About the Position

Cognizant is seeking a SQL Server DBA for a full-time opportunity in Des Moines, IA. The candidate needs to work out of the client’s office 3 days a week. This is a Hybrid role. Qualified applicants must have valid US work authorization. Cognizant will not offer visa sponsorship now or anytime in the future.

Responsibilities

Database Administration & Operations

Manage and support SQL Server databases across Development, Test, UAT, and Production environments.
Perform database code, schema, and object migrations in compliance with established change management procedures.
Execute daily operational health checks, backup verification, job monitoring, database consistency checks, and capacity reviews.
Install, configure, upgrade, patch, and maintain SQL Server instances while minimizing business disruption.
Manage database storage, growth, capacity planning, and lifecycle management activities.

Performance Management & Optimization

Monitor database and server performance, proactively identifying and resolving CPU, memory, I/O, storage, locking, blocking, and resource contention issues.
Perform advanced performance tuning using:
- SQL Profiler
- Query Store
- Execution Plans
- Dynamic Management Views (DMVs)
- Extended Events
- Performance Monitor (PerfMon)
Optimize SQL queries, stored procedures, indexes, database objects, and execution plans to improve application performance and reduce response times.
Establish performance baselines and implement proactive monitoring strategies.

Database Architecture & Engineering

Design, architect, and implement scalable, secure, and highly available SQL Server environments.
Collaborate with Infrastructure, Server, Storage, Network, and Application teams to develop robust database platforms.
Review database deployments and migration requests to ensure compliance with security, performance, scalability, and infrastructure standards.
Participate in enterprise database modernization and cloud transformation initiatives.

High Availability & Disaster Recovery

Implement and manage SQL Server HA/DR solutions, including:
- Always On Availability Groups
- Failover Clustering
- Log Shipping
- Replication
- Disaster Recovery Planning
Develop, maintain, and test database backup, recovery, and business continuity procedures.
Conduct periodic restore testing and disaster recovery exercises.

Security & Compliance

Manage database security through user provisioning, role management, permissions, and access controls.
Ensure compliance with organizational security policies, audit requirements, and regulatory standards.
Conduct database security reviews and remediate vulnerabilities and risks.

Migration, Upgrades & Automation

Lead database migrations, refreshes, cloning activities, platform upgrades, cloud migrations, and consolidation initiatives.
Automate routine DBA tasks using:
- PowerShell
- T-SQL
- SQL Server Agent Jobs
- Automation Frameworks
Develop scripts, utilities, and monitoring solutions to improve operational efficiency and reliability.

Incident & Production Support

Provide 24x7 support for critical production databases and applications.
Troubleshoot database-related incidents and service disruptions.
Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implement preventive measures.
Work closely with application, infrastructure, and vendor teams to ensure SLA compliance and service availability.

Requirements

Strong administration experience with:
- Microsoft SQL Server 2016/2019/2022
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
Expertise in:
- T-SQL Development
- Performance Tuning
- Index Optimization
- Query Optimization
- Database Design
Hands-on experience with:
- Always On Availability Groups
- Clustering
- Replication
- Log Shipping
Experience with backup and recovery strategies and tools.
Strong understanding of database security, compliance, and auditing.
Experience with PowerShell scripting and automation.
Knowledge of Windows Server administration and infrastructure concepts.

Cloud & Modern Platform Exposure (Preferred)

Azure SQL Database
Azure Managed Instance
AWS RDS SQL Server
Cloud migration tools and methodologies

About the Company

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) est un AI Builder et une entreprise de services numériques (ESN) élaborant des solutions complètes d’IA maximisant les investissements pour des résultats concrets. Sa profonde expertise des métiers, des processus et des technologies lui permet d’intégrer dans les systèmes technologiques le contexte unique de chaque organisation de l’ingénierie à la production à l'échelle. Son objectif: améliorer l’efficacité des équipes, créer de la valeur et permettre aux grandes entreprises de rester performantes dans un monde qui évolue rapidement. Pour en savoir plus: cognizant.ai ou @cognizant.

Additional Information

Work Authorization: Cognizant will only consider candidates for this role who are legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.
Reasonable Accommodations: If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job or apply, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
AI in Our Recruitment Process: We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to efficiently screen and evaluate applications. Our team then reviews the applications and decides who moves forward.
Job Availability: Unless otherwise stated, this position is currently open and we are seeking to fill it.
Language Requirements: We require all candidates to have a basic knowledge of English to facilitate internal communications. For positions in Quebec, the ability to communicate effectively in English is required as you will be providing services to and collaborating with English-speaking stakeholders located outside the province.
Inclusion: Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and record will not be reviewed based on race, color, sex, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local laws.

Benefits That Make a Difference

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

Financial Well-being

We regularly review market data to ensure that compensation reflects the value you bring. Your benefits go beyond salary and may include pension plans with matching contributions, financial training, and more.

Physical and Mental Well-being

We encourage you to prioritize your well-being with paid time off, flexible work where possible, health care plans, clinical counseling, our mental health alliance program, and more.

Your Career, Your Way

With over 350,000 roles at Cognizant, you'll have the opportunity to explore new technologies, industries, and locations-and develop the skills you need to advance your career.

Making a Real Impact

Think about the brands you rely on every day. Chances are, they also rely on us to power their business. Here, you'll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve people's lives around the world.

Your Journey to Cognizant

Here's what you can expect from our recruitment process. Please note that it may vary depending on the role and location. Check our FAQ for more information.

Step 1: Find Your Role and Apply

Find an open position that matches your skills and career goals, then show us why you're the perfect fit for the role. If no positions match your profile right now, please join our talent community.

Step 2: Chat with a Recruiter

If one of our recruiters determines you're a good fit for the role, they'll contact you to set up a brief conversation to better understand your background and skills.

Step 3: Showcase Your Talent

If you and our team want to move forward, you'll meet with our hiring team. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

Step 4: Final Decision

Our team will then review each candidate's potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time as we want to make the right decision-but you can count on us to keep you updated.

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SQL Server DBA

Job description