Senior NetApp Storage Architect -Onsite

About the group:

Cognizant’s Cloud, Infrastructure, and Security Services Practice (CIS), is all about accepting digital transformation by driving core modernization holistically across layers. We help customers transform infrastructure and workplace to meet the constantly evolving needs of the digital era. Our broad approach delivers key results for our customers by achieving cloud driven modernization and workplace and operational transformation to own the business in a secure environment.

Overview:
Cognizant is seeking a highly skilled Senior Storage Architect to lead the storage domain within the Data Center Operations tower for a prominent insurance client based on the U.S. West Coast. This role demands deep technical expertise in storage systems, integration with databases, networking, backup, and virtual computing environments, along with proficiency in automation tools for administration and monitoring.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the storage operations and strategy under the Data Center Operations tower.
• Design and implement innovative storage solutions tailored to client needs.
• Perform storage migrations, upgrades, replications, and maintenance activities.
• Proactively identify and resolve performance and connectivity issues.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure challenges.
• Suggest and implement automation, industry best practices, and standards.
• Provide enterprise-level support for incident, problem, and change management.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation, SOPs, and runbooks.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 5–8 years of hands-on experience in storage technologies including NetApp, Pure Storage, and SAN switches.
• Expertise in Storage Architecture and ability to propose optimal solutions.
• Strong knowledge of SAN/NAS, Brocade switches, and storage zoning.
• Experience in CIFS/NFS administration with NetApp.
• Familiarity with disaster recovery and data replication technologies.
• Working knowledge of TrendMicro and CryptoSpike for storage systems.
• Proficiency in monitoring and alerting tools for proactive issue resolution.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic understanding of VMware vSphere (5.0 and above).
• Foundational knowledge of networking and Linux operating systems.
• Experience with PowerShell, Ansible, or Python scripting.
• NetApp / Pure Storage certifications are a plus.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Act as a subject matter expert and escalation point for storage-related issues.
• Communicate effectively with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• Collaborate across technical teams to resolve infrastructure challenges.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.

Training & Development:

• Participate in ongoing training and certification programs to enhance skills.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation and contribute to knowledge sharing.

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. Eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.