About the Position

Enterprise Compute Tower Lead (Windows & Linux Infrastructure)

Location: Des Moines, IA - Hybrid (3 days work from office)

Experience: 11-15+ years

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

Responsibilities

Tower Leadership & Service Delivery

Own the overall delivery and operational performance of the Enterprise Compute Tower.
Lead Windows and Linux infrastructure support teams across multiple support tiers.
Manage SLA, KPI, availability, capacity, compliance, and operational excellence objectives.
Act as the primary escalation point for critical compute-related issues.
Drive service quality, customer satisfaction, and operational stability.
Lead customer governance meetings, operational reviews, and executive reporting.

Windows & Linux Infrastructure Management

Oversee day-to-day operations of:
- Windows Server Infrastructure
- Linux Server Infrastructure
- Virtual Machines
- Physical Servers
- Hybrid Cloud Compute Platforms
Ensure high availability and optimal performance of enterprise computing environments.
Manage operating system lifecycle activities including:
- Installation
- Configuration
- Upgrades
- Patch Management
- Security Hardening
- Decommissioning
Ensure standardization across enterprise server environments.

Server Operations & Administration

Windows Environment

Windows Server 2016 / 2019 / 2022
Active Directory
Group Policy
DNS
DHCP
IIS
PowerShell Automation
Failover Clustering

Linux Environment

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Rocky Linux
Oracle Linux
Ubuntu
SUSE Linux
Shell Scripting
Ansible Automation
Linux Security Administration

Virtualization & Cloud Infrastructure

Manage enterprise virtualization platforms including:
- VMware vSphere
- VMware ESXi
- VMware vCenter
- Hyper-V
Support cloud-hosted workloads across:
- Microsoft Azure
- AWS
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Lead cloud migration and workload modernization initiatives.
Ensure optimal resource utilization and cost optimization.

Incident, Problem & Change Management

Lead resolution of Priority 1 and Priority 2 incidents impacting compute services.
Participate in Major Incident Management activities.
Drive Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Problem Management initiatives.
Ensure compliance with Change Management processes.
Review and approve high-risk infrastructure changes.
Participate in Change Advisory Board (CAB) meetings.

Capacity, Availability & Performance Management

Define and implement capacity planning strategies.
Monitor utilization trends and forecast future resource requirements.
Ensure compliance with availability targets.
Drive performance optimization initiatives across server environments.
Maintain infrastructure health dashboards and scorecards.

Security & Compliance

Ensure server security compliance with organizational standards.
Lead vulnerability remediation and security patching programs.
Partner with Cyber Security teams to address risks and audit findings.
Support regulatory and compliance requirements.
Implement CIS, NIST, and industry-standard hardening practices.

Automation & Continuous Improvement

Drive infrastructure automation initiatives using:
- PowerShell
- Ansible
- Terraform
- Python
- Azure Automation
Reduce manual effort through orchestration and self-healing solutions.
Improve operational efficiency through automation and standardization.
Identify service improvement opportunities and execute transformation initiatives.

Asset & CMDB Governance

Ensure server assets and configuration items are accurately maintained in CMDB.
Drive configuration compliance and infrastructure inventory accuracy.
Support Asset Management and Configuration Management processes.
Ensure relationships between infrastructure components are maintained and documented.

Team Leadership & People Management

Lead a team of Windows and Linux administrators, engineers, and technical leads.
Manage staffing, workload distribution, and resource planning.
Conduct technical mentoring and capability development initiatives.
Establish operational standards and best practices.
Develop succession and cross-skilling plans across teams.

Requirements

Required Technical Skills

Windows Technologies

Windows Server Administration
Active Directory
Group Policy Management
DNS / DHCP
PowerShell
IIS
Windows Clustering

Linux Technologies

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Oracle Linux
Ubuntu
SUSE Linux
Shell Scripting
Linux Security & Hardening
Performance Tuning

Virtualization

VMware vSphere
ESXi
vCenter
Hyper-V

Cloud Platforms

Microsoft Azure
AWS
GCP

Automation

PowerShell
Ansible
Terraform
Python
Git

Monitoring & ITSM

ServiceDesk Plus
ServiceNow
SolarWinds
PRTG
Nagios
Dynatrace
Splunk

Preferred Skills

Windows and Linux Migration Projects
Cloud Modernization Programs
Data Center Consolidation
Disaster Recovery Planning
Enterprise Monitoring Solutions
Power BI Reporting
AI-Ops and Infrastructure Automation

Preferred Certifications

Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
VMware VCP
Azure Administrator Associate
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
ITIL Foundation
Terraform Associate
Ansible Automation Certification

We Offer

Compensation: Annual salary between $119,000 - $137,000 depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contribution
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted until 8/31/2026.

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.

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.

Job description