Principal Data Scientist & AI Thought Leader - Enterprise Intelligence

"Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future."

About the role

As a Principal Data Scientist & AI Thought Leader - Enterprise Intelligence, you will make an impact by leading the transformation of enterprise analytics from traditional reporting to an AI-first, conversational intelligence ecosystem. You will be a valued member of the Data & AI leadership team and work collaboratively with executive stakeholders, business leaders, data engineering teams, analytics teams, and technology partners to deliver innovative AI-powered decision intelligence solutions.

In this role, you will:

• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior business and technology leaders, translating advanced AI and data science concepts into actionable business outcomes and transformation roadmaps.
• Lead the design and evolution of conversational analytics platforms that enable natural language, "What-If," "Why," and scenario-based decision-making across the enterprise.
• Architect AI-driven business intelligence solutions leveraging Databricks, large language models (LLMs), agentic AI frameworks, and modern data platforms.
• Establish enterprise frameworks for model observability, AI governance, performance monitoring, and synthesis of insights across multiple analytics and machine learning systems.
• Drive the development of executive intelligence dashboards that incorporate anomaly detection, automated root-cause analysis, dynamic metric attribution, and predictive insights.

Work model

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 attendance at a client or Cognizant office as needed.

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.

What you need to have to be considered

• Bachelor''s or Master''s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.

• Extensive experience architecting and delivering enterprise-scale solutions on the Databricks platform, including Databricks Genie, Delta Lake, and Lakehouse architectures.

• Hands-on experience building agentic AI solutions, conversational analytics platforms, NL2SQL/NL2 Analytics capabilities, and LLM orchestration frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, or AutoGen.

• Deep expertise in Business Intelligence modernization, diagnostic analytics (root-cause synthesis), and executive dashboard strategy.

• Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, statistical modeling, machine learning, forecasting techniques, and causal inference methodologies.

• Proven ability to engage and influence executive stakeholders while aligning AI initiatives with measurable business objectives.

• Experience defining AI governance, model monitoring, observability, and responsible AI frameworks within complex enterprise environments.

These will help you stand out

• Experience designing AI-powered decision intelligence platforms for large, multi-functional organizations.
• Preferred certifications include Azure Data Engineer Associate or Azure AI Engineer Associate or equivalent cloud and AI credentials aligned to Azure Databricks and MLOps.
• Knowledge of emerging AI-for-BI frameworks, enterprise knowledge management solutions, and intelligent automation platforms.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams through data and AI transformation programs.
• Demonstrated thought leadership through industry speaking engagements, publications, patents, or contributions to the AI and analytics community.

We''re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don''t hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until September 7th, 2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $150,000 - $180,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other 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.

About Cognizant:

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information

Compensation 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.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.