Entry-Level Engineer – Python, Data Analytics & Generative AI Life Sciences Commercial

Cognizant; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 58,500 - 71,500; 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 seeks an Entry-Level Engineer with a solid foundation in Python, data analytics, modeling, and Generative AI to support life sciences clients. You will analyze data, build models, and contribute to AI‑driven solutions that aid decision‑making and automation.

Ideal for recent graduates or early‑career professionals who want mentorship from senior engineers and opportunities to grow in Generative AI and advanced analytics. Bridgewater, NJ location; August 2026 start date.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and strong Python/data analytics basics.
• Familiarity with regression, classification, or time‑series analysis.
• Exposure to Generative AI concepts and GenAI platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop Python scripts and data analysis tooling for modeling.
• Collect, clean, and analyze structured and unstructured data.
• Build and evaluate statistical, predictive, or ML models.
• Assist in Generative AI experiments (LLMs, prompts, embeddings).
• Create data visualizations and dashboards to convey insights.
• Collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and stakeholders.
• Document code, models and findings clearly.
• Stay current with AI trends and real-world data applications.

Skills

Python

Data analytics

Modeling

Generative AI

LLMs

Prompt engineering

APIs for GenAI

SQL basics

Git

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics or Statistics

Tools

SQL

Git

APIs

OpenAI/Azure OpenAI

Job description

Position Overview

Life sciences organizations are under pressure to innovate their processes as fast as possible. Thirty of the top global pharmaceutical companies work with Cognizant. We are redefining the way life sciences companies do digital and we are offering solutions specific to the challenges of these companies.

We are seeking a motivated and curious Entry‑Level Engineer with a strong foundation in Python, data analytics, modeling, and Generative AI. This role is ideal for recent graduates or early‑career professionals who are eager to apply analytical thinking and modern AI techniques to solve real‑world business and engineering problems.

You will work closely with Life Sciences commercial cross‑functional teams across Sales, Marketing and Market Access to analyze data, build models, and contribute to AI‑driven solutions that support decision‑making, automation, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Python‑based scripts and applications for data analysis and modeling
• Collect, clean, and analyze structured and unstructured data from multiple sources
• Build and evaluate statistical, predictive, or machine learning models
• Assist in the development and experimentation of Generative AI solutions (e.g., LLM‑based applications, prompt engineering, embeddings)
• Create data visualizations and dashboards to communicate insights effectively
• Collaborate with senior engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders
• Document code, models, and analytical findings clearly and thoroughly
• Stay current with emerging trends in data analytics, AI, and Generative AI technologies
• Hands‑on experience working with real‑world data and AI solutions
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and data scientists
• Opportunities to grow skills in Generative AI and advanced analytics
• Collaborative and learning‑focused work environment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field
• Strong proficiency in Python (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib/Seaborn)
• Understanding of data analytics concepts, including data cleaning, exploratory analysis, and basic statistics
• Exposure to modeling techniques such as regression, classification, or time‑series analysis
• Familiarity with Generative AI concepts, such as:
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Prompt engineering
• APIs for GenAI platforms (e.g., OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Hugging Face)
• Basic knowledge of SQL and working with databases
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred / Nice‑to‑Have Skills

• Experience with machine learning libraries (e.g., scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Hands‑on experience through internships, academic projects, or personal projects
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP)
• Understanding of MLOps or model deployment concepts
• Experience using Git or other version control systems
• Exposure to data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
• Life Sciences Commercial experience / understanding of modeling techniques

Location(s)

New hires will be deployed to Cognizant office in Bridgewater, NJ (and willing to relocate) where you will work alongside other experienced Cognizant associates delivering technology solutions. Applicants must be willing to relocate to these major geographic area.

Start Date(s)

New hires will start in August 2026. While we will attempt to honor candidate start date preferences, business need and position availability will determine final start date assignment of June or August. Exact start dates will be communicated with enough time for you to plan effectively.

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 varied perspectives and fuel new ways of thinking. We encourage lively discussions which inspire better results for our clients. If you’re comfortable with ambiguity, excited by change, and excel through autonomy, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The annual salary for this position is $65,000.00 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.

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.