AI Engineer Jobs in Virginia

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Senior AI Engineer – Large Language Models & Agentic Systems, you will make an impact by designing and delivering scalable, production-grade AI applications powered by large language models. You will be a valued member of the AI engineering team and work collaboratively with data scientists, software engineers, and product stakeholders to build intelligent, enterprise-ready solutions.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Architect and deliver end-to-end LLM-powered applications and agentic workflows using Python
• Design and implement retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines over enterprise datasets using embeddings and vector databases
• Build and orchestrate multi-step, tool-using AI agents (planning, execution, and memory) using frameworks such as LangChain or LangGraph
• Integrate AI solutions with APIs, backend systems, and cloud platforms to enable scalable deployment
• Establish evaluation, reliability, and performance strategies, including accuracy, latency, and cost optimization

WORK MODEL

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants 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.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong expertise in Python, with experience building and deploying production-grade backend systems
• Hands-on experience developing applications using large language models, including prompt engineering and orchestration
• Proven experience designing and implementing RAG architectures, including embeddings and vector databases
• Experience with agentic frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, or similar technologies
• Strong system design skills with experience building and scaling cloud-based applications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with enterprise-scale data and deploying AI solutions in production environments
• Familiarity with multiple LLM providers and model optimization techniques
• Knowledge of evaluation frameworks for LLM performance and responsible AI practices
• Experience building distributed systems or microservices architectures
• Exposure to MLOps, CI/CD pipelines, and monitoring of AI systems

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 ideas to this role.

SALARY AND OTHER COMPENSATION:

Applications will be accepted until July 12, 2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $115,000 - $130,000 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.