enterprise Transformation Join us in shaping the next wave of enterprise innovation through Generative and Agentic AI. We are seeking a pragmatic futurist and business\-savvy technologist to redefine how enterprises operate in the AI\-first era . This strategic role is available across Cognizant’s key delivery locations in India . You will lead the design, adoption, and scaling of Generative and Agentic AI ecosystems for our most strategic clients. This role blends advisory, hands\-on solutioning, and practice\-building leadership to ensure AI delivers tangible, industry\-specific business outcomes . Core Responsibilities Architect \& Implement Enterprise AI Ecosystems Design and implement modular, scalable AI platforms that integrate Large Language Models (LLMs), Small Language Models (SLMs), and multi\-agent orchestration . Ensure architectures are cloud\-native, secure, and industry\-compliant . Drive AI Strategy Serve as the anchor architect for major client accounts. Lead C\-level discussions to define AI roadmaps that link technology to measurable business outcomes. Influence long\-term investment strategies. Industry\-Specific AI Solutions Envision, Design and Deliver verticalized AI use cases across one or more industries, including Banking \& Financial Services, Consumer Goods, Energy \& Utilities, Healthcare, Insurance, Life Sciences, Logistics, Manufacturing, Media, Retail, Telecom, and Travel \& Hospitality. Develop, Train \& Optimize Models **Lead end\-to\-end model lifecycle :** data preparation, training, fine\-tuning , deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement. Balance LLM vs. SLM adoption for cost, latency, and performance optimization. MLOps \& LLMOps Leadership Establish enterprise standards for MLOps/LLMOps pipelines (CI/CD, monitoring, observability, drift detection, compliance). Build agent lifecycle governance frameworks for scalable, auditable AI systems. People Leadership \& Practice Building Mentor and grow a community of architects and engineers . Build capability squads in GenAI/Agentic AI. Shape the company’s AI practice , including skills development, hiring strategy, and succession planning . Ecosystem \& Partner Engagement Build and leverage strategic partnerships with hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP), ISVs, and AI startups. Co\-develop joint offerings, influence partner roadmaps, and co\-sell AI solutions into strategic accounts. Innovation \& Thought Leadership Publish white papers, frameworks, and patents . Lead executive roundtables and contribute to the Tech Radar , ensuring the firm shapes the AI conversation in the market. Required Skills \& Experience 15\+ years in IT \& architecture , with clear progression from hands\-on engineering (Java/.NET preferred) into enterprise architecture leadership. 5\+ years in AI/ML , with 1\+ year in Generative \& Agentic AI (LLMs, SLMs, multi\-agent orchestration). **Model Training Expertise :** Fine\-tuning (SFT, RLHF, LoRA/QLoRA), RAG, evaluation pipelines. **Hyperscaler Certifications :** Architect\-level expertise in at least two (AWS, Azure, GCP). **MLOps/LLMOps Mastery :** CI/CD pipelines, monitoring, observability, compliance, AI cost governance. **CxO Advisory :** Proven experience leading executive AI strategy discussions with Fortune 500 clients. **Governance Expertise :** Familiar with AI RMF (NIST), EU AI Act, Responsible AI practices . **People Leadership :** Experience mentoring teams and building cross\-functional AI capability practices . **Ecosystem Influence :** Track record shaping AI initiatives through partner alliances (hyperscalers, startups, ISVs) . Good to have. Publications, patents , or open\-source contributions in Agentic AI, LLMOps, or model compression/distillation . Recognized thought leadership (conferences, panels, media interviews). **Industry domain depth in at least one vertical:** Banking \& Payments, Consumer Goods, Energy \& Utilities, Healthcare, Insurance, Life Science, Logistics, Manufacturing, Media, Retail, Telecom, Travel \& Hospitality Experience with AgentOps, model evaluation frameworks, and AI observability tooling . Functional Competencies **Business Acumen :** Identify and execute high\-value AI transformations across industries. **Consultative Mindset :** Convert PoCs/PoVs into long\-term transformation programs . **Practice Builder :** Mentor, hire, and scale AI architecture talent pools . **Ecosystem Shaper :** Drive co\-innovation with hyperscalers, startups, and ISVs. **Pragmatic Execution :** Balance build\-vs\-buy , deliver under pressure, and navigate enterprise politics. **Translation \& Storytelling :** Distill complex AI concepts into clear executive\-ready narratives .