Cognizant

SQL Server DBA

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

Qualifications

  • Over 7 years of experience with Microsoft SQL Server (2016/2019/2022) and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
  • Proficient in T-SQL development, performance tuning, index optimization, and query optimization.
  • Hands-on experience with SQL Server Always On Availability Groups, clustering, replication, and log shipping.
  • Solid understanding and experience with backup and recovery strategies.
  • Knowledge of database security, compliance standards, and auditing procedures.
  • Strong PowerShell scripting and automation skills.
  • Familiarity with Windows Server administration and infrastructure concepts.

Responsibilities

  • Manage SQL Server databases across Development, Test, UAT, and Production environments.
  • Perform migrations of database code, schema, and objects per change management procedures.
  • Execute daily health checks, backup verifications, and consistency checks on databases.
  • Install, upgrade, and maintain SQL Server instances while minimizing disruptions.
  • Monitor database performance, identifying and resolving resource contention issues.
  • Design and implement scalable, secure SQL Server environments in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Implement and manage high availability and disaster recovery solutions for SQL Server.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with flexibility to work from home.
  • Access to enterprise-level database modernization and cloud transformation initiatives.
  • Exposure to various critical production databases and applications.
  • Opportunity for continuous professional development through advanced DB technologies.
  • Collaborative work environment with diverse technical teams.
Full Job Description
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.

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.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have over 7 years of experience with the technical skills below:
  • 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

Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

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.

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.

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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

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