We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Architect with deep expertise in Java and Spring Boot to lead next-generation architecture design and enterprise-wide transformation initiatives. This role is responsible for defining the future-state enterprise architecture, aligning business capabilities with technology strategy, and driving modernization from monolithic to cloud-native, microservices-based ecosystems. The candidate will design greenfield platforms, establish architecture blueprints, reference models, and governance frameworks, and promote adoption of modern patterns such as event-driven architecture, domain-driven design (DDD), and API-first approach. A strong emphasis is placed on enterprise-level architecture skills, including capability mapping, application portfolio rationalization, technology standardization, and cross-domain integration. The architect will design scalable, resilient, and loosely coupled systems using Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, and Kafka while ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture principles. The role involves evaluating emerging technologies, defining target architectures and roadmaps, and ensuring seamless integration across platforms and business units. They will drive cloud strategy, platform engineering, and DevSecOps adoption using Kubernetes, containers, and CI/CD pipelines. Additionally, the architect will ensure security, compliance, and governance standards are embedded into all designs. The position also requires leading architecture review boards, mentoring architects and engineering leaders, and influencing senior stakeholders. This role demands strong enterprise thinking, strategic vision, and proven experience in designing and governing large-scale distributed systems across organizations.Key Skills: Java, Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, Microservices Architecture, Greenfield Architecture Design, Enterprise Architecture, Domain-Driven Design, Event-Driven Architecture, API-First Design, Kafka, Cloud-Native Development, AWS/Azure/GCP, Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD, DevSecOps, Architecture Governance, Business Capability Mapping, Target State Architecture, Technology Standardization, Performance Engineering, Security Architecture, and Stakeholder Management.Location: Chennai 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.