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
Sobre a Cognizant
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) é uma construtora de IA e fornecedora de serviços de tecnologia, criando a ponte entre o investimento em IA e o valor para as empresas por meio do desenvolvimento de soluções de IA completas para nossos clientes. Nossa profunda experiência em setores, processos e engenharia nos permite incorporar o contexto único de cada organização em sistemas tecnológicos que potencializam a capacidade humana, geram resultados tangíveis e mantêm empresas globais à frente em um mundo em rápida transformação. Saiba mais em cognizant.ai ou @cognizant.
A Cognizant é uma empregadora que investe em equidade. Sua candidatura não será pautada em raça, cor, gênero, sexualidade, credo, origem, deficiência, gravidez ou qualquer outra característica protegida pelas leis brasileiras.
Informações adicionais de emprego
Os candidatos podem ser obrigados a comparecer a entrevistas presenciais ou por videoconferência. Além disso, os candidatos podem ser obrigados a apresentar seu documento de identificação emitido pelo estado ou governo atual durante cada entrevista.
Embora nosso sistema permita a candidatura em todos os idiomas, o(s) idioma(s) e o(s) nível(is) de proficiência exigidos para o trabalho variam. No entanto, é necessário um nível básico de inglês para fins de comunicação em toda a empresa.
A Cognizant é uma empregadora que investe em equidade. Sua candidatura não será pautada em raça, cor, gênero, sexualidade, credo, origem, deficiência, gravidez ou qualquer outra característica protegida pelas leis brasileiras.
Se você tem uma deficiência que requer adaptações razoáveis para procurar uma vaga de emprego ou enviar uma candidatura, envie um e-mail para [email protected] com sua solicitação e informações de contato.
