Senior Informix DBA

Job Role: Senior Informix Database Administrator

Job Location: Bethesda, MD, USA (100% onsite)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Senior Informix DBA to join our Engineering team. This role is critical to ensuring the performance, reliability, and security of our Informix database systems. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in Informix database administration, performance tuning, and strategic planning, and will play a key role in supporting mission-critical applications in a high-performance environment.

In this role, you will

1. Database Administration

• Configure, maintain, and administer Informix database systems (IDS).

• Manage daily operations including backups, restores, and incident troubleshooting.

• Monitor database health and ensure high availability with minimal downtime.

• Maintain database configurations and ensure compliance with internal standards.

2. Performance Tuning & Optimization

• Analyze and resolve complex performance issues related to indexing, queries, and locking.

• Collaborate with development teams to optimize database design and query performance.

• Utilize diagnostic tools to identify and eliminate performance bottlenecks.

3. Database Security

• Implement and enforce robust database security policies and procedures.

• Manage user roles, access controls, and permissions to ensure data integrity and compliance.

• Conduct regular audits and monitoring of database security practices.

4. Backup & Recovery

• Design and implement comprehensive backup and disaster recovery strategies.

• Perform regular testing of recovery procedures to ensure business continuity.

• Support data replication and high-availability configurations.

5. Upgrades & Patching

• Plan and execute database upgrades and patching activities.

• Ensure system stability and compatibility post-upgrade.

• Apply fixes and enhancements as needed.

6. Capacity Planning

• Forecast database storage and resource requirements based on business growth.

• Implement proactive measures to ensure scalability and performance.

7. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain detailed documentation of database configurations, procedures, and recovery plans.

• Generate regular reports on database performance, health metrics, and security status.

What you’ll need to succeed (required skills)

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience as a Database Administrator.

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience with Informix databases (IDS).

• Proven experience in database migrations, upgrades, and multi-platform environments.

• Strong background in database security, backup/recovery, and performance tuning.

• Expertise in Informix architecture, troubleshooting, and optimization.

• Advanced proficiency in SQL and Informix SQL extensions.

• Familiarity with database monitoring tools and diagnostic utilities.

• Knowledge of Informix High Availability Data Replication (HDR) or similar technologies.

Preferred skills: what will help you stand out

• Experience with scripting languages such as Shell, Python, or similar for automation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

• Ability to work independently and lead database initiatives.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $114,000 to $130,000 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 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

Work model:

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 5 days a week in a client office at Bethesda, MD, USA.

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.

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.

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.

“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, state or local laws.”