AI Engineer (IOA)

Cognizant; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus PTO

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Business & Data Analyst to join its IOA practice in Columbus, OH. You will design and deploy AI applications, build data pipelines, and collaborate with analysts to translate client needs into scalable AI/ML solutions.

The role requires strong Python skills, cloud experience (AWS, GCP, or Azure), and hands-on work with Spark, Airflow, Kafka, and PyTorch. Relocation to or work in Columbus is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, data science, AI, or related field.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills for articulating concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience with at least one cloud AI platform (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Proficiency in Python; experience with LangChain, LangGraph, or similar agentic frameworks.
• Experience with data engineering tools (Spark, Airflow, Kafka) and/or ML frameworks (PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Ability to work across cloud and on-prem environments.
• Comfortable in a fast-moving, evolving AI landscape.

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy AI applications using Python, LangChain, LangGraph, and RAG pipelines.
• Build and deploy agentic AI solutions across AWS, GCP, and Azure.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines with Azure Data Factory, AWS Glue, Spark, Airflow, and Kafka.
• Apply ML and NLG techniques with PyTorch, Scikit-learn, and R; deploy models on cloud platforms.
• Work with large-scale data platforms like Azure Synapse and Databricks SQL for training and analytics.
• Collaborate with business analysts to translate client requirements into AI/ML solutions.
• Stay current with evolving AI frameworks and cloud-native tools.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Cloud AI platforms

Python programming

Agentic AI frameworks

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/DS/AI

Tools

LangChain

LangGraph

Spark

Airflow

Kafka

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Job description

Position Overview

Cognizant is seeking a highly skills and innovative Business & Data Analyst to join our Intuitive Operations and Automation (IOA) practice. We are a leading AI-powered BPO and Intelligent Automation Practice combining deep industry expertise, process innovation, advanced AI and human ingenuity to help clients—from large digital disruptors to leading global enterprises—drive efficiency, grow existing and new revenue streams and power the next generation of operations. We’re shifting the industry from cost takeout to driving revenue growth, and from traditional outsourcing to AI-powered reinvention of the enterprise. We drive outcomes through autonomous, adaptive operations that are powered by agentic AI and built for business impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy full-stack AI applications using Python, LangChain, LangGraph, RAG pipelines, AutoGen, CrewAI, and Semantic Kernel.
• Build and deploy agentic AI solutions across cloud platforms, including AWS (Bedrock, AgentCore), GCP Vertex AI, and Azure AI + Copilot Studio.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines using Azure Data Factory, AWS Glue, Spark, Apache Airflow, and Kafka.
• Apply machine learning and NLG techniques using PyTorch, Scikit-learn, and R, deploying models via Azure ML, AWS SageMaker, or Google Vertex AI.
• Work with large-scale data platforms including Azure Synapse and Databricks SQL to support model training and analytics.
• Collaborate with business analysts and consultants to translate client requirements into scalable AI/ML solutions.
• Stay current with evolving AI frameworks, cloud-native tools, and agentic AI architectures.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, or a related discipline
• Good problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Hands‑on experience with at least one cloud AI platform (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Proficiency in Python; experience with LangChain, LangGraph, or similar agentic frameworks strongly preferred.
• Experience with data engineering tools (Spark, Airflow, Kafka) and/or ML frameworks (PyTorch, Scikit‑learn) is a plus.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work across cloud and on‑prem environments.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑moving, evolving AI landscape.

Location

New hires will be hired to Cognizant offices and/or client locations in Dallas, TX where you will work alongside other experienced Cognizant associates delivering technology solutions. Applicants must be willing to relocate to one of these major geographic areas. While we attempt to honor candidate location preferences, business need and position availability will determine final location assignment.

Start Date

New hires will start in October/November 2026 or January/February 2027 . Exact start dates will be communicated with enough time for you to plan effectively.

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is $65,000 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.

Why Choose Us?

Cognizant delivers solutions that draw upon the full power and scale of our associates. You will be supported by high-caliber experts and employ some of the most advanced and patented capabilities. Our associate’s diverse backgrounds offer multifaceted perspectives and fuel new ways of thinking. We encourage lively discussions which inspire better results for our clients.

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 hourly rate, 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.

Work Authorization

Due to the nature of this position, Cognizant cannot provide sponsorship for U.S. work authorization (including participation in a CPT/OPT program) for this role.

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.