Lead AI/ML Engineer & Production MLOps Lead

Cognizant; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Lead AI/ML Developer in Houston, onsite. You will design, build, deploy, and govern AI/ML and predictive analytics solutions using Vertex AI, Gemini, Claude, and modern MLOps.

You will lead a development squad, mentor peers, and ensure production readiness and governance across models. You will collaborate with stakeholders to define use cases, estimate effort, and align roadmaps while integrating insights into BI reporting for business users.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in data and analytics including 5+ years of hands-on AI/ML development.
• 2+ years leading a developer pod and delivering models into production.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, deploy, and manage AI/ML, forecasting, predictive analytics, and Generative AI solutions using GCP Vertex AI, Gemini, Claude, and modern MLOps frameworks.
• Lead the AI/ML development squad with design reviews, delivery quality, and technical mentoring.
• Own solution design for AI/ML use cases from prototype to production.
• Partner with the engagement lead on use‑case discovery, estimation, and roadmap planning.
• Integrate ML outputs into the BI layer so business users can consume insights in existing reporting.
• Ensure security, governance, and responsible‑AI compliance across all models.

Job description

Cognizant is seeking a Lead AI/ML Developer in Houston, onsite. You will design, build, deploy, and govern AI/ML and predictive analytics solutions using Vertex AI, Gemini, Claude, and modern MLOps.

You will lead a development squad, mentor peers, and ensure production readiness and governance across models. You will collaborate with stakeholders to define use cases, estimate effort, and align roadmaps while integrating insights into BI reporting for business users.