AI Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)

AI Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) About the role As an FDE you will make an impact by leading client discovery, solution shaping, and AI-driven opportunity development that helps organizations realize tangible business value from GenAI and AI. You will be a valued member of Cognizant’s AI Sales Engineering organization and work closely with sales, industry specialists, design and engineering teams, and ecosystem partners to bring high-value AI use cases from ideation through deal closure. In this role, you will:

Lead early-stage discovery and art-of-the-possible ideation sessions, helping clients and account teams explore how GenAI and AI can address critical business challenges

Translate ambiguous client needs into solution hypotheses, conceptual flows, and “north star” AI scenarios that articulate business impact and differentiation

Shape end-to-end AI solution architectures , defining data, ML, integration patterns, and partner components

Develop and present client-ready solution artifacts , including proposals, statements of work, architecture decks, value frameworks, and demo narratives

Orchestrate cross-functional pursuit teams, ensuring alignment across sales, industry specialists, engineering, delivery, and ecosystem partners

Guide opportunities through governance checkpoints and ensure smooth handoff to delivery teams with validated architectures and clear assumptions 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 2-3 days per week in a client or Cognizant office in the United States . Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through 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. What you need to have to be considered

Experience in AI/ML, GenAI, or solution architecture, with exposure to large language models and enterprise AI platforms

Proven ability to lead structured discovery, ideation workshops, and technical deep dives with client stakeholders

Demonstrated success shaping and progressing complex AI-driven opportunities, including proposals and solution design

Strong understanding of enterprise data architectures, ML pipelines, cloud platforms, and system integration

Ability to collaborate across sales, engineering, design, and delivery teams to influence outcomes These will help you stand out

Experience creating AI prototypes, MVPs, or proofs of concept during pursuit or pre-sales cycles

Exposure to hyperscalers, AI platforms, and partner ecosystems

Track record of orchestrating multi-disciplinary pursuit teams and managing solution trade-offs

Strong storytelling skills that connect technical solutions to business value

Background in AI consulting, sales engineering, or technical advisory roles

Salary and Other Compensation :

Applications will be accepted until July 15, 2026

The annual base salary for this position is between $200,000 - $235,000 depending on the experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program and stock awards, 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. Benefits Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Paid holidays and paid time off

401(k) plan with employer contributions

Long-term and short-term disability coverage

Paid parental leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan