Azure AI Architect

As a **Azure AI Architect** you will make an impact as the primary point of contact for all domain-related queries and issues. You will be a valued member of the team and work collaboratively with management, team members and client. We believe **remote/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 3-4 days a week in the client or Cognizant office. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. 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. **Location:** **San Francisco, Remote, Canada** **Role & Responsibilities:** **AI Architecture** + Architect design and implement enterprise search solutions using Azure AI Search Azure OpenAI and related Azure AI technologies + Lead the development of RAG architectures combining Azure AI Search and LLMs to enable knowledge grounded conversational AI and intelligent assistants + Build and optimize indexing pipelines including ingestion enrichment and meta data driven content processing for both structured and unstructured data + Implement semantic and vector search capabilities using embeddings for natural language queries and contextual relevance + Define and enforce search architecture best practices governance standards and scalability frameworks across enterprise implementations **Integration Data Connectivity** · Integrate Azure AI Search with Microsoft Graph Microsoft Search and external data sources such as SharePoint databases file systems and SaaS applications · Design and deploy custom connectors and API based ingestion pipelines to unify enterprise content into Azure AI Search · Establish security compliance and access control mechanisms aligned with organizational standards · Architect solutions with high availability HA disaster recovery DR and performance optimization considerations **AI and RAG Enablement** · Lead the implementation of retrieval augmented generation RAG frameworks to enhance LLM based chatbot accuracy reliability and contextual grounding · Collaborate with AI engineering and data teams to finetune models integrate vector databases and deliver knowledge driven conversational AI · Design and optimize AI orchestration pipelines leveraging Azure Bot Service Azure Functions and Azure API Management for scalable delivery · Continuously improve AI and search relevance using analytics telemetry and feed back driven tuning **Microsoft Ecosystem Integration** · Configure and extend Microsoft Search and Graph Connectors to complement Azure AI Search solutions · Integrate Azure AI Search outputs into Microsoft 365 Teams or custom Copilot experiences to enhance enterprise productivity · Leverage Microsoft Search Analytics and Azure insights to measure performance and drive adoption · Provide strategic architectural guidance on the intersection of search AI and knowledge management within the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem **Required Skills:** + 10 years of experience in enterprise search AI or cloud architecture with at least 5 years in Azure based environments + Proven expertise in Azure AI Search Cognitive Search and Azure OpenAI solution design and deployment + Strong understanding of RAG architecture semantic retrieval vector indexing and AI search integration patterns + Handson experience in content crawling indexing and data integration across multiple repositories + Deep technical knowledge of Microsoft Graph Azure Functions Event Grid and Logic Apps for data orchestration + Experience designing secure scalable architectures that comply with enterprise governance and compliance frameworks + Excellent communication and leadership skills to drive architecture vision and mentor technical teams **Preferred Skills** · Experience integrating Azure OpenAI with Copilot Studio Azure Cognitive Services or custom GPT based solution · Familiarity with Azure Synapse Azure Data Lake or Cosmos DB for data integration and enrichment · Knowledge of C Python or TypeScript for automation connectors and custom AI integration · Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Azure AI Engineer Associate Applications will be accepted until 11/21/2025. The annual salary for this position is between $105,750 - $167,500 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. Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.