SQL DBA Lead

About the role

As a SQL DBA Lead, you will make an impact by overseeing the performance, reliability, and scalability of enterprise-level SQL Server environments. You will lead a team of skilled DBAs to deliver secure, optimized, and resilient database solutions that support critical business operations. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership and stakeholder collaboration to ensure data integrity, high availability, and operational excellence across all database services. You will be a valued member of the Cloud Infrastructure and Security team and work collaboratively with the Engagement Delivery Lead.

In this role, you will

• Lead and mentor the SQL DBA team, managing priorities, workloads, and day-to-day operations.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Partner with business and technology stakeholders to understand requirements, manage expectations, and deliver effective database solutions.
• Oversee vendor and contractor performance, ensuring compliance with service-level agreements and contractual terms.
• Plan and manage database upgrades, patching, migrations, and maintenance while minimizing downtime and risk.
• Monitor and optimize database performance, availability, and security across production and non-production environments.
• Establish and maintain service-level standards, ensuring consistent, high-quality support and issue resolution.
• Ensure proper documentation, knowledge sharing, and training to support team development and operational continuity.
• Collaborate with other infrastructure and application teams to deliver integrated technology solutions.
• Uphold database policies, security standards, and compliance requirements.

Work model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in Frisco, TX. 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

• Approximately 10 years of hands-on experience in managing and operating enterprise SQL Server environments.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation using T-SQL and PowerShell.
• Proven experience leading DBA teams and managing complex, high-availability infrastructures.
• Strong background in database performance tuning, troubleshooting, and automation.
• Expertise in MSSQL Server administration: health checks, session monitoring, error log analysis, login/user management, and troubleshooting.
• Proficient in database backup and recovery strategies, including disaster recovery planning.
• Skilled in creating and managing SQL Agent jobs and resolving job failures.
• Experience in SQL Server patching, version upgrades, and migrations.
• Advanced knowledge of performance tuning, blocking/deadlock analysis, query optimization, and index management.

These will help you stand out

• Strong understanding of high availability and disaster recovery configurations, including Always On Availability Groups, log shipping, and mirroring.
• Experience with SQL Server replication, linked servers, and SPN/delegation troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with database encryption, data security practices, and compliance standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure (IaaS) and Azure SQL database environments.
• Experience working in large-scale or global IT environments is preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

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.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2025.

The annual salary for this position is between $99,000 - $116,000 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.