Job Summary
The Senior Database Administrator (Level 9) is responsible for operational support, maintenance, and optimization of enterprise database platforms including Microsoft SQL Server and MongoDB. This role focuses on reliable production operations, incident resolution, and continuous improvement while working independently on complex systems.
Key Accountabilities
- Administer and support enterprise SQL Server and MongoDB environments across distributed infrastructure
- Perform day-to-day operational support including monitoring, patching, performance tuning, and capacity management
- Actively participate in incident, problem, and change management processes
- Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement preventative solutions
- Support high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions (AGs, clustering, replica sets, sharding)
- Execute and validate backup and recovery processes for both platforms
- Utilize MongoDB Ops Manager for monitoring, patching, automation, and operational visibility
- Develop and maintain automation scripts (PowerShell, Python, Bash, T-SQL, Mongo Shell)
- Monitor system health using metrics, logs, and observability tools
- Collaborate with Engineering and stakeholders to improve stability and performance
- Support infrastructure deployments and environment builds (on-prem and cloud)
- Ensure adherence to security, audit, and compliance requirements
Technical Responsibilities
- Manage:
- SQL Server: backups, indexing, query tuning, clustering
- MongoDB: replica sets, sharding, backups, performance tuning
- Perform performance analysis and tuning across both platforms
- Troubleshoot cross-layer issues (OS, network, storage, database)
- Support cloud environments (Azure / MongoDB Atlas)
- Maintain runbooks, SOPs, and technical documentation
Required Experience & Skills
- 5+ years of DBA experience (SQL Server and/or MongoDB)
- Hands-on experience with:
- SQL Server administration and T-SQL
- MongoDB operations including replica sets and backup/recovery
- MongoDB Ops Manager (monitoring, automation)
- Strong understanding of:
- HA/DR concepts
- Database security and access control
- Experience with:
- Windows and Unix/Linux platforms
- Automation and scripting
- Working knowledge of incident, change, and problem management (ITIL)
- Ability to work independently on moderately to highly complex systems
Behavioral Competencies
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
- Effective communication with technical teams and stakeholders
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Team-oriented with ability to mentor junior staff (emerging capability)
About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation 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.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
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, provincial or local laws.
