Job Information
Cognizant Senior Lead – Python API in Cleveland, Ohio
About the role
As a Senior Lead – Python API, you will make an impact by driving backend architecture, API design, and cloud‑native engineering for high‑scale digital products. You will be a valued member of our engineering team and work collaboratively with product owners, architects, and cross‑functional partners to translate business needs into robust, secure, and scalable technical solutions.
In this role, you will:
Lead backend architecture and API design using Python FastAPI, including REST and GraphQL.
Design and deploy cloud‑native services on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) using GKE/Cloud Run, Cloud SQL, and IAM.
Own PostgreSQL data modeling, performance optimization, schema design, and migrations.
Establish engineering standards through code reviews, mentoring, and clean‑code best practices.
Oversee CI/CD pipelines, Docker/Kubernetes workflows, and observability (logging, metrics, tracing).
Collaborate in Agile teams, acting as a technical point‑of‑contact for product and architecture partners.
Drive innovation through evaluation of new tools, async patterns, and performance improvements.
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 a set number of days per week in a client or Cognizant office (location determined by business need). Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our 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.
Please note: This role will require an in-person meet and greet with our Cognizant poc.
What you must have to be considered
Strong experience building scalable APIs (REST/GraphQL) with Python (FastAPI preferred).
Hands‑on work with GCP services such as GKE, CloudSQL (PostgreSQL), BigQuery, and Cloud Composer.
Expertise in PostgreSQL schema design, optimization, and secure data handling.
Solid understanding of API design standards (OpenAPI/Swagger, pagination, filtering).
Knowledge of OAuth2/OpenID Connect, RBAC, and secrets management.
Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and IaC tools (Terraform/Helm).
Familiarity with observability tooling (OpenTelemetry, Cloud Monitoring, Prometheus).
Experience with unit, integration, and contract testing.
These will help you stand out
Experience with Airflow, Pub/Sub, multi‑tenancy, or event‑driven architecture.
Strong technical mentorship and architectural decision‑making skills.
Ability to drive modernization initiatives and improve system performance.
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT or equivalent
Salary and Other Compensation:
The annual salary for this position is between $81,337 to $141,500 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.