Azure Solutions Architect

Job Title: Azure Solutions Architect - Data & AI Engineering

Location: Remote - USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Role Summary:

We are seeking a Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert with deep expertise in Data Engineering and AI Engineering to lead the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions. This role will focus on enabling real-time data access, AI-driven analytics, and seamless integration with existing enterprise systems, including the creation of isolated environments for specialized workloads such as Halo.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect and implement real-time data streaming solutions using Azure Event Hubs, Azure Stream Analytics, and Apache Kafka.
• Design and deploy isolated environments (e.g., for Halo) using Azure Virtual Networks, Private Endpoints, and Resource Groups to ensure operational independence.
• Develop advanced data visualization and analytics solutions using Power BI, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Machine Learning.
• Identify and implement AI opportunities for predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and intelligent automation using Azure AI services (e.g., Cognitive Services, Azure OpenAI, ML Studio).
• Ensure seamless integration with existing accounting and workflow systems using Azure Logic Apps, API Management, and Data Factory.
• Lead the development of transformation accelerators such as reusable data pipelines, automation scripts, and CI/CD templates using Azure DevOps.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including finance, operations, and IT to align solutions with business goals.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) and Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203).
• Proven experience with Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse, Azure Databricks, and Delta Lake architectures.
• Strong programming skills in Python, PySpark, and SQL; experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) is a plus.
• Experience with real-time data processing using Kafka, Spark Streaming, and Azure Stream Analytics.
• Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks and tools such as Azure ML, Cognitive Services, and OpenAI APIs.
• Expertise in designing secure, scalable, and resilient cloud architectures using Azure best practices.
• Strong understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using ARM templates or Bicep.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with financial systems and accounting workflows.
• Familiarity with governance frameworks such as the Azure Well-Architected Framework.
• Exposure to predictive analytics, drill-down dashboards, and macro-level visualization strategies.
• Experience in leading transformation initiatives and building accelerators for enterprise-scale deployments.

Salary and Other Compensation:

* The annual salary for this position is between $[110,000 - 155,000] 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.