AI Architect - Remote (WFH)

About Cognitive:

Cognitive is an IT and software engineering services company dedicated to elevating the quality, speed and delivery of today’s US government healthcare programs. With a wealth of clinical expertise and hands-on experience, our team understands the significant challenges our government clients—and their customers—face every day. This real-world experience equips us to develop IT solutions that seamlessly connect all facets of healthcare delivery. At Cognitive, we’re guiding government agencies to the forefront of technology innovation in healthcare delivery.

Position Overview:

*This position is contingent upon contract award*

The AI Architect is the hands-on AI and Machine Learning implementation specialist for the CMS Drug Data Processing System (DDPS) and Payment Reconciliation System (PRS). This individual builds, validates, and deploys AI and ML solutions within CMS-approved use cases, including automated PDE anomaly detection, predictive analytics, LLM-assisted documentation and requirements processing, AI-enhanced BI dashboards, and intelligent workflow automation in strict compliance with CMS AI governance requirements and under direction from the AI Transformation Engineer.

This is a remote position; however, Cognitive hires only in the following designated U.S. states based on contract and business requirements: VA, DC, MD, TN, FL, AZ, CO, OR, and TX.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, test, and deploy CMS-approved AI/ML proof-of-concepts, pilots, and production implementations within the DDPS environment.
• Build ML models for automated PDE editing and anomaly detection; identifying outliers, errors, and patterns in PDE data requiring further validation.
• Develop predictive analytics supporting Part D program trend analysis, MDP/CGDP outlier identification, and manufacturer dispute pattern recognition.
• Implement NLP solutions to support analysis of program memoranda, legislative changes, and guidance documents to accelerate Participant Guide maintenance and impact assessments.
• Leverage LLM-assisted tools for AI-assisted development, automated test generation, documentation drafting, and intelligent workflow orchestration across DDPS delivery.
• Prepare AI model data, implement models, andvalidateoutputs; ensure all AI-generated outputs include human-in-the-loop review for high-stakes decisions.
• Maintain full AI model documentation, bias detection records, and explainability artifacts required by CMS AI governance; support quarterly AI Governance Report production.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or related field; 10 or more years in AI/ML development including production model deployment.
• Hands-on Python expertise for ML model development, data preparation, and validation.
• Experience with AWS AI/ML services: SageMaker,Comprehend, Rekognition, or Bedrock; or equivalent platforms in a federal cloud environment.
• Experience with NLP, LLM integration, and prompt engineering for document analysis and workflow automation.
• Experience with Databricks AutoML, MLflow, or equivalent MLOps tooling for model lifecycle management.
• Experience ensuring AI solutions comply with federal data governance, privacy, and security requirements including FISMA and CMS ARS.
• Ability to pass CMS and internal required background checks for public trust.

Why Join Us? 

• Be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in healthcare IT.
• Collaborate with innovative and passionate professionals that are there to support you at every turn.
• Enjoy a supportive work/life balance with the flexibility of a 100% remote company.
• Benefit from opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic environment.