Senior Windows ESXi Nutanix Administrator

About the role
As a Senior Windows, ESXi and Nutanix Administrator, you will make an impact by managing and supporting enterprise infrastructure environments across Windows Server, VMware, Nutanix, disaster recovery, security, and datacenter operations. You will be responsible for maintaining highly available and secure infrastructure services, driving operational excellence, leading major incident and problem management activities, and supporting infrastructure modernization initiatives. You will collaborate with business stakeholders, technology teams, and vendors to ensure reliable and compliant IT service delivery.

In this role, you will

• Administer, configure, patch, monitor, and troubleshoot Windows Server environments.
• Manage Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, SCCM, and SSL certificate services.
• Administer VMware ESXi, vCenter, HA, DRS, vMotion, virtual machine provisioning, and cluster optimization.
• Manage Nutanix AHV and Prism environments, including cluster operations, storage administration, and performance monitoring.
• Support disaster recovery solutions using VMware Site Recovery Manager (SRM), replication technologies, failover/failback activities, and DR testing.
• Monitor and maintain infrastructure security and compliance using Tanium, Qualys, and CrowdStrike.
• Utilize Splunk and Grafana for log analysis, monitoring, dashboard creation, and incident investigations.
• Develop and maintain PowerShell and PowerCLI automation scripts to improve operational efficiency.
• Support ITSM processes through ServiceNow, including Incident, Change, Problem, Service Request, and Configuration Management.
• Manage software asset and license compliance activities using Flexera.
• Administer Dell, HP, Cisco UCS, and IBM infrastructure hardware, including firmware upgrades, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Lead infrastructure transformation initiatives, including datacenter consolidation, platform upgrades, virtualization migrations, and infrastructure refresh projects.
• Coordinate major incident response activities, ensuring effective communication, timely resolution, and service restoration.
• Drive proactive and reactive problem management through root cause analysis, trend identification, and remediation planning.
• Assess operational risks, facilitate change approvals, and ensure successful implementation of infrastructure changes.
• Maintain operational governance standards, SLA compliance, documentation, and continuous service improvement practices.
• Partner with business stakeholders and technical teams to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and service expectations.

Work model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Newport Beach, CA. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

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

What you need to have to be considered

• 10 years of experience in Windows Server administration supporting enterprise environments.
• Proficiency with VMware vSphere technologies including ESXi, vCenter, HA, DRS, vMotion, and virtual machine lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of Nutanix AHV and Prism for cluster administration, storage management, and performance optimization.
• Expertise in disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution utilizing VMware Site Recovery Manager (SRM).
• Deep understanding of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, SCCM, and SSL certificate management.
• Ability to develop and maintain automation solutions using PowerShell and PowerCLI.
• Familiarity with security, vulnerability management, and endpoint protection platforms such as Tanium, Qualys, and CrowdStrike.
• Knowledge of monitoring and observability tools, including Splunk and Grafana.
• Strong understanding of ITIL service management practices, including Incident, Change, Problem, Request, and Configuration Management.
• Capability to support enterprise infrastructure hardware platforms, including Dell, HP, Cisco UCS, and IBM systems.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and customer-facing skills.
• Proven ability to lead major incident resolution efforts and effectively coordinate cross-functional teams during critical service disruptions.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a focus on operational stability and continuous improvement.

These will help you stand out

• Background in large-scale infrastructure transformation and modernization initiatives.
• Knowledge of datacenter consolidation, infrastructure refresh programs, and virtualization platform upgrades.
• Familiarity with P2V, V2V, Hyper-V, and storage migration projects.
• Ability to drive root cause analysis and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Industry certifications related to VMware, Nutanix, Microsoft, ITIL, or infrastructure operations.
• Experience working within highly regulated, SLA-driven enterprise environments.

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.

Salary and Other Compensation:
Applications will be accepted until October 10, 2026.
The annual salary for this position is between $100,000 - $115,000 USD 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

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.

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.

Things to know before you apply

• Work authorization: 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.
• Accommodations: 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.
• AI in hiring: We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help us screen and assess applications more efficiently. Our team performs additional human review and ultimately decides who moves forward in our hiring process.
• Open position: Unless otherwise stated, this job posting is for an open position on our team.
• Language proficiency: 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.
• Inclusion: 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.

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.