Windows Administrator - Windows Server Migration

About Cognizant's CIS Practice: 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.

Role: WINDOWS ADMINISTRATOR

8-12 Years of experience on Windows Migration

Location: Candidates will need to work 5 days a week onsite from the Client's office in Columbus OH.

• Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2026
• This role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship, now or in the future

Role Summary

The Windows Administrator will be responsible for planning and executing the migration of Windows Server workloads from Windows Server 2019 to Windows Server 2022. The role focuses on migration wave planning, provisioning new servers, coordinating cutovers, and providing infrastructure level support during migration activities.

Mandatory Skills

Windows Administration

Windows Server Migration

Powershell scripting

VMware/Hyper-V or equivalent

Active Directory, DNS, GPOs, patching, and server hardening standards.

Ansible

Terraform

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute migration waves for Windows Server 2019 to 2022 upgrades, including server grouping, sequencing, and cutover coordination.
• Provision and configure new Windows Server 2022 servers using approved build standards, images, or automation pipelines.
• Perform side by side server builds and support workload migration and cutover from existing Windows Server 2019 systems.
• Validate server readiness, including OS configuration, domain join, patching, and baseline compliance.
• Coordinate with application, database, security, and network teams to support migration activities and resolve infrastructure level issues.
• Support testing, cutover, and post migration stabilization activities during scheduled migration windows.
• Troubleshoot OS level issues related to server builds, connectivity, performance, and access.
• Maintain migration documentation, build checklists, and status updates for each migration wave.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong hands on experience administering Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022.
• Experience with server migration or OS refresh projects, preferably using a side by side migration approach.
• Solid understanding of migration wave planning, cutover coordination, and dependency management.
• Experience provisioning servers in virtualized or private cloud environments (VMware, Hyper V, or equivalent).
• Experience in automation using Ansible
• Experience in provisioning and managing Infrastructure using Terraform
• Working knowledge of Active Directory, DNS, GPOs, patching, and server hardening standards.
• Ability to work closely with multiple teams and support migration activities across environments (prod and non prod).

Preferred Skills

• Experience with automated build pipelines or infrastructure provisioning tools.
• Scripting knowledge (PowerShell) for validation, checks, or automation.
• Prior experience in large scale enterprise server refresh programs.
• Solid experience in Ansible and Terraform

Salary and Other Compensation: The annual salary for the position depends on experience and other qualifications. 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

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