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) is a leading AI and technology services company that bridges the gap between AI investments and enterprise value by creating end-to-end AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry expertise, processes, and engineering capabilities help us fuse the context of the enterprise with technology to augment human potential, drive observable results, and enable global enterprises to lead in a changing world. Learn more at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Benefits

Financial Security

We regularly monitor market data to ensure that compensation reflects your value and contributions. Your benefits go beyond compensation to include retirement plans, financial education, and more.

Health & Well-being

We empower you to prioritize your well-being with paid time off, flexible work arrangements, health plans, counseling, our Mental Health Allyship program, and more.

Your Career Path, Your Way

With over 350,000 positions at Cognizant, you’ll have the opportunity to explore new technologies, industries, and locations while developing the skills you need to grow your career.

Real Impact

Think about the leading brands you rely on every day. Chances are, they rely on us to help power their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve the quality of life for people around the world.

Your Journey to Cognizant

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process. Note that steps may vary by role and location. Check out our FAQs to learn more.

Step 1: Apply for the Right Role

Find open positions that match your skills and career goals, and tell us why you’re a great fit. Can’t find the right opportunity? Consider joining our Talent Community.

Step 2: Connect with Your Recruiter

If our recruiter thinks you’re a good match, they’ll set up a quick chat to get to know you and discuss how your experience and skills align with the role.

Step 3: Showcase Your Skills

If both you and our team think it’s a good fit, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Some roles may require additional technical assessments and/or client interviews.

Step 4: Decision Time

Our team will evaluate each candidate’s potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time as we search for the best fit for both you and us-but you can be confident we’ll keep you updated along the way.

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SQL Server DBA

Job description