Frontier Certified Engineer (FCE)
Cognizant
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Cognizant Frontier offers an entry‑level pathway for early‑career technologists to join AI‑enabled engineering teams. As a Frontier Certified Engineer, you’ll learn to work with AI tools, deliver AI‑driven solutions, and gain hands‑on project experience across cloud, data, and software delivery.
This role is based in Plano, TX; Charlotte, NC; Teaneck, NJ; or Bridgewater, NJ with hybrid work expectations. Start Summer 2026. Salary: $100,000 USD per year, with discretionary incentive opportunities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, Engineering, or related field.
- Recent graduate or early‑career professional with technical coursework or internships.
- Interest in software development, cloud technologies, AI, data engineering, or automation.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication; team collaboration.
- Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn quickly.
Responsibilities
- Learn to use AI‑assisted development tools and emerging engineering technologies.
- Write, test, debug, and enhance code with teammates and AI tools.
- Support development of AI‑enabled applications, workflows, and automation.
- Evaluate AI outputs for quality, accuracy, performance, and business relevance.
- Contribute to data‑driven solutions and retrieval workflows.
- Assist in testing, deployment, monitoring, and documentation.
- Collaborate within a small pod to deliver measurable outcomes.
- Apply responsible AI principles and engineering best practices.
- Continuously learn new tools and delivery approaches.
- Participate in training, workshops, and hands‑on experiences.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Cognizant Frontier is focused on building the AI-augmented enterprise. Frontier teams combine AI, software engineering, cloud, data, quality, infrastructure, and operations to create intelligent solutions that deliver measurable business outcomes. Engineers work in small, collaborative pods and use AI-powered tools and modern engineering practices to solve real-world challenges.
As a Frontier Certified Engineer (FCE), you will help shape the future of AI-enabled delivery by learning to work alongside AI tools and agents to build innovative solutions, improve business processes, and create meaningful impact for clients. You'll gain hands‑on experience, structured training, and mentorship while developing the skills needed to thrive in the next generation of engineering.
Start your career at the forefront of AI-powered engineering and help shape the future of how technology solutions are built and delivered. As a Frontier Certified Engineer, you'll join a next-generation engineering program designed to help early-career talent build highly sought-after technical and professional skills while working on real-world business challenges.
This opportunity is designed for recent graduates and early-career technology professionals who are excited about artificial intelligence, software engineering, cloud technologies, data, automation, and continuous learning.
Participate in a structured onboarding experience, including Frontier training and a hands‑on engineering bootcamp.
Work alongside experienced engineers, architects, and AI practitioners while gaining exposure to real‑world client challenges.
Develop expertise across AI, software engineering, cloud, automation, and modern delivery practices.
Learn how to collaborate with AI‑powered development tools and emerging technologies that are transforming the future of engineering.
Gain hands‑on experience building solutions that create measurable business impact for global clients.
Earn Frontier certifications and continue developing through ongoing technical learning opportunities.
Join a collaborative, innovative environment that values curiosity, continuous learning, and professional growth.
We welcome applications from:
Early‑career professionals seeking to grow their expertise in AI‑enabled engineering and emerging technologies.
Candidates with backgrounds in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical disciplines.
Individuals who have developed technical skills through internships, co‑ops, research programs, military experience, apprenticeships, capstone projects, hackathons, certifications, open‑source contributions, personal projects, or other hands‑on experiences.
This is an entry-level opportunity. We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every preferred qualification listed below.
Professional AI experience is not required. We're looking for candidates with strong technical foundations, intellectual curiosity, problem‑solving abilities, adaptability, and a passion for learning. Through structured training, mentorship, and hands‑on project experience, you'll develop the skills needed to succeed as a Frontier Certified Engineer.
As a Frontier Certified Engineer, you will:
Learn to use AI‑assisted development tools and emerging engineering technologies to build and improve software solutions.
Write, test, debug, and enhance code while collaborating with teammates and AI‑powered tools.
Support the development of AI‑enabled applications, workflows, and automation solutions.
Help evaluate AI‑generated outputs for quality, accuracy, performance, and business relevance.
Participate in building knowledge systems, retrieval workflows, and data‑driven solutions that improve AI experiences.
Contribute to testing, deployment, monitoring, documentation, and operational support activities.
Collaborate within a small, cross‑functional pod to deliver measurable customer and business outcomes.
Apply responsible AI principles and engineering best practices when developing solutions.
Continuously learn new tools, technologies, and delivery approaches in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Participate in technical training, certifications, workshops, and hands‑on learning experiences to build Frontier engineering capabilities.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
Recent graduate or early‑career professional with technical experience gained through coursework, internships, co‑ops, research, military experience, certifications, hackathons, capstone projects, personal projects, or similar experiences.
Demonstrated interest in software development, cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, data engineering, automation, or related technology fields.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a team‑oriented environment.
Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn quickly in emerging technology domains.
Ownership mindset and accountability for delivering high‑quality work.
Experience with one or more programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, C#, or similar technologies.
Exposure to cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud.
Familiarity with generative AI, large language models, prompt engineering, or AI‑assisted development tools.
Exposure to APIs, automation platforms, databases, software development methodologies, or data engineering concepts.
Familiarity with source control tools such as Git and collaborative development practices.
Experience with academic, personal, or internship projects involving software development, AI, cloud, data, or automation technologies.
Interest in responsible AI, emerging technologies, and continuous technical learning.
Pass the Frontier Center of Excellence assessment covering AI foundations, software engineering, cloud, infrastructure, production delivery, and business fundamentals.
Complete the Frontier engineering bootcamp, including hands‑on project work within a collaborative pod environment.
Participate in ongoing technical learning, certifications, and Frontier engineering development programs.
Work alongside experienced Frontier practitioners while building the skills required to contribute to AI‑native systems and client solutions.
This opportunity is based in Plano, TX; Charlotte, NC; Teaneck, NJ; and Bridgewater, NJ . Associates are expected to work from one of these office locations and follow applicable hybrid work expectations. Please note that relocation assistance is not provided for this position. Candidates should apply only if they are currently located in, or able to relocate at their own expense to, one of these locations.
Frontier Certified Engineers are expected to begin employment in Summer 2026 . Exact start dates will be communicated with sufficient time for candidates to plan effectively.
The annual salary for this Associate‑level position is $100,000 USD . This position may also be eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
401(k) Plan and Contributions
Long‑Term and Short‑Term Disability Coverage
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Learning and Development Programs
Professional Certifications and Technical Training
Employee Assistance Program and Wellness Resources
Due to the nature of this position, Cognizant is unable to provide sponsorship for U.S. work authorization, including participation in CPT/OPT programs, for this role.
A successful Frontier Certified Engineer learns quickly, applies strong technical fundamentals, collaborates effectively with teammates and AI‑powered tools, and contributes meaningful work to client and business outcomes.
Success in this role includes:
Learning and applying new technologies in real‑world delivery environments.
Contributing to team projects that create measurable business value.
Demonstrating strong problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
Continuously developing technical capabilities through training and hands‑on experience.
Growing into an engineer who can help build, support, and improve AI‑native solutions that drive customer success.
The salary, 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.
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.
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