Azure SQL DBA - Hybrid

Azure SQL DBA

Experience- 8-12+ years

Richmond, VA (Hybrid)

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

We are seeking an experienced SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) to support enterprise‑scale SQL Server migrations and upgrades to a new data center. This role is ideal for a hands‑on DBA with strong migration experience, automation skills, and the ability to collaborate across infrastructure, Dev Ops, and application teams.

• Migrate multiple SQL Server instances to a new data center
• Support SQL version upgrades and new server builds (servers built by a separate infrastructure team)
• Install, configure, and validate SQL Server environments
• Test and verify migrated and upgraded SQL instances
• Identify potential risks and provide mitigation recommendations
• Validate and remediate:
  • DBA maintenance scripts
  • SQL Agent jobs
  • Audits, triggers, credentials, and policy‑based management
  • ODBC driver configurations
• Configure and validate backup and restore strategies
• Develop automation to improve and standardize database migrations
• Partner with development teams on dev and QA testing
• Participate in production migrations during non‑business hours
• Provide post‑upgrade troubleshooting and performance tuning
• Track progress across multiple migration efforts and provide clear status updates
• Document server configurations and share operational knowledge
• Contribute to ongoing database operations and on‑call rotation as assigned

• 7+ years of hands‑on SQL Server DBA experience

Strong experience with:

• SQL Server 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019

Deep understanding of:

• SQL Server upgrades and migration best practices
• Security, roles, and permissions (especially during migrations)
• Backup, restore, and T‑SQL scripting

• SQL Replication
• Windows Server Clustering
• SQL Server Failover Clustering
• SQL Server High Availability / Failover concepts

• Power Shell
• Ansible
• Azure Dev Ops, Git Hub

• Windows Server administration
• Azure SQL experience (highly preferred)

Applications will be accepted until 1/26/2026

The annual salary for this position is between $73,350 – $116,000 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 is subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contribution
• 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.