Senior SQL Server DBA

Cognizant; Mississauga; Remote; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Senior SQL Server DBA to enhance healthcare operations by ensuring database reliability and performance. This role involves managing SQL environments, implementing high-availability strategies, and collaborating with technical teams to support patient care and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in SQL database administration.
• Expertise in SQL Server HA/DR technologies.
• Experience in managing migrations to Azure SQL.

Responsibilities

• Manage SQL Server environments for healthcare systems.
• Implement HA/DR strategies including AlwaysOn and clustering.
• Automate tasks using T-SQL and PowerShell.

Skills

SQL Server HA/DR technologies

Performance Tuning and Optimization

PowerShell

T-SQL scripting

Database encryption models

Job description

As a Senior SQL Server DBA, you will make an impact by making a difference in the healthcare industry by ensuring the reliability and performance of databases that power clinical and operational systems. Your expertise will support important applications that directly impact patient care and operational efficiency. With a focus on high availability, disaster recovery readiness, and secure data access across both on-premises and Azure cloud environments, your work will be essential to maintaining flawless operations. You'll be part of a collaborative team committed to technical excellence and meaningful outcomes. You will be a valued member of our Infrastructure practice and work collaboratively with our Senior Consultant.

In this role, you will

• Craft, implement, and manage SQL Server environments for high-availability healthcare systems across both on-premise and Azure platforms.

• Own and maintain database health and performance; analyze and resolve bottlenecks or failures with minimal disruption.

• Implement and support HA/DR strategies including AlwaysOn, clustering, and Distributed Availability Groups.

• Manage end-to-end database lifecycle: provisioning, configuration, upgrade, patching, backup, and recovery.

• Automate daily administrative tasks using T-SQL and PowerShell to improve operational efficiency.

• Secure databases using enterprise encryption models such as TDE, Always Encrypted, and SSL.

• Coordinate with infrastructure, application, and DevOps teams to align database strategies with business goals.

• Build and maintain comprehensive documentation including standard operating procedures, recovery playbooks, and change logs.

• Lead and contribute to migrating databases to On-prem and Cloud, Azure SQL.

What you’ll need to succeed (required skills)

• A proven track record of 8 or more years in SQL database administration, including work with large-scale, high volume systems.

• Proficiency in SQL Server HA/DR technologies including clustering, AlwaysOn Availability Groups, and backups/recovery models.

• Detailed knowledge of Performance Tuning and Optimization (PTO) techniques using native SQL Server tools.

• Expert in managing migrations to Azure SQL or other hybrid cloud models.

• Proficiency in PowerShell and T-SQL scripting for automation and maintenance tasks.

• Outstanding experience implementing and maintaining SQL Server encryption models including TDE, Always Encrypt, SSL connections.

What will help you stand out (preferred skills)

• Superb interpersonal skills with a proactive approach.

• Top-tier experience in security and compliance requirements in healthcare or other regulated industries.

• Outstanding ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across technical and non-technical teams.

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

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in Ontario and/or Nova Scotia, where our hubs are located. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

Note: 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.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.