Principal ArchitectAbout the roleAs a
Principal Architect, Forward-Deployed Engineering, you will make an impact by defining and driving the enterprise architecture strategy that enables large-scale data, AI, and digital transformation outcomes. You will be a valued member of the Data & AI organization and work collaboratively with executive stakeholders, architects, engineering teams, and business leaders to establish a scalable, governed, and outcome-driven Enterprise Data Foundation that delivers measurable business value.
This is a highly influential leadership role responsible for translating executive vision into enterprise architecture, modernization roadmaps, AI-enabled platforms, and operational excellence initiatives. The successful candidate will serve as the primary technical authority across the enterprise and help shape the future of data and AI capabilities at scale.
In this role, you will:- Define and evolve the enterprise architecture strategy and target-state Data Foundation roadmap, ensuring alignment to business objectives and transformation priorities.
- Lead architecture decisions across enterprise data platforms, governance frameworks, AI-enabled solutions, and modern data ecosystems.
- Partner with executive stakeholders to translate architecture investments into tangible business outcomes, operational efficiencies, and strategic value.
- Establish architecture governance standards, review processes, and enterprise-wide best practices that drive consistency, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
- Mentor architects and engineering leaders while advancing a forward-deployed engineering culture focused on ownership, delivery excellence, and measurable outcomes.
Work modelAt Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible and support a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring work in a Cognizant or client office in Plano, TX.
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- 15+ years of experience in enterprise data, analytics, AI, cloud, or technology architecture roles.
- 5+ years of experience serving as a Principal Architect, Enterprise Architect, Distinguished Architect, or comparable enterprise leadership position.
- Proven track record designing and implementing enterprise-scale data foundations, modernization programs, or AI-enabled platforms within large organizations.
- Experience driving enterprise architecture strategy, governance, standards, and technology roadmaps.
- Deep expertise in modern cloud data platforms, data governance, metadata management, and enterprise architecture principles.
- Experience leading large-scale modernization initiatives involving legacy platform transformation, cloud migration, and business-critical technology programs.
- Demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and communicate complex technology strategies to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring architects, engineering teams, and technical leaders.
These will help you stand out- Experience within Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Retail, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or similar enterprise industries.
- Expertise with Databricks Lakehouse architecture, Unity Catalog, Delta Live Tables, Mosaic AI, and related data platform technologies.
- Experience designing and governing enterprise AI, agentic AI, and multi-agent orchestration platforms.
- Strong understanding of FinOps, cloud cost optimization, enterprise data governance, lineage, and data quality frameworks.
- Experience evaluating build-versus-buy decisions and managing strategic technology partnerships.
- Ability to translate architecture decisions into business value, ROI, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation outcomes.
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:
Applications will be accepted until August 21, 2026
The annual salary for this position is between $145,000- $170,000 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: 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.
