About the Position

Azure Databricks Admin

Location: United States (Remote)

Cognizant is seeking a highly skilled Azure Databricks Administrator to join our growing Cloud, Data & AI practice. This role is responsible for the administration, governance, security, optimization, and operational support of enterprise-scale Azure Databricks environments.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Azure Databricks, Unity Catalog, Azure networking, security, data governance, and platform operations. This individual will serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor, partnering with engineering, infrastructure, security, and operations teams to ensure a scalable, secure, and high-performing data platform.

Responsibilities

Azure Databricks Administration & Optimization

Design, deploy, and administer Azure Databricks workspaces utilizing VNet injection, private endpoints, and secure cluster connectivity.
Configure and maintain cluster policies, Databricks Runtime versions, autoscaling, and workload management standards.
Optimize platform performance through cluster tuning, Spark configuration management, and Delta Lake best practices.
Perform capacity planning and resource forecasting to support enterprise growth.
Drive cost optimization initiatives including right-sizing, auto-termination policies, reserved instances, and spot instance utilization.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex platform, cluster, job execution, and connectivity issues.

Data Governance & Unity Catalog

Design, implement, and administer Unity Catalog metastores, catalogs, schemas, external locations, and volumes.
Establish and enforce fine-grained access controls across enterprise data assets.
Support data lineage tracking, auditing, and governance requirements.
Govern managed and external data assets while promoting best practices for data management.

Security & Identity Management

Integrate Azure Databricks with Microsoft Entra ID for authentication and Single Sign-On (SSO).
Configure and manage SCIM provisioning for automated user and group lifecycle management.
Implement secure secret management using Azure Key Vault-backed secret scopes.
Define and manage access controls across Unity Catalog, Databricks workspaces, and Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2.
Support security audits, compliance reviews, and governance initiatives.

Networking & Connectivity

Architect and maintain secure networking solutions utilizing VNets, NSGs, private endpoints, and firewall controls.
Ensure secure connectivity between Databricks, Azure services, and on-premises environments.
Manage DNS resolution, routing configurations, and network security best practices.

Data Integration & Automation

Design and implement Azure Data Factory (ADF) integration patterns with Azure Databricks.
Support orchestration of enterprise data pipelines and notebook execution workflows.
Partner with DevOps teams to establish and maintain CI/CD pipelines.
Utilize Databricks REST APIs and automation frameworks to streamline platform administration.

Storage Management

Provide guidance on Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 architecture and configuration.
Implement secure access patterns using service principals, credential passthrough, and Microsoft Entra ID integration.
Troubleshoot storage connectivity and access management issues.

Operations & Platform Reliability

Implement monitoring and alerting using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Databricks native monitoring tools.
Monitor service availability, platform health, resource utilization, and job performance.
Support disaster recovery, business continuity, and resiliency planning efforts.
Plan and coordinate Databricks Runtime upgrades and platform maintenance activities.
Communicate service impacts and operational risks to stakeholders.

Documentation & Enablement

Develop and maintain architecture documentation, diagrams, standards, and operational runbooks.
Establish best practices for platform governance, security, cost optimization, and performance management.
Provide technical guidance, training, and knowledge transfer to internal teams.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with data engineering, data science, infrastructure, networking, security, and operations teams.
Act as the subject matter expert for Databricks platform administration and governance.
Participate in architecture reviews and provide technical leadership for strategic initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
5+ years of experience supporting cloud-based data and analytics platforms.
Hands-on experience administering Azure Databricks in enterprise environments.
Strong experience with:
- Azure Databricks
- Azure Data Factory (ADF)
- Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 (ADLS Gen2)
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Azure Key Vault
- Azure Networking (VNets, NSGs, Private Endpoints)
- Azure Monitor and Log Analytics
Experience implementing and managing Unity Catalog.
Strong understanding of cloud security, RBAC, IAM, encryption, and governance principles.
Experience with SCIM-based identity provisioning.
Proficiency in Python, SQL, PowerShell, and Azure CLI.
Experience supporting CI/CD initiatives using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or similar platforms.
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Nice to Have

Experience supporting large-scale enterprise Data & AI platforms.
Knowledge of Spark architecture, Delta Lake optimization, and Databricks APIs.
Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools and cloud automation frameworks.
Experience working within regulated or highly governed environments.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate or Professional certification.

We Offer

Competitive salary between $110,000 and $160,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.
Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive compensation program, based on performance and subject to the terms of the applicable plan.
Comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
- 401(k) Plan with Company Contributions
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Paid Time Off (PTO), Company Holidays, and Sick Leave
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional Development and Certification Opportunities
- Employee Wellness and Recognition Programs

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and may vary by location and employment status.

About the Company

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 follow us on Twitter.

Why Choose Cognizant?

Opportunity to work with leading cloud, data, and AI technologies.
Exposure to enterprise-scale digital transformation initiatives.
Continuous learning and professional growth opportunities.
Collaborative, diverse, and inclusive culture.
Flexible remote work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please contact Cognizant's recruiting team for assistance.

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.

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Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our benefits program is built with you in mind-so you can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced, and healthy life.

Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include retirement plans, financial education, etc.

Physical and mental health

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program, and more.

Your career, your way

With 350,000+ roles at Cognizant, you’ll have opportunities to explore new technologies, industries, and locations-and build the skills you need to grow your career.

Real-world impact

Think about the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to help strengthen their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

Your path to Cognizant

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process. Please keep in mind that it may vary by role and location. Explore our FAQs to learn more.

Step 1: Apply to the right opportunity

Find an open role that matches your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Don’t see the right opportunity? Consider joining our Talent Community.

Step 2: Connect with your recruiter

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short intro call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills match the role.

Step 3: Show off your skills

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

Step 4: Decision time

Our team will then review each candidate’s potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time because we want to find the right fit for both you and us-but you can count on us to keep you updated.

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Azure Databricks Admin

Job Description, Responsibilities & Requirements