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.

Nice to Have

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

We Offer

Competitive salary
Comprehensive benefits package
Opportunities for professional growth and development
Flexible work arrangements

About the Company

コグニザント（NASDAQ: CTSH）は、AI Builderおよびテクノロジーサービスプロバイダーとして、お客様にフルスタックのAIソリューションを構築することで、AI投資と企業価値を結ぶ架け橋となっています。業界、ビジネスプロセス、エンジニアリングに関する当社の深い専門知識を活かし、組織固有のビジネス環境をテクノロジー・システムに組み込みます。これにより、人間の可能性を最大限に引き出し、確かな成果を実現するとともに、急速に変化する世界においてグローバル企業が常に一歩先を行くための支援を行っています。詳細については、cognizant.ai をご覧ください。

Employment Details

The compensation information provided is accurate as of the date of posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time in accordance with applicable laws.

Applicants may be required to participate in an in-person or video conference interview. During each interview, you may be asked to present a currently valid state or government-issued identification.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws in the recruitment and selection process.

Benefits to Support Your Well-Being

Our benefits programs are designed with you in mind, supporting a fulfilling, balanced, and healthy life.

Financial Well-Being

We regularly review market data to ensure that the value you bring is accurately reflected in your compensation. Benefits go beyond salary to include retirement and pension plans, financial education, and more.

Physical and Mental Health

We support your well-being through paid time off, flexible work arrangements where possible, health insurance plans, counseling, mental health allyship programs, and more.

Your Career, Your Way

With over 350,000 roles across Cognizant, you have the opportunity to explore new technologies, industries, and locations. Develop the skills you need to build the career you want.

Real-World Impact

Think of the world-class brands you trust. Many of them count on us to help them power their businesses for the future. Here, you can turn bold ideas into real-world solutions that improve lives.

Your Career Journey with Cognizant

Here’s an overview of the hiring process. Note that the specifics may vary by role and location, so please refer to the FAQs for more details.

Step 1: Apply for the Right Role

Find the job that matches your skills and career goals, and tell us why you’re the perfect fit. If you don’t see a position that fits, consider joining our Talent Community.

Step 2: Connect with a Recruiter

If our recruiters believe you’re a good match, they’ll set up a brief online conversation (initial contact) to learn more about you and how your experience and skills align with the role.

Step 3: Showcase Your Skills

If both parties decide to move forward, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Depending on the role, this may include a technical assessment or client interview.

Step 4: Final Decision

Our team will then review all candidates to determine who is the best fit for the role. This step may take some time, but we’ll keep you updated along the way.

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SQL Server DBA

Job description