Cognizant

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Cognizant$130K — $155K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Extensive experience in designing and deploying machine learning and AI solutions in enterprise environments.
  • Strong programming expertise in Python and SQL; C++ preferred.
  • Hands-on experience with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.
  • Strong knowledge of software engineering fundamentals, including RESTful APIs and microservices.
  • Experience with cloud-based AI/ML solutions and CI/CD pipeline implementation.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the architecture and development of machine learning models and AI systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver production-ready AI solutions.
  • Build and maintain cloud-native AI platforms and data ingestion pipelines.
  • Implement MLOps best practices for model monitoring and governance.
  • Mentor engineers and evaluate emerging technologies.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan with contributions
  • Paid time off and leave programs
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Professional development and certification opportunities
  • Career growth and internal mobility programs
  • Associate recognition and reward programs
Full Job Description
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Lead Machine Learning Engineer (Agentic AI)
About the Role

As a Lead Machine Learning Engineer, you will make an impact by leading the engineering, deployment, and optimization of Agentic AI systems and machine learning solutions that solve complex business challenges. You will be a valued member of the AI and Data Engineering team and work collaboratively with Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Data Analysts, DevSecOps professionals, Product teams, and business stakeholders to deliver scalable, production-ready AI capabilities that create measurable business value.

This role combines technical leadership, engineering excellence, and innovation. You will help build next-generation AI products and services while fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and agile delivery.
In This Role, You Will
  • Lead the architecture, design, development, deployment, and optimization of machine learning models and Agentic AI systems that solve complex business problems.
  • Partner with Data Science, Product, Engineering, and DevSecOps teams to deliver scalable, secure, and production-ready AI solutions.
  • Build and maintain cloud-native AI platforms, data ingestion pipelines, memory frameworks, model-serving architectures, and enterprise integrations.
  • Implement MLOps and AgentOps best practices, including CI/CD/CT pipelines, automated testing, model monitoring, observability, governance, and performance optimization.
  • Mentor engineers, remove technical impediments, evaluate emerging technologies, and promote engineering best practices across AI initiatives.
Work Model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days per week in a client or Cognizant office in New York, New York. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.
What You Need to Have to Be Considered
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Extensive experience designing, developing, deploying, and supporting machine learning and AI solutions in enterprise environments.
  • Strong programming expertise in Python and SQL, with experience in C++ preferred.
  • Hands-on experience with machine learning and deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn.
  • Strong understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including system design, object-oriented programming, RESTful APIs, microservices, version control, testing, and distributed systems.
  • Experience developing and deploying AI/ML solutions within cloud environments.
  • Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines, automated deployment processes, model versioning, and operational monitoring.
  • Strong knowledge of data engineering concepts, including ETL processes, Spark/PySpark, distributed data processing, and large-scale data ecosystems.
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
  • Experience working within Agile delivery environments and coaching team members.
These Will Help You Stand Out
  • Experience building and deploying Agentic AI applications and autonomous AI workflows.
  • Knowledge of Agent Development Life Cycle (ADLC) methodologies and agent observability platforms.
  • Experience utilizing LLM development tools and AI-assisted engineering platforms.
  • Hands-on experience with MLFlow, Amazon SageMaker Pipelines, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, CloudBees, or similar MLOps technologies.
  • Knowledge of model governance, explainability, drift detection, bias monitoring, and AI risk management practices.
  • Experience working with relational, NoSQL, graph databases, semantic data models, and knowledge graph technologies.
  • Strong understanding of statistics, probability, linear algebra, multivariate calculus, and predictive analytics.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineering talent while fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.
Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is anticipated to be between $130,000 and $155,000, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, skills, and other job-related factors.

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 a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial security of our associates and their families, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), where applicable
  • Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contributions, subject to plan provisions
  • Paid time off, company holidays, and leave programs
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Professional development, training, and certification opportunities
  • Career growth and internal mobility programs
  • Associate recognition and reward programs

Benefits may vary by location and employment status and are subject to change.
Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2026.

Cognizant reserves the right to close this posting earlier based on application volume, business needs, or hiring timelines.

About Cognizant

TriZetto is Powering Integrated Healthcare Management. With technology solutions touching more than half the U.S. population today, TriZetto is uniquely positioned to drive the convergence of core benefit administration, care management and constituent engagement. TriZetto provides premier information technology solutions that enable payers and other constituents in the healthcare supply chain to improve the coordination of benefits and care for healthcare consumers.

Cognizant Careers

Join the vibrant team at Cognizant, a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process services. Cognizant is not just a company; it's a community where innovation, leadership, and diversity are valued and where every team member is encouraged to thrive.

Work You’ll Do

At Cognizant, we are dedicated to helping the world's leading companies build stronger businesses — not just for today but for the future. This commitment to growth and sustainability is what makes Cognizant a unique place to advance your career.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a more senior role, Cognizant offers a plethora of job opportunities that could be perfect for you. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that every candidate is able to showcase their skills and potential fully.

Innovative Work

Join a team where innovation is at the core of everything we do. Cognizant’s professionals are not just part of a company; they're part of a groundbreaking environment that combines technology, insights, and leadership to foster innovation across global industries.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with Cognizant’s internship programs. These opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience, develop your professional skills, and network with experts in your field. An internship at Cognizant is a stepping stone to full-time employment and a chance to see how your studies apply in the real world.

Professional Growth and Development

Cognizant is committed to the professional growth of its employees. With access to cutting-edge training, leadership programs, and diversity initiatives, you can build a career that’s equipped for the demands of tomorrow’s business landscape.

Benefits and Culture

Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their physical, financial, and emotional well-being. Cognizant’s culture is built on a foundation of respect and inclusivity, where everyone’s contribution is valued. Join us and be part of a team that celebrates diversity and is driven to make a positive impact on the world.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Explore the exciting employment and career opportunities waiting for you at Cognizant.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the rewarding opportunities that await at Cognizant.

Networking and Interviews

Enhance your career prospects at Cognizant through our robust networking events. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and connect with leaders across the industry to unlock new career paths. At Cognizant, we don’t just offer jobs; we offer career journeys. Be part of a team that’s committed to your long-term career growth and professional development. Join Cognizant today and be a part of our success story.
Learn more about Cognizant
Size
340,400 employees
Market Cap
$28.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+6.5%
Revenue
$16.6 billion
NASDAQ

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