Senior Developer – AI/ML & Generative AI (Airflow, Python, MLOps)
Location: Hybrid (Chicago, IL)
Experience: 6–10+ years
About Cognizant
Cognizant is a leading global professional services company, helping organizations modernize technology, reimagine processes, and transform customer experiences. We leverage expertise in AI, cloud, and digital engineering to deliver measurable outcomes across industries.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Senior Developer with strong expertise in data engineering, AI/ML, and Generative AI to build scalable, production-grade solutions.
This role focuses on developing Airflow-orchestrated pipelines, operationalizing machine learning models, and building reusable AI frameworks that drive smarter business decisions and deliver meaningful impact.
Key Responsibilities
Data Pipelines & Workflow Orchestration
- Design and implement robust data and model pipelines using Apache Airflow
- Orchestrate complex workflows ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance across hybrid environments
AI & Generative AI Development
- Develop Generative AI services to transform enterprise data into insights and content
- Ensure solutions meet accuracy, safety, and compliance standards
- Apply prompt engineering and model integration techniques in business applications
ML Engineering & Productionization
- Build production-ready machine learning solutions from experimental prototypes
- Develop scalable services with monitoring, logging, and fault tolerance
- Ensure consistent delivery of value to downstream systems
MLOps & Automation
- Implement MLOps best practices, including automated training, evaluation, deployment, and rollback
- Enhance development velocity through CI/CD automation and lifecycle management
Data Engineering & Feature Management
- Build and maintain feature pipelines and data preparation processes
- Ensure high-quality, governed, and traceable data for model training and inference
Observability & Reliability
- Implement monitoring, logging, and alerting for pipelines and models
- Detect and resolve issues related to data quality, model drift, and system performance
Collaboration & Delivery
- Partner with data scientists, engineers, and product stakeholders to translate ideas into scalable solutions
- Contribute to backlog prioritization and iteration planning
Standards, Governance & Best Practices
- Ensure security, privacy, and responsible AI principles are embedded in solutions
- Promote best practices in version control, testing, and CI/CD
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Evaluate emerging tools in Generative AI and MLOps
- Support experimentation through A/B testing and model comparison frameworks
Mentorship & Leadership
- Mentor junior developers on Airflow, debugging, and deployment strategies
- Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented team environment
Required Qualifications
- Strong experience in Python-based development for data and AI applications
- Hands-on expertise with Apache Airflow (DAG design, operators, scheduling optimization)
- Solid understanding of machine learning concepts (supervised/unsupervised learning, evaluation, feature engineering)
- Practical experience with MLOps practices (packaging, deployment, monitoring, lifecycle management)
- Experience implementing Generative AI solutions (prompt design, model integration)
- Strong SQL and data modeling skills for high-performance data pipelines
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
- Knowledge of Responsible AI frameworks and governance models
- Experience working in enterprise-scale, hybrid environments
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Certifications (Preferred)
- TensorFlow Developer Certification
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
- Equivalent certifications in AI/ML or MLOps
Compensation
- Base Salary Range: $120,000 – $130,000 per year
- Final compensation is based on experience, skills, and location
- Eligible for performance-based bonuses and incentive compensation
Benefits
Cognizant offers a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and career growth:
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Financial Benefits: 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance
- Time Off: Generous PTO, paid holidays, and parental leave
- Learning & Development: Access to certifications, training programs, and career advancement opportunities
- Flexible Work: Hybrid work model to support work-life balance
- Employee Experience: Wellness programs, employee resource groups, and recognition initiatives
Why Join Cognizant?
- Work on cutting-edge Generative AI and ML solutions
- Collaborate with global clients and cross-functional teams
- Grow your career in a high-demand, innovation-driven space
- Be part of a company committed to inclusion, diversity, and impact
Over Cognizant
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is een bouwer van AI-oplossingen en een leverancier van technologiediensten. Wij slaan de brug tussen AI-investeringen en ondernemingswaarde door het bouwen van full-stack AI-oplossingen voor onze klanten. Onze diepgaande kennis van sectoren, processen en engineering stelt ons in staat om de unieke context van een organisatie te verankeren in technologische systemen. Deze systemen versterken het menselijk potentieel, realiseren tastbare resultaten en geven wereldwijde ondernemingen een voorsprong in een snel veranderende wereld. Ontdek hoe op cognizant.ai of @cognizant.
Aanvullende arbeidsinformatie
De informatie over de beloning is correct op de datum van deze vacature. Cognizant behoudt zich het recht voor om deze informatie op elk moment te wijzigen, met inachtneming van de toepasselijke wetgeving.
Van sollicitanten kan worden verwacht dat zij gesprekken bijwonen, persoonlijk of via een videogesprek. Daarnaast kan van kandidaten worden gevraagd om tijdens elk gesprek een geldig, door de overheid uitgegeven identiteitsbewijs (zoals een identiteitskaart of paspoort) te tonen.
Cognizant is een werkgever die gelijke kansen biedt. Je sollicitatie en kandidatuur worden niet beoordeeld op basis van ras, huidskleur, geslacht, religie, levensovertuiging, seksuele geaardheid, genderidentiteit, nationale afkomst, handicap, genetische informatie, zwangerschap, veteranenstatus of enige andere eigenschap die wordt beschermd door federale, regionale of lokale wetgeving.
