Active Directory SME Bengaluru, India | Onsite | Full-time | 7–10 Years ExperienceAbout the RoleWe 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 DoInfrastructure 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 complianceOperations & 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 standardsCollaboration & 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 maintenanceLeadership & 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 ownershipTechnical 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 administrationGood 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 projectsCertifications (Preferred) • Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Administrator or Azure Administrator • MCSE or equivalentWhat 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 About Cognizant: Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant. Additional employment information Compensation 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. Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview. 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.