Senior Windows Infrastructure Specialist

Cognizant; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Windows Infrastructure Specialist to ensure resilient and high-performing infrastructure across various manufacturing environments. This role is integral to plant operations, impacting uptime and efficiency through expert support for Microsoft Windows systems and VMware technologies. Collaborating with diverse teams, you will lead system diagnostics, optimize performance, and manage both physical and virtual servers. If you're passionate about operational excellence and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Microsoft Windows systems administration, especially in manufacturing.
• Expertise with VMware and Dell infrastructure for optimal performance.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert support for MS Windows systems across diverse manufacturing environments.
• Lead diagnostics and performance optimization for Windows OS and VMware.

Skills

Microsoft Windows systems administration

VMware technologies

SAN storage configuration

Windows 10 workstation imaging

Active Directory

SLA-based ticketing systems

Device inventory management

Networking protocols (DHCP, SNMP)

Tools

ServiceNow

Remedy

HPSM

Job description

As a Senior Windows Infrastructure Specialist, you will make an impact by ensuring resilient, secure, and high-performing infrastructure across multifaceted manufacturing environments. You’ll play a meaningful role in plant operations across Canada, that will directly impact uptime, efficiency, and the success of end-to-end IT operations. You will be a valued member of our Infrastructure Practice and work collaboratively with our Senior Manager.

In this role, you will

• Provide expert support for MS Windows systems across a distributed network of manufacturing plants and office environments.

• Collaborate with diverse teams including plant operations, infrastructure, and support teams to deliver flawless technology solutions.

• Lead all aspects of system diagnostics, resolutions, and performance optimization for Windows OS, VMware environments, and Dell infrastructure.

• Configure, deploy, and maintain physical and virtual servers (VMware/ESXi), along with racking, stacking, and SAN storage integration.

• Image and manage Windows 10 workstations using PXE or USB in support of plant readiness and operational continuity.

• Carry out infrastructure support tasks including software deployment, hardware configuration, and network solving.

• Manage device inventory and coordinate the Build Room environment to ensure hardware is provisioned and deployment-ready.

• Support systems in segmented plant networks, ensuring compliance with IT standards and security protocols.

• Work within an SLA-based service model using tools such as ServiceNow, Remedy, or HPSM to resolve incidents and fulfill requests.

• Document technical processes and infrastructure configurations to improve teamwork and ensure consistency.

What you’ll need to succeed (required skills)

• A proven track record of 8 or more years with Microsoft Windows systems administration (Windows 7, 10; Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019).

• Confirmed success resolving Windows platform issues in fast-paced environments.

• Expert in manufacturing or data center environments with a focus on operational support.

• Detailed knowledge of VMware technologies (vSphere, vCenter, ESXi) and Dell server hardware.

• Proficiency in managing server installations, SAN storage configuration, and infrastructure provisioning.

• Skilled in building and imaging Windows 10 workstations using PXE/USB methods.

• Familiarity with segmented networks, DHCP, SNMP, Active Directory, and endpoint/device inventory management.

• Top-tier experience managing build rooms or staging areas for infrastructure rollouts.

• Comfortable using SLA-based ticketing systems such as HPSM, Remedy, or ServiceNow.

What will help you stand out (preferred skills)

• Outstanding knowledge of infrastructure hardware, networking, security, backup, and storage solutions.

• Experience supporting manufacturing control systems is an added bonus.

At Cognizant, we're eager to meet people who believe in our mission and can make an impact in various ways. We strongly encourage you to apply even if you only meet the required skills listed. Consider what transferrable experience and skills make you a unique applicant and help us see how you'd be beneficial to this role.

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Working arrangements

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 4 days a week in a client office in Winnipeg, MB, as well as, travel up to 15% to plant locations across Canada; may include overnight stays and air travel (fully reimbursed in line with policy).

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

Post closing date

Applications will be accepted until May 12, 2025.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity, champions equity and values inclusion. We are dedicated to nurturing a community where everyone feels heard, accepted and welcome. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state or local laws.