Azure Active Directory Specialist

Overview Job Title: Azure Active Directory Specialist Job Location: Hybrid – Brampton, ON, Canada We are seeking a highly experienced Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID Specialist with deep technical expertise in designing, managing, and troubleshooting complex, large-scale, multi-forest Active Directory environments. The ideal candidate will have advanced proficiency in Active Directory DS 2019, AD FS, AD CS, DFSR/DFSN, Microsoft Entra ID, Entra Connect, and related identity services. This role requires hands-on experience in configuration, performance optimization, migrations, incident resolution, and enterprise-grade troubleshooting. The Specialist will play a key role in ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of identity and access platforms while partnering with global teams, leading root-cause analysis, and contributing to change and problem management initiatives. What You’ll Do / Key Responsibilities Active Directory & Identity Services Administration: Design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Active Directory DS 2019, including DFSR/DFSN, AD FS, and AD CS in complex multi-forest environments. Manage and optimize Active Directory forests, domains, FSMO roles, functional levels, AD DS Sites, and replication to ensure high availability and performance. Lead Active Directory migration efforts, including cross-forest migrations, domain restructuring, and identity consolidation initiatives. Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert in Microsoft Entra ID, including identity governance, configuration, security, and integration. Configure and troubleshoot SPNs, Conditional Access Policies, authentication flows, and hybrid identity models. Manage and upgrade Entra ID Connect components, with expert-level understanding of connectors, metaverse design, and synchronization services. Troubleshooting, Incident Management & RCA: Diagnose and resolve complex identity, replication, authentication, DNS, networking, and performance issues across AD, DNS, and identity services. Conduct performance analysis, network trace evaluation, and advanced troubleshooting to quickly restore service and prevent recurrence. Lead L2+/L3 escalations, ensuring swift resolution within SLAs while performing thorough Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implementing permanent fixes. Infrastructure Reliability, Security & Governance: Plan, design, and troubleshoot DNS, Group Policies, and system dependencies critical to authentication and directory operations. Manage AD recovery scenarios, including restoration, authoritative recovery, and disaster recovery planning. Support and contribute to capacity planning, optimization initiatives, and ongoing platform improvements. Collaboration & Continuous Learning: Collaborate with global and local technology teams to support business needs and ensure alignment with enterprise strategies. Stay current with emerging Microsoft technologies, security best practices, and industry standards. Provide knowledge transfer and mentor team members to enhance overall operational maturity. What You’ll Need To Succeed (Required Skills) Extensive hands-on experience with Active Directory DS 2019, multi-forest environments, AD FS, AD CS, DFSR, and DFSN. Advanced-level knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID, hybrid identity management, Conditional Access, and identity lifecycle management. Strong experience with Entra ID Connect, including connector configuration, metaverse design, synchronization flows, and upgrade processes. Proven expertise in DNS, Group Policies, AD Sites & Services, and directory replication. Demonstrated experience in Active Directory migrations, DR scenarios, and performance troubleshooting. Proficiency in PowerShell and identity automation. Strong analytical and diagnostic skills with the ability to resolve complex technical issues under pressure. L3-level experience in Windows Server operating systems and identity-related components. Experience collaborating with distributed global teams and handling high-priority escalations. Salary & Other Compensation The annual salary for this position is between $77,000 to $90,000 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 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. This is a hybrid position requiring 4 days a week at the client site in Brampton, Canada, based on business requirements. The working arrangements may change; we will be clear about role expectations. EEO & Compliance 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr