Mainframe Modernization & Cloud Transformation

About the role

As a Solution Architect, you will make an impact by leading the architecture and modernization of a large-scale enterprise transformation program, helping migrate legacy mainframe applications to modern cloud-native platforms. You will be a valued member of the modernization and architecture team and will work collaboratively with business stakeholders, engineering teams, cloud architects, modernization specialists, and AI enablement teams to deliver innovative solutions at scale.

In this role, you will:

• Define and own the target-state architecture across a portfolio of approximately 50 applications, including modernization strategy, API architecture, cloud adoption, data transformation, and front-end integration.

• Lead architecture governance by establishing standards, reusable patterns, and solution review processes that enable consistency across multiple delivery teams

• Drive mainframe modernization initiatives by guiding the extraction and transformation of business rules, data structures, and workflows from legacy technologies including COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, and related mainframe environments

• Collaborate with engineering teams to design and implement scalable Java microservices, modern APIs, cloud-native solutions, and enterprise Angular applications.

• Define architecture and governance standards for AI-assisted software modernization, including code transformation, business rule extraction, quality validation, and human review processes.

• Provide technical leadership, manage architectural risks, ensure compliance with security and regulatory requirements, and serve as the primary escalation point for complex technical challenges.

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 office in Hartford, Connecticut and 2 days remote. 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.

Work Authorization

Please note that this position is not eligible for visa transfer or sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

What you need to have to be considered

• 15+ years of experience in software architecture, enterprise application development, or large-scale transformation programs.

• Proven experience leading mainframe modernization initiatives involving COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, copybooks, batch processing, and online transaction systems.

• Strong expertise in Java, Spring Boot, cloud-native application development, microservices architecture, and API design.

• Deep knowledge of AWS cloud services, including compute, networking, security, storage, observability, resiliency, and cost optimization best practices.

• Experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale Angular applications and modern front-end architectures.

• Hands-on expertise with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, containerization, and cloud deployment platforms.

• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence both technical and executive audiences.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline.

These will help you stand out

• Experience delivering modernization programs within the insurance or other highly regulated industries.

• Experience implementing AI-assisted software engineering, code transformation, or agentic development platforms.

• Knowledge of prompt engineering, large language models, and AI governance frameworks within enterprise environments.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional certification.

• TOGAF or other enterprise architecture certifications.

• Experience leading globally distributed teams and complex multi-workstream transformation programs.

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.

Compensation

The annual salary for this position is between $104,850 and $166,500 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by applicable law.

Benefits

Applications will be accepted until 10/18/2026.

Cognizant offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

• 401(k) Plan with Company Contributions

• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support Programs

• Employee Recognition Programs

• Learning and Professional Development Opportunities

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.