Job description

Senior Software Engineer, Python, Java & SQL About the role As a Senior Software Engineer, you will make an impact by designing and delivering scalable enterprise applications using Python, Java, SQL, and microservices architecture. You will be a valued member of the engineering team and collaborate with product owners, architects, platform teams, and fellow engineers to build secure, reliable, and maintainable solutions that support complex business needs. **Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.** **Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future In this role, you will: • Design, develop, and enhance scalable microservices and backend applications using Python and Java. • Create optimized SQL queries, stored procedures, and data-access solutions for transactional and analytical workloads. • Integrate services with enterprise platforms, APIs, and messaging systems while maintaining security, error handling, logging, and observability. • Improve application quality and reliability through automated testing, code reviews, performance tuning, root-cause analysis, and production support. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine requirements, estimate effort, document technical solutions, and deliver high-value features through iterative development. 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 a week in a client office in Pleasanton CA. 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 • Extensive hands-on experience designing and delivering production-grade microservices for distributed enterprise applications. • Strong proficiency in Python for backend services, automation, scripting, or data-processing workflows. • Solid Java development experience, including building resilient services and integrating with APIs or messaging platforms. • Advanced SQL knowledge, including relational data modeling, query optimization, and database performance tuning. • Experience with software engineering practices such as version control, continuous integration, continuous delivery, automated testing, and code reviews. These will help you stand out • Experience troubleshooting production issues and improving the scalability, performance, and reliability of distributed applications. • Knowledge of deployment pipelines, monitoring platforms, logging, metrics, dashboards, and alerting. • Experience modernizing legacy applications and reducing operational effort through automation. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation, and cross-functional communication skills. • Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver reliable outcomes in a hybrid environment. 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. Compensation The annual salary for this position ranges from $120,000 to $140,000 , depending on experience and qualifications. This role is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, subject to performance and applicable plan terms. 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. 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. About Cognizant: Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant. Additional employment information Compensation 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. Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview. Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.

Requirements

Must-haves

Senior Software Engineer, Python, Java & SQL
Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.**
Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future
Design, develop, and enhance scalable microservices and backend applications using Python and Java.
Create optimized SQL queries, stored procedures, and data-access solutions for transactional and analytical workloads.
Integrate services with enterprise platforms, APIs, and messaging systems while maintaining security, error handling, logging, and observability.
Improve application quality and reliability through automated testing, code reviews, performance tuning, root-cause analysis, and production support.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine requirements, estimate effort, document technical solutions, and deliver high-value features through iterative development.
Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
What you need to have to be considered
Extensive hands-on experience designing and delivering production-grade microservices for distributed enterprise applications.
Strong proficiency in Python for backend services, automation, scripting, or data-processing workflows.
Solid Java development experience, including building resilient services and integrating with APIs or messaging platforms.
Advanced SQL knowledge, including relational data modeling, query optimization, and database performance tuning.
Experience with software engineering practices such as version control, continuous integration, continuous delivery, automated testing, and code reviews.
These will help you stand out
Experience troubleshooting production issues and improving the scalability, performance, and reliability of distributed applications.
Knowledge of deployment pipelines, monitoring platforms, logging, metrics, dashboards, and alerting.
Experience modernizing legacy applications and reducing operational effort through automation.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation, and cross-functional communication skills.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver reliable outcomes in a hybrid environment.

Nice-to-haves

None flagged.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

pythonjavasqlrestai

Platform: cognizant
Effort: medium

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave