IBM Cognos Analytics Architect

Job Description: Cognos Architect

Role Summary

The Cognos Architect is responsible for the end-to-end architecture, installation, configuration, performance optimization, and ongoing stability of IBM Cognos Analytics platforms across Development, UAT, and Production environments. This role will lead platform migrations, enforce IBM best practices, and ensure high availability, security, and performance through robust architectural design and automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end installation and configuration of IBM Cognos Analytics across DEV, UAT, and PROD environments.

• Ensure installations adhere to IBM Cognos best practices , including recommended deployment topologies and architectural standards.

• Design and implement automated installation and configuration using scripting or deployment tools (PowerShell, Linux shell scripting, Ansible preferred).

• Lead migration to new Cognos servers , including environment refreshes, configuration replication, and validation.

• Perform performance tuning and optimization , including:

  • Memory and JVM optimization

  • Dispatcher and service configuration

  • Cache and query optimization

• Recommend optimal server sizing , capacity planning, and architectural improvements to ensure scalability, stability, and performance.

• Implement and manage load balancing across Cognos Gateways and Dispatchers to support high availability and session distribution.

• Configure and manage all Cognos services , including:

  • Security integrations

  • Data source connections

  • Dispatcher and Gateway settings

• Design and maintain high availability and failover configurations.

• Apply Cognos security best practices , including integration with Active Directory and Single Sign-On (SSO) where applicable.

• Manage and optimize Content Store configuration , including backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies.

• Produce and maintain technical documentation , including:

  • Installation and configuration guides

  • Runbooks and operational procedures

  • Architecture and topology diagrams

• Collaborate with infrastructure, security, and database teams to ensure compliance with internal standards and policies.

• Configure Windows IIS to expose the Cognos application securely to end users.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong hands-on experience as a Cognos Architect or Cognos Administrator in enterprise environments.

• Deep knowledge of IBM Cognos Analytics architecture , components, and deployment models.

• Experience with multi-environment (DEV/UAT/PROD) setups and platform migrations.

• Proven expertise in performance tuning and troubleshooting Cognos platforms.

• Hands-on experience with automation and scripting (PowerShell, Linux shell, Ansible).

• Strong understanding of load balancing, high availability, and failover concepts.

• Experience integrating Cognos with Active Directory / SSO .

• Knowledge of Content Store databases (Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, etc.).

• Experience working with Windows Server and IIS .

• Ability to create clear technical documentation and architecture diagrams .

Preferred Qualifications

• IBM Cognos Analytics certifications

• Experience with cloud or hybrid environments

• Exposure to DevOps or Infrastructure-as-Code practices

• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally