Principal Semantic Architect

This position is open only to visa-independent candidates and will not support visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Principal Semantic Architect

About The Role

As a Principal Semantic Architect, you will make an impact by leading the design and implementation of enterprise semantic frameworks that enable data governance, analytics, artificial intelligence, and enterprise-wide data interoperability. You will be a valued member of the Data & AI Architecture team and work collaboratively with business stakeholders, data architects, governance leaders, data engineers, and AI teams to create scalable semantic foundations that drive business value across modern cloud data platforms.

In this role, you will establish enterprise standards for semantic modeling, metadata management, ontology design, and knowledge frameworks while helping organizations unlock the full value of their data for AI, analytics, and digital transformation initiatives.

In This Role, You Will

• Design, develop, and maintain enterprise semantic models, ontologies, taxonomies, business glossaries, and knowledge frameworks that support enterprise data initiatives.
• Build semantic layers that connect business concepts and terminology to physical data assets, enabling improved data discovery, governance, and consumption.
• Architect and implement semantic integrations across Databricks, Snowflake, AWS, Azure, Data Lakes, and Lakehouse platforms.
• Develop knowledge models and semantic architectures to support AI, Generative AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), enterprise search, and knowledge graph initiatives.
• Establish enterprise standards and governance processes for metadata management, lineage, semantic versioning, taxonomy management, and business glossary administration.
• Facilitate workshops and working sessions with business and technology stakeholders to align on enterprise data definitions, standards, and governance practices.
• Provide architectural leadership for Data Fabric, Data Mesh, and AI-driven data modernization programs.
• Partner with data engineering, governance, analytics, and AI teams to create scalable semantic frameworks that improve interoperability and business alignment.
• Guide enterprise architecture decisions and promote adoption of metadata-driven and semantic-first design principles.
• Mentor teams and provide thought leadership on emerging technologies, semantic architecture best practices, and enterprise knowledge management strategies.

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 3 days per week in a client or Cognizant office.

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

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, Information Architecture, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in Data Architecture, Information Architecture, Metadata Management, Enterprise Data Management, or related disciplines.
• Strong expertise in semantic modeling, ontology development, taxonomy design, business glossaries, and metadata management frameworks.
• Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale data and analytics architectures.
• Experience leading cross-functional architecture, governance, and data strategy initiatives.
• Strong understanding of enterprise data governance, metadata management, data lineage, and information management best practices.
• Experience working with modern cloud data ecosystems and enterprise data platforms.
• Strong stakeholder management, facilitation, communication, and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to bridge business and technical teams to create scalable data standards and enterprise semantic frameworks.

These Will Help You Stand Out

• Hands-on experience with Databricks, Snowflake, AWS, Azure, and modern Data Lake or Lakehouse platforms.
• Understanding of Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), vector databases, enterprise search, and knowledge graph architectures.
• Experience supporting Data Fabric and Data Mesh implementations.
• Experience designing semantic architectures that enable enterprise AI and advanced analytics initiatives.
• Knowledge of ontology standards, RDF, OWL, SKOS, SPARQL, graph technologies, and semantic web technologies.
• Experience implementing enterprise metadata management and governance platforms.
• Insurance or Financial Services industry experience.
• Experience driving enterprise data modernization and digital transformation initiatives.
• Industry certifications related to Data Architecture, Cloud Architecture, Data Governance, or Enterprise Architecture.

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

The annual salary for this position is anticipated to be between $145,000 and $170,000, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, skills, and other job-related factors.

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 a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial security of our associates and their families, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) plan and company contributions
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)
• Paid parental leave and fertility assistance programs
• Learning and development programs, certifications, and career advancement opportunities
• Wellness and mental health resources
• Career growth and internal mobility opportunities

Benefits may vary by location and employment status and are subject to change.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until October 16, 2026.

Cognizant reserves the right to close this posting earlier based on application volume, business needs, or hiring timelines.