Active Directory SME
Cognizant
About the Role
We are a leading global financial institution looking for a seasoned Active Directory Subject Matter Expert to join our enterprise infrastructure team in Bengaluru. This is a senior technical role that demands deep expertise across directory services, identity management, and core Windows infrastructure — combined with the leadership presence to guide and mentor a high-performing team.
You will be responsible for the stability, security, and scalability of our Active Directory environment while playing a key role in transformation, migration, and modernisation initiatives across the organisation.
What You Will Do
Infrastructure Management
Manage and maintain Active Directory infrastructure including domain controllers, forests, trusts, and replication
Administer and troubleshoot DNS and DHCP services to ensure high availability and consistent performance
Design, implement, and manage Group Policies (GPOs) to enforce security and operational standards across the environment
Deploy and manage Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Microsoft Certificate Services throughout the certificate lifecycle
Administer and support Distributed File System (DFS) for data replication and access management
Manage Microsoft Key Management Services (KMS) to ensure licensing compliance
Operations & Engineering
Perform root cause analysis and advanced troubleshooting for complex infrastructure-related issues
Automate administrative tasks and operational workflows using PowerShell scripting
Monitor system performance, availability, and capacity to ensure proactive infrastructure health
Ensure adherence to security best practices and regulatory compliance standards
Collaboration & Transformation
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on migrations, upgrades, and enterprise transformation initiatives
Support planned change activities to minimise risk and operational disruption
Contribute to documentation, SOPs, and knowledge base maintenance
Leadership & Mentorship
Act as the technical lead and go-to SME for the team on all Active Directory and identity-related matters
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior and senior engineers
Engage with stakeholders at all levels with clarity, confidence, and ownership
Technical Skills Required
Active Directory (ADDS) — Architecture, design, upgrade, and migration
DNS & DHCP — Configuration, troubleshooting, and optimisation
Group Policy (GPO) — Design, implementation, and troubleshooting
PKI & Certificate Services — Deployment and full lifecycle management
DFS — Namespaces and replication
Microsoft KMS — Setup and ongoing maintenance
PowerShell — Advanced scripting and automation
Windows Server — 2016 / 2019 / 2022 administration
Good to Have
Experience with Azure AD and Hybrid Identity environments
Knowledge of Active Directory security hardening and auditing tools
Exposure to ITIL processes — Incident, Change, and Problem Management
Hands-on experience in migration, consolidation, or infrastructure transformation projects
Certifications (Preferred)
Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Administrator or Azure Administrator
MCSE or equivalent
What You Bring
7–10 years of progressive experience in enterprise Active Directory and Windows infrastructure environments
Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities with a structured approach to troubleshooting
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to lead with authority and collaborate with humility in a fast-paced enterprise setting
A disciplined, security-conscious mindset with a commitment to operational excellence