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Cognitive Computing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Pioneer innovative AI solutions, leveraging strong programming skills in Python and experience with AI frameworks, to solve complex business problems and drive cognitive computing advancements. • ...

From customsoftware development to cloud hosting, from big datato cognitive computing, we help companies harnessand leverage today's most cutting-edge digitaltechnologies to create value and grow.

From customsoftware development to cloud hosting, from big datato cognitive computing, we help companies harnessand leverage today's most cutting-edge digitaltechnologies to create value and grow.

Server Hardware Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

... human cognitive limits. About the Team Backed by Silicon Valley's top investors, Stanford ... Server or board-level design for high-speed computing * Signal and power integrity analysis

Server Hardware Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

... human cognitive limits. About the Team Backed by Silicon Valley's top investors, Stanford ... Server or board-level design for high-speed computing * Signal and power integrity analysis

Server Hardware Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

... human cognitive limits. About the Team Backed by Silicon Valley's top investors, Stanford ... Server or board-level design for high-speed computing * Signal and power integrity analysis

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Showing results 1-20

Cognitive Computing information

See California salary details

$10

$52

$104

How much do cognitive computing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cognitive computing in California is $52.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.26 and $65.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a cognitive computing specialist typically collaborate with data scientists and software engineers in project teams?

Cognitive computing specialists often work closely with data scientists and software engineers to design, build, and deploy intelligent systems. They contribute expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and reasoning algorithms, while data scientists focus on preparing and analyzing data, and software engineers handle system integration and deployment. Effective collaboration is essential, as projects usually require regular meetings, knowledge sharing, and joint problem-solving to ensure the cognitive solution aligns with business objectives and technical requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cognitive computing specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cognitive Computing Specialist, you need a solid background in computer science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications. Familiarity with programming languages like Python, data analysis tools, cloud computing platforms, and AI frameworks such as TensorFlow or IBM Watson is typically required. Critical thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills help you design innovative solutions and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are essential for developing intelligent systems that solve complex problems and drive business value.

What is the difference between Cognitive Computing vs Data Scientist?

AspectCognitive ComputingData Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically degrees in computer science, AI, or related fields; certifications in AI or machine learningDegrees in statistics, computer science, or related fields; certifications in data analysis or machine learning
Work EnvironmentAI labs, tech companies, research institutionsBusiness analytics teams, tech firms, consulting agencies
Industry UsageDeveloping AI systems that simulate human thoughtAnalyzing data to extract insights and inform decisions

While both roles involve advanced technical skills, Cognitive Computing focuses on creating AI systems that mimic human cognition, whereas Data Scientists analyze data to generate insights. The roles often overlap in AI and tech industries but serve different primary functions.

What is cognitive computing?

Cognitive computing refers to systems that simulate human thought processes using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. In the context of jobs like cognitive computing specialists, skills in data analysis, programming, and AI tools are essential for developing and managing these systems.
Infographic showing various Cognitive Computing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,670 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Senior Forward Deployed Engineer

IBM

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


IBM rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Introduction
A career in IBM Consulting is built on long-term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. You'll work with leading companies across industries, helping them shape their hybrid cloud and AI journeys. With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you'll have the tools to drive meaningful change and accelerate client impact. At IBM Consulting, curiosity fuels success. You'll be encouraged to challenge the norm, explore new ideas, and create innovative solutions that deliver real results. Our culture of growth and empathy focuses on your long-term career development while valuing your unique skills and experiences.
Your role and responsibilities
As a seasoned Forward Deployed Engineer specializing in Artificial Intelligence, you will leverage your expertise in combining data analysis and business acumen to tackle complex cognitive computing challenges. Your strong foundation in AI, NLP, and ML will enable you to deliver comprehensive cognitive solutions that effectively process and analyze both structured and unstructured data.
Your primary responsibilities will include:
Architect AI Solutions: Design and deliver AI solutions using cutting-edge technologies, with a strong focus on foundation models and large language models, utilizing tools like Github Copilot and Amazon Code Whisperer.
Develop Cognitive Computing Systems: Create comprehensive cognitive solutions that effectively process and analyze both structured and unstructured data, leveraging expertise in NLP, ML, and AI frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras.
Collaborate on AI Projects: Work on full AI project lifecycle, from research and prototyping to deployment in production environments, utilizing cloud platforms, relational and NoSQL databases, and modern UI frameworks.
Drive AI Innovation: Pioneer innovative AI solutions, leveraging strong programming skills in Python and experience with AI frameworks, to solve complex business problems and drive cognitive computing advancements.
Optimize AI Systems: Guide the optimization of AI systems, ensuring effective usage of libraries such as SciKit Learn, Pandas, and Matplotlib, and familiarity with cloud platforms and related services.
Required education
Bachelor's Degree
Required technical and professional expertise
• Demonstrated leadership of production agent deployments: orchestration architecture (multi-agent coordination, tool routing, state, retries, HITL), reliability, and scale
• MCP architecture: designing MCP servers and tools as the integration backbone for agents
• Output-evaluation frameworks owned at a leadership level: eval strategy, golden datasets, LLM-as-judge, regression/CI evals, guardrails, and production monitoring of agent quality
• Expert Python; OpenAI API + Codex (or equivalent) / OpenAI Agents SDK; event-driven systems; workflow automation; observability/tracing
• Integration architecture into enterprise systems of record
Preferred technical and professional experience
• Experience defining org-wide standards for how agents are built and orchestrated
• Track record taking agents from prototype to proven production operation
ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT
IBM Consulting is IBM's consulting and global professional services business, with market leading capabilities in business and technology transformation. With deep expertise in many industries, we offer strategy, experience, technology, and operations services to many of the most innovative and valuable companies in the world. Our people are focused on accelerating our clients' businesses through the power of collaboration. We believe in the power of technology responsibly used to help people, partners and the planet.
YOUR LIFE @ IBM
In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.
Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.
Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.
Are you ready to be an IBMer?
ABOUT IBM
IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.
Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.
At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.
IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS
IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:
- Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
- Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
- Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
- Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
- Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.
This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.
IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.
The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

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About IBM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Armonk, NY, US

Year founded

1911

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