Architect (.NET Framework and Microservices Architecture)

Cognizant; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus PTO

401(k) plan and contributions

Long-term/Short-term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking an experienced Architect in Chicago to design and drive enterprise applications using .NET Framework and Microservices. The role emphasizes end-to-end solution architecture, architectural governance, and leadership to ensure secure, scalable, and maintainable systems across digital channels.

The Architect will mentor teams, define API strategies, review implementations, and lead modernization efforts including migration of legacy apps to cloud-native microservices.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in software development, solution design, and enterprise application architecture.
• Strong hands-on expertise in .NET Framework/.NET technologies, including large-scale applications.
• Proven experience designing and implementing Microservices Architecture, distributed systems, REST APIs, and event-driven solutions.
• Deep understanding of integration, performance tuning, scalability, resiliency, and fault-tolerant design principles.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP), CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and modern DevOps practices.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and technical leadership in global hybrid environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and govern end-to-end application architectures using .NET Framework and Microservices, ensuring scalable, secure, and maintainable enterprise solutions.
• Define service boundaries, API strategies, integration patterns, and distributed system architectures to support multi-channel customer experiences.
• Partner with business, product, and engineering teams to translate complex requirements into technical solutions and detailed architectural blueprints.
• Review code, integrations, and solution implementations to drive quality, performance optimization, and adherence to architectural standards.
• Lead application modernization initiatives, migrating legacy .NET apps to cloud-ready, microservices-based architectures.
• Mentor development teams and promote best practices in architecture, security, DevOps, observability, and hybrid delivery models.

Skills

NET Framework

Microservices

REST APIs

Event-driven design

Cloud platforms

CI/CD

Containerization

DevOps practices

Stakeholder management

Hybrid environments

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Architect to design and drive the development of robust, scalable, and secure enterprise applications using .NET Framework and Microservices Architecture. This role will be responsible for defining end-to-end solution architectures, overseeing implementation quality, and ensuring the delivery of maintainable systems that provide consistent customer experiences across multiple digital channels.

In this role, you will:

• Design and govern end-to-end application architectures using .NET Framework and Microservices, ensuring scalable, secure, and maintainable enterprise solutions.
• Define service boundaries, API strategies, integration patterns, and distributed system architectures to support multi-channel customer experiences.
• Partner with business, product, and engineering teams to translate complex requirements into technical solutions and detailed architectural blueprints.
• Review code, integrations, and solution implementations to drive quality, performance optimization, and adherence to architectural standards.
• Lead application modernization initiatives, including migration of legacy .NET applications to cloud-ready, microservices-based architectures.
• Mentor development teams and promote best practices in architecture, security, DevOps, observability, and hybrid delivery models.

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 3-4 days a week in a client office in Chicago,IL. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

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.

Please note:

A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.

What you need to have to be considered

• 10+ years of experience in software development, solution design, and enterprise application architecture.
• Strong hands-on expertise in .NET Framework/.NET technologies, including the design of large-scale, high-volume applications.
• Proven experience designing and implementing Microservices Architecture, distributed systems, REST APIs, and event-driven solutions.
• Deep understanding of application integration, performance tuning, scalability, resiliency, and fault-tolerant design principles.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP), CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and modern DevOps practices.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and technical leadership skills, with experience working in global hybrid environments.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $ 81,337 to $ 163000 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:

• 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.