Manager - AI/ML

Cognizant; Chennai District; Hybrid; INR 3,500,000 - 7,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Tech Lead/Architect (AI/ML) to lead the design and delivery of scalable AI solutions in a hybrid India setup. You will collaborate with product, data, and engineering teams to drive measurable business outcomes and establish governance, standards, and best practices for AI initiatives.

The role emphasizes leadership of AI engineers and data scientists, extensive cloud and ML framework expertise, and a strong ownership mindset aligned with Cognizant values.

Qualifications

• 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 ML/DL, supervised/unsupervised learning, and RL techniques.
• Extensive experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and related AI/ML frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of neural networks, model development, and AI deployment.
• Experience in data analysis, cleansing, feature engineering, and data visualization.
• Strong NLP understanding and applications.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Knowledge of Big Data technologies and scalable AI solutions.
• Expertise in AI infrastructure, MLOps, and DevOps practices.
• Understanding of AI security risks and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design, development, deployment, and operationalization of AI/ML solutions.
• Define and implement AI development standards, governance, and architecture guidelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align AI initiatives with goals.
• Drive innovation by researching emerging ML/DL/NLP/CV/RL technologies.
• Mentor AI engineers, developers, and data scientists; communicate complex concepts clearly.

Skills

Python programming

AI/ML knowledge

Leadership

Education

M.Sc./M.Tech./B.Tech. in CS/AI

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

AWS/GCP/Azure

Job description

About Cognizant CorporateCognizant 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 Cognizant CorporateCognizant 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 RoleAs 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

• Lead the end-to-end design, development, deployment, and operationalization of scalable AI and Machine Learning solutions that drive business value.
• Define and implement AI development standards, best practices, governance frameworks, and solution architecture guidelines across projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product management, data engineering, software development, and business stakeholders to align AI initiatives with organizational goals.
• Drive innovation by researching and adopting emerging technologies in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning.
• 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 ModelWe 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.