SQL DBA administrator

Cognizant; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Database Engineer (SQL Server DBA) to manage and optimize SQL Server databases across Dev, Test, UAT, and Production in a hybrid environment.

You will lead migrations, implement HA/DR, perform performance tuning, backups, and security reviews while collaborating with infra teams and applications teams. The role demands 7–12+ years of experience, strong T-SQL, Always On, clustering, and PowerShell automation.

Qualifications

• Strong administration experience withMicrosoft SQL Server 2016/2019/2022
• 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 (Azure/AWS) preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage and support SQL Server databases across Development, Test, UAT, and Production environments.
• Perform migrations of code, schema, and objects per change control.
• Conduct daily health checks, backups, job monitoring, and capacity reviews.
• Install, configure, upgrade, patch, and maintain SQL Server instances.
• Implement HA/DR solutions (Always On, failover, log shipping).
• Collaborate with infra, storage, network, and app teams for robust platforms.
• Automate routine tasks with PowerShell/T-SQL/Agent Jobs.
• Provide 24x7 production support and RCA-based improvements.

Skills

SQL Server

SSMS

T-SQL

Performance Tuning

Index Optimization

Query Optimization

Database Design

Always On AG

Clustering

Replication

Log Shipping

Backup & Recovery

PowerShell

Windows Server

Cloud Experience

Tools

SSMS

Azure SQL Database

Azure Managed Instance

AWS RDS SQL Server

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.