About Cognizant’s CIS Practice: Cognizant’s Cloud, Infrastructure, and Security Services Practice (CIS), is all about accepting digital transformation by driving core modernization holistically across layers. We help customers transform infrastructure and workplace to meet the constantly evolving needs of the digital era. Our broad approach delivers key results for our customers by achieving cloud driven modernization and workplace and operational transformation to own the business in a secure environment.
Role: WINDOWS ADMINISTRATOR
8-12 Years of experience on Windows Migration
Location: Candidates will need to work 5 days a week onsite from the Client’s office in Columbus OH.
- Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2026
- This role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship, now or in the future
Role Summary
The Windows Administrator will be responsible for planning and executing the migration of Windows Server workloads from Windows Server 2019 to Windows Server 2022. The role focuses on migration wave planning, provisioning new servers, coordinating cutovers, and providing infrastructure level support during migration activities.
Mandatory Skills
Windows Administration
Windows Server Migration
Powershell scripting
VMware/Hyper-V or equivalent
Active Directory, DNS, GPOs, patching, and server hardening standards.
Ansible
Terraform
Key Responsibilities
• Plan and execute migration waves for Windows Server 2019 to 2022 upgrades, including server grouping, sequencing, and cutover coordination.
• Provision and configure new Windows Server 2022 servers using approved build standards, images, or automation pipelines.
• Perform side by side server builds and support workload migration and cutover from existing Windows Server 2019 systems.
• Validate server readiness, including OS configuration, domain join, patching, and baseline compliance.
• Coordinate with application, database, security, and network teams to support migration activities and resolve infrastructure level issues.
• Support testing, cutover, and post migration stabilization activities during scheduled migration windows.
• Troubleshoot OS level issues related to server builds, connectivity, performance, and access.
• Maintain migration documentation, build checklists, and status updates for each migration wave.
Required Skills & Experience
• Strong hands on experience administering Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022.
• Experience with server migration or OS refresh projects, preferably using a side by side migration approach.
• Solid understanding of migration wave planning, cutover coordination, and dependency management.
• Experience provisioning servers in virtualized or private cloud environments (VMware, Hyper V, or equivalent).
• Experience in automation using Ansible
• Experience in provisioning and managing Infrastructure using Terraform
• Working knowledge of Active Directory, DNS, GPOs, patching, and server hardening standards.
• Ability to work closely with multiple teams and support migration activities across environments (prod and non prod).
Preferred Skills
• Experience with automated build pipelines or infrastructure provisioning tools.
• Scripting knowledge (PowerShell) for validation, checks, or automation.
• Prior experience in large scale enterprise server refresh programs.
• Solid experience in Ansible and Terraform
Salary and Other Compensation: The annual salary for the position depends on experience and other qualifications. 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
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What we offer
- The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
- Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
- The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
- Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
- True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.
About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge 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, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Other employment-related information
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.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.