**Job Summary** We are seeking a skilled Technical Lead with 3 to 6 years of experience to join our team in a hybrid work model. The ideal candidate will have expertise in MongoDB Oracle MS SQL Server GCP Public Cloud Admin PostgreSQL Administration Cloud SQL and Google Cloud Spanner. Experience in the Cards & Payments domain is essential. This role involves day shifts with no travel requirements. **Responsibilities** Responsible for all functions associated with the design implementation and maintenance of SQL Server databases including security backup logging reporting and recovery procedures Manage all technical aspects of the databases and processes Troubleshoot SQL Server service outages as they occur including afterhours and weekends Transform data via standardization cleaning data repair matching and deduping Manage data from multiple sources including internal external and 3rd party data Assist in maintaining and improving database operational efficiency Perform daily weekly and monthly data maintenance tasks Assist in developing feeds to Data Warehouse Marts and data management processes Tuning SQL queries to improve performance Ensure all database servers are backed up in a way that meets the businesss Recovery Point Objectives RPO Test backups to ensure we can meet the business Recovery Time Objectives RTO Configure SQL Server monitoring utilities to minimize false alarms When performance issues arise determine the most effective way to increase performance including hardware purchases server configuration changes or indexquery changes Configure SQL Server instances high availability Mirroring Always ON and patching of these instances Troubleshoot issues related to SQL Server infrastructure Patching High availability etc Proven understanding of SQL coding required to understand performance implications and translate requirements to application developers Experience in writing SQL Stored Procedures Functions Views etc Experience in keeping the SQL database up and running and perform the health checks for the databases on periodic basis Experience in helping the Application Team in tuning the SQL queries batches Experience in overall monitoring of SQL Server Databases Preferred Skills Design test implement and maintain complex databases with the required organization access methods access time validation checks and security to meet or exceed requirements Develop edit and maintain required documentation Proactively evaluate recommend and perform database upgrades and changes Perform system optimization and improvement planning including but not limited to database performance analysis capacity planning and system sizing Stay abreast of and recommend improvements in technology and methodology to meet changing business needs and market demands as well as provide for overall optimization of database administration function Proactively monitor the performance of development and production databases to detect existing or potential incidents andor performance issues Perform tuning and maintenance to correct and prevent unplanned downtime or performance degradation Ensure operation of database environments meet or exceed agreed upon service levels eg availability and performance Plan schedule and manage the implementation of new databases and modifications to existing databases in a manner that avoids disruption to production and development systems Setup and manage database security manage data purgingarchiving activity and other daytoday database administration activities Provide ongoing support to operations and support teams as needed Escalate and manage escalated issues as appropriate Thorough knowledge of SQL Server configuration High availability configuration setting up the environment Required Qualifications 5 years of technology experience of increasing scope and responsibility eg software development database expertise in SQL Server 2005 2008 2012 2014 2016 2019 Experience with database design administration and maintenance in distributed environments Experience in troubleshooting and resolving database issues including performance tuning and capacity planning Proven expertise in database design to include solid understanding of related programming languages clustering backuprestore technologies replication and security Proven understanding of SQL coding required to understand performance implications and translate requirements to application developers Expertise in writing scripts such as Shell batch or PowerShell scripts writing SQL queries to automate DB related jobs Familiar with the automation tools like Ansible Expertise in SQL Server installations and High availability configuration Expertise in SQL Server patching and troubleshooting Expertise in SQL Server Upgradation Preferred Qualification Strong working knowledge of industrystandards database management tools Demonstrated successful experience working in a matrixed multivendor technology environment Demonstrated ability to work effectively in urgent situations with high pressure and visibility Strong written and verbal communication skills Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.