Manager - AI/ML

Cognizant; Chennai; Hybrid; INR 4,200,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is hiring a Tech Lead/Architect (M) for AI and ML tech stack who will drive scalable AI solutions, set architecture standards, and collaborate with product, data, and engineering teams. You will mentor engineers and data scientists while delivering measurable business outcomes.

The role emphasizes ownership, innovation, and governance in a hybrid setup with offices in Bangalore or Chennai. The ideal candidate has 12+ years in design/engineering, strong Python, and hands-on ML/DL

Qualifications

• 12+ years of hands-on experience in application design and engineering.
• Strong Python programming for AI/ML applications.
• Deep understanding of ML, DL, supervised, unsupervised, and RL techniques.
• Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and related AI/ML frameworks.
• Knowledge of neural networks, model development, deployment, and optimization.
• Experience with data analysis, cleansing, feature engineering, and visualization.
• Strong NLP understanding and applications.
• Cloud experience: AWS, Azure, GCP.
• Big data technologies and scalable AI solutions.
• AI infrastructure, model deployment, MLOps, and DevOps practices.
• AI security governance and risk mitigation.
• Excellent analytical and stakeholder management skills.
• Leadership in a similar role; ownership and impact focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design, development, deployment, and operation of scalable AI/ML solutions delivering business value.
• Define AI development standards, governance, and architecture guidelines across projects.
• Collaborate with product, data engineering, software teams, and stakeholders to align AI initiatives with goals.
• Drive innovation by adopting emerging ML/DL/NLP/vision/RL technologies.
• Mentor AI engineers, data scientists, and developers, communicating complex concepts to varied audiences.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Communication

Python for AI/ML

Data analysis

Education

M.Sc./M.Tech./B.Tech. in CS/AI or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

NLP frameworks

MLOps tools

Job description

About Cognizant Corporate

Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth. At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose, always guided by our core values. Join us in shaping the future of business. Could you be the one to make a difference?

About the Role

As a Tech Lead/Architect (M) – AI and ML Tech Stack , you will drive impactful contributions and focus on enabling and delivering AI-driven solutions that create measurable business outcomes. You will be a key member of the AI and Engineering organization, collaborating with process leaders, architects, product teams, data engineers, software developers, and business stakeholders. You will have the autonomy to lead, innovate, and improve workflows while upholding our commitment to quality, operational excellence, and continuous learning.

In this Role, You Will:

1. Lead the end-to-end design, development, deployment, and operationalization of scalable AI and Machine Learning solutions that drive business value.
2. Define and implement AI development standards, best practices, governance frameworks, and solution architecture guidelines across projects.
3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product management, data engineering, software development, and business stakeholders to align AI initiatives with organizational goals.
4. Drive innovation by researching and adopting emerging technologies in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning.
5. Mentor and guide AI engineers, developers, and data scientists while communicating complex AI concepts and actionable insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What You Must Have to Be Considered

• 12+ years of hands-on experience in application design and engineering.
• Strong expertise in Python programming for AI and Machine Learning applications.
• Deep understanding of machine learning, deep learning, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning techniques.
• Extensive experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and related AI/ML frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of neural networks, model development, model optimization, and AI solution deployment.
• Experience in data analysis, data cleansing, feature engineering, and data visualization.
• Strong understanding of Natural Language Processing (NLP) concepts and applications.
• Experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
• Knowledge of Big Data technologies and scalable AI solution implementation.
• Expertise in AI infrastructure, model deployment, MLOps, and DevOps practices.
• Understanding of AI security risks, governance, and mitigation strategies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• M.Sc., M.Tech., or B.Tech. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
• Experience in a similar leadership role within the industry.
• A strong sense of ownership, desire to create meaningful outcomes, and passion for impactful work.
• The embodiment of Cognizant’s Values of: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do The Right Thing, and Own It.

These Will Help You Succeed

• Relevant certifications in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Experience implementing enterprise-scale AI transformation programs.
• Expertise in Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and AI enablement initiatives.
• Strong experience with AI governance, responsible AI practices, and model lifecycle management.
• Proven ability to deliver innovative AI solutions that solve complex business challenges.
• Experience leading large, distributed teams in global delivery environments.

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 work from a Cognizant office in Bangalore or Chennai as needed by business and project requirements. 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 and may change based on project, business, or client requirements.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.