Frontier Certified Engineer (FCE) – Canada

Cognizant; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant Frontier offers an entry‑level engineering path for recent graduates and early‑career professionals. You’ll join a pod, learn AI‑assisted development, and work on real client challenges while gaining hands‑on experience across AI, software, cloud, and data domains.

You’ll participate in structured training, earn Frontier certifications, and grow with a collaborative team that values curiosity and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• 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 relevant experience from coursework or internships.
• Interest in software development, cloud technologies, AI, data engineering, automation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a team‑oriented environment.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn quickly.
• Ownership mindset and accountability for high‑quality work.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Curiosity and learning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline

Tools

Python

Azure

AWS

GCP

Git

APIs

Job description

About Cognizant Frontier

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.

Launch Your Career with Frontier

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.

What You’ll Gain

• 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.

Who We’re Looking For

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

The qualifications below are preferred, not required. We encourage candidates to apply even if they have experience in only some of these areas through coursework, internships, certifications, research, personal projects, hackathons, or other hands‑on learning experiences.

• 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.

Training and Certification

• 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.

Total Compensation

We regularly assess market data to ensure we offer a competitive compensation package for our associates. The base salary for this position is $100,000 per year. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual performance‑based bonus, as well as benefits that support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Location

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 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Toronto, ON. 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.

Start Date

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

Additional disclosures

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Applications for this position are reviewed by our recruitment team without the use of artificial intelligence screening tools.

Post Closing Date

Applications will be accepted until August 17, 2026.

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.

Cognizant is always looking for top talent. We are searching for candidates to fill future needs within the business. This job posting represents potential future employment opportunities with Cognizant. Although the position is not currently available, we want to provide you with the opportunity to express your interest in future employment opportunities with Cognizant. At that time you can determine whether you would like to apply for the specific open position. Thank you for your interest in Cognizant career opportunities.