Principal Enterprise Architect

Principal Enterprise Architect – Artificial Intelligence, Cloud and Modernization

Location: Irving, Texas / Remote within the United States
Work Arrangement: 100% Remote
Employment Type: Full Time
Salary: $140,000–$160,000 annually

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.

In this role, you will:

• 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.

Work Model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role''s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants across the United States.

Regardless of your working arrangement, we are committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs and employee-focused culture.

What You Need to Have to Be Considered

Principal Enterprise Architect

• 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 Required

• 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.

These 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.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applicants will be accepted till 9/18/2026

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

• Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

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: 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.

Our strength is built on our ability to work together. Our diverse backgrounds offer different perspectives and new ways of thinking. It encourages lively discussions, creativity, productivity, and helps us build better solutions for our clients. We want someone who thrives in this setting and is inspired to craft meaningful solutions through true collaboration.

If you are content with ambiguity, excited by change, and excel through autonomy, we'd love to hear from you!

About Cognizant:

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information

Compensation 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.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.