Sr. Database Administrator/ Developer

Cognizant; Pleasanton (CA); Remote; USD 79,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech firm is seeking a Senior SQL DBA / Developer in California. The ideal candidate will manage SQL workloads on cloud platforms, automate database operations, and ensure high performance and availability. Strong skills in PostgreSQL, Azure SQL, and automation tools are essential. The role is remote with competitive benefits and salary ranging from $79,000 to $92,000.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in PostgreSQL DBA, AlwaysOn, Database Development, PowerShell expertise and RBAC, Azure Active Directory.
• 8+ years of experience in SQL Server engineering and development.
• Strong knowledge of performance tuning, backup/recovery, and high availability.

Responsibilities

• Provision and configure SQL Server instances on Azure/AWS VMs.
• Monitor SQL Server performance using native and cloud tools.
• Design and automate backup strategies using SQL Server Agent.

Skills

PostgreSQL DBA

PowerShell expertise

Database Development

RBAC

Azure Active Directory

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Tools

Azure SQL Database

AWS RDS for SQL Server

Terraform

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Senior SQL DBA / Developer to join our cloud engineering team. This role is pivotal in managing and optimizing SQL Server workloads across virtual machines (IaaS) and cloud-native services (PaaS) such as Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and AWS RDS for SQL Server. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in SQL Server administration, performance tuning, automation, and cloud infrastructure, along with a strategic mindset for cost optimization and scalability.

What you’ll do

Cloud-Based SQL Server Management (IaaS & PaaS)

• Provision and configure SQL Server instances on Azure/AWS VMs (Windows/Linux).
• Deploy and manage cloud-native databases using Azure Portal, CLI, ARM templates, or AWS CloudFormation.
• Configure storage, networking, backup settings, and performance tiers (DTUs, vCores).
• Apply platform-native security policies, maintenance windows, and scaling options.

Monitoring & Performance Tuning

• Monitor SQL Server performance using native tools (SQL Profiler, Extended Events, Performance Monitor) and cloud services (Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, AWS CloudWatch).
• Tune queries, indexes, and system configurations (e.g., NUMA, disk alignment) for optimal performance.
• Conduct proactive performance analysis and implement recommendations.

Backup & Disaster Recovery

• Design and automate backup strategies using SQL Server Agent, Ola Hallengren scripts, or third-party tools.
• Implement disaster recovery solutions including Always On Availability Groups, Log Shipping, and Replication.
• Configure geo-redundant backups, failover groups (Azure), and Multi-AZ deployments (AWS).

High Availability & Scalability

• Set up and manage traditional HA solutions (Failover Cluster Instances, AGs).
• Configure auto-failover groups, active geo-replication, and zone-redundant deployments.
• Scale databases up/down or out using platform-native options with minimal downtime.

Security & Compliance

• Implement RBAC, Azure AD/AWS IAM integration, and data encryption (TDE, Always Encrypted).
• Set up auditing, threat detection, and vulnerability assessments.
• Ensure compliance with standards such as HIPAA, SOC 2, and GDPR using platform tools.
• Preferred knowledge of Thales encryption products.

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities

• Evaluate and recommend IaaS vs. PaaS solutions based on workload requirements.
• Optimize licensing models and monitor cloud costs using reserved instances and automation.
• Automate deployments using Terraform, Bicep, ARM templates, or CloudFormation.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines for database code using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
• Use scripting tools (PowerShell, Azure CLI, dbatools, SQLCMD) for repeatable automation.
• Act as SME in cloud planning meetings and lead SQL Server migration projects (on-prem to cloud, IaaS to PaaS).
• Mentor junior engineers and enforce SQL standards across environments.
• Collaborate with DevOps, cloud architects, and network teams to ensure seamless integration.

What you’ll need to succeed (required skills)

• 8+ years of experience in PostgreSQL DBA, AlwaysOn, Database Development, PowerShell expertise and RBAC, Azure Active Directory (Mandatory)
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in SQL Server engineering and development.
• Proven experience managing SQL Server on Azure/AWS (IaaS & PaaS).
• Strong knowledge of performance tuning, backup/recovery, and high availability.
• Experience with automation and infrastructure-as-code tools.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (PowerShell, Shell, Python, etc.).

Preferred skills: what will help you stand out

• Familiarity with other SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Experience with Attunity and Delphix tools.
• Knowledge of cloud cost optimization strategies.
• Certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or AWS Certified Database – Specialty.

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is between $79,000 to $92,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits 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

Work model

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 a remote position in the United States.

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.

We\'re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don\'t hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

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.

"Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. 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 characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws."