SQL Database Administrator

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. What you'll need to succeed: 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 Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off 401(k) plan and contributions Long-term/Short-term Disability Paid Parental Leave Employee Stock Purchase Plan Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cognizant