Lead Cognos Platform Architect

Job#: 3020746

Job Description:

Job Title: Cognos Architect

Duration: 12 months (Hybrid)

Location: Jersey City NJ

Payrate: $70.00 - 73.68/hr

**Job Overview:**

We are seeking an experienced Lead Cognos Platform Architect / Administrator to manage and scale our IBM Cognos Analytics environment across legacy and containerized platforms. The ideal candidate will lead architecture strategy, capacity planning, performance monitoring, platform automation, and upgrades, supporting a large enterprise environment of 9,000+ users. This is a high-impact role for a hands-on architect who thrives in complex, hybrid, multi-cloud deployments.

**Key Responsibilities:**

* Lead design, implementation, and governance of Cognos Analytics Center of Excellence with focus on long-term scalability, performance, and best practices.

* Serve as IBM Cognos Analytics subject matter expert (SME), advising stakeholders on architecture blueprints, platform capabilities, and process improvements.

* Troubleshoot and resolve complex platform and tenant issues, including production incidents, independently or with the team.

* Plan capacity and monitor platform usage metrics using Python, automation scripts, and performance dashboards.

* Automate administrative tasks leveraging Cognos APIs, SDKs, and Python-based frameworks.

* Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior team members, fostering knowledge sharing and best practices.

* Identify areas of opportunity, develop project plans, and execute initiatives to enhance platform stability, performance, and scalability.

* Keep up-to-date with the latest Cognos Analytics enhancements, containerization trends, and DevOps practices.

* Collaborate with infrastructure and cloud teams to optimize containerized deployments using Red Hat OpenShift or Kubernetes.

**Required Qualifications:**

* 10+ years of progressive experience with IBM Cognos Analytics (V12+) including development, administration, modeling, ETL concepts, and SQL.

* 3+ years of platform administration, automation, and CI/CD implementation experience.

* Proven experience with hybrid and multi-cloud Cognos deployments.

* Red Hat OpenShift certification and IBM Certified Administrator V12x.

* Advanced knowledge of databases including SQL Server, Oracle, DB2, and PostgreSQL.

* Hands-on experience with containerized environments, monitoring tools (Splunk, Dynatrace), and performance tuning.

* Experience connecting Cognos to relational, file-based, and big data sources.

* Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills; self-starter mindset.

**Preferred Qualifications:**

* Experience with Dynamic Cubes, Data Modules, Framework Manager, and Report Server configuration.

* Proven deployment experience of Cognos Analytics on OpenShift or Kubernetes (Red Hat preferred).

* Experience with container image customization, versioning, and CI/CD pipelines.

* Understanding of networking concepts, TLS/SSL, load balancing, and reverse proxy configurations.

* PMP certification or experience managing large infrastructure projects.

**Why Join This Team:**

* Opportunity to lead enterprise-wide Cognos Analytics architecture and strategy.

* Work in a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

* Hands-on exposure to cutting-edge containerized and hybrid cloud technologies.

* Drive innovation, scalability, and performance in a large-scale BI platform.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.