Cognizant

SQL DBA administrator

Cognizant$95K — $115K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-12 years of experience as a Database Administrator or in a similar role.
  • Proficient in Microsoft SQL Server (2016, 2019, 2022) and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
  • Expertise in T-SQL development, performance tuning, and database design.
  • Hands-on experience with high-availability solutions: Always On Availability Groups, Clustering, and Log Shipping.
  • Strong knowledge of database security, compliance, and automation using PowerShell.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and support SQL Server databases across various environments.
  • Execute daily health checks and backup verifications for operational continuity.
  • Optimize database performance and execute advanced tuning strategies.
  • Design and implement scalable and secure SQL Server environments.
  • Lead database migration and cloud transformation initiatives.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with onsite options available.
  • Opportunity to participate in enterprise modernization projects.
  • Involvement in cross-team collaborations to enhance database platforms.
  • Professional development opportunities in cloud technologies.
  • Comprehensive support for production databases with a 24x7 on-call requirement.
Full Job Description
Job Description - Database Engineer (SQL Server DBA)

Location - Des Moines, IA / Hybrid / Onsite

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.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Technical Skills
  • 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

Soft Skills
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Strong documentation and process discipline.

Experience Range: 7-12+ Years
Role Type: Infrastructure Managed Services / Database Operations / Production Support / Database Engineering.

About Cognizant

TriZetto is Powering Integrated Healthcare Management. With technology solutions touching more than half the U.S. population today, TriZetto is uniquely positioned to drive the convergence of core benefit administration, care management and constituent engagement. TriZetto provides premier information technology solutions that enable payers and other constituents in the healthcare supply chain to improve the coordination of benefits and care for healthcare consumers.

Cognizant Careers

Join the vibrant team at Cognizant, a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process services. Cognizant is not just a company; it's a community where innovation, leadership, and diversity are valued and where every team member is encouraged to thrive.

Work You’ll Do

At Cognizant, we are dedicated to helping the world's leading companies build stronger businesses — not just for today but for the future. This commitment to growth and sustainability is what makes Cognizant a unique place to advance your career.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a more senior role, Cognizant offers a plethora of job opportunities that could be perfect for you. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that every candidate is able to showcase their skills and potential fully.

Innovative Work

Join a team where innovation is at the core of everything we do. Cognizant’s professionals are not just part of a company; they're part of a groundbreaking environment that combines technology, insights, and leadership to foster innovation across global industries.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with Cognizant’s internship programs. These opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience, develop your professional skills, and network with experts in your field. An internship at Cognizant is a stepping stone to full-time employment and a chance to see how your studies apply in the real world.

Professional Growth and Development

Cognizant is committed to the professional growth of its employees. With access to cutting-edge training, leadership programs, and diversity initiatives, you can build a career that’s equipped for the demands of tomorrow’s business landscape.

Benefits and Culture

Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their physical, financial, and emotional well-being. Cognizant’s culture is built on a foundation of respect and inclusivity, where everyone’s contribution is valued. Join us and be part of a team that celebrates diversity and is driven to make a positive impact on the world.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Explore the exciting employment and career opportunities waiting for you at Cognizant.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the rewarding opportunities that await at Cognizant.

Networking and Interviews

Enhance your career prospects at Cognizant through our robust networking events. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and connect with leaders across the industry to unlock new career paths. At Cognizant, we don’t just offer jobs; we offer career journeys. Be part of a team that’s committed to your long-term career growth and professional development. Join Cognizant today and be a part of our success story.
Learn more about Cognizant
Size
340,400 employees
Market Cap
$28.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+6.5%
Revenue
$16.6 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Cognizant

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar SQL DBA administrator jobs: