Cognos Engineer
Apply NowCompany: University of South Carolina
Location: Columbia, SC 29223
Description:
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo
Posting Number
STA00255PO25
Job Family
Operational Analysis
Job Function
Business Intelligence
USC Market Title
Data Engineer
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/185214
Job Level
P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title)
Cognos Engineer
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
Division of Information Technology
Department
IT Data Services And Analytics
State Pay Band
8
Approved Starting Salary
$72,093
Advertised Salary Range
$72,093- $90,116
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
Standard working schedule: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Information Technology
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
Cognos Engineer
Empower Data-Driven Decision-Making with Innovative BI Solutions
We are seeking a skilled Cognos Engineer to design, develop, implement, and maintain IBM Cognos-based business intelligence (BI) solutions.
In this role, you will create reports, dashboards, and data models while optimizing performance and ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
As a key member of our team, you will collaborate with business stakeholders to translate requirements into actionable insights, troubleshoot issues, and enhance BI capabilities to align with organizational goals.
If you have a passion for data, analytics, and problem-solving, we'd love to hear from you!
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor's degree in a job-related field and 2 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job-related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or a related field. At least 3 years of experience working with IBM Cognos Analytics, including Report Studio, Framework Manager, and Transformer.
Strong proficiency in SQL for data querying, transformation, and optimization.
Experience with relational databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL.
Familiarity with data warehouse concepts and dimensional modeling.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Experience working in a higher education or public sector environment.
Knowledge of ETL tools such as IBM DataStage, Informatica, or SSIS.
Familiarity with cloud-based reporting solutions (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
Exposure to other BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
Experience with Cognos Administration, including security and configuration.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge:
Strong understanding of IBM Cognos Analytics (Framework Manager, Report Studio, Query Studio, and Cognos Administration).
Expertise in data warehousing concepts, including ETL processes, data modeling, and OLAP technologies.
Proficiency in SQL for querying databases and optimizing report performance.
Knowledge of relational databases (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, DB2) and data visualization best practices.
Familiarity with enterprise reporting and BI architecture, including security, performance tuning, and dashboard development.
Understanding of API integrations and scripting languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript) for automation and data processing.
Awareness of business processes and analytics, enabling alignment of BI solutions with organizational needs.
Skills:
Report Development: Ability to design and develop complex Cognos reports and dashboards based on business requirements.
Data Modeling: Experience creating and optimizing data models using Cognos Framework Manager.
Performance Optimization: Skills in tuning reports, queries, and data models for efficiency and speed.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to resolve Cognos-related issues.
Collaboration: Ability to work with business users, data analysts, and IT teams to deliver effective BI solutions.
Project Management: Ability to manage multiple BI projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
Technical Documentation: Strong documentation skills for system architecture, processes, and user guides.
Abilities:
Ability to translate business requirements into scalable Cognos BI solutions.
Capacity to work independently and take initiative in problem-solving and process improvement.
Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new BI technologies and methodologies.
Ability to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and compliance with organizational standards.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Cognos Development & Report Building
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
40
Job Duty
Data Modeling & ETL Support
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
User Support & Training
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Performance Monitoring & System Administration (15%)
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement (10%)
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
05/16/2025
Job Open Date
04/03/2025
Job Close Date
05/18/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by May 18, 2025.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/185376
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Posting Summary
Logo
Posting Number
STA00255PO25
Job Family
Operational Analysis
Job Function
Business Intelligence
USC Market Title
Data Engineer
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/185214
Job Level
P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title)
Cognos Engineer
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
Division of Information Technology
Department
IT Data Services And Analytics
State Pay Band
8
Approved Starting Salary
$72,093
Advertised Salary Range
$72,093- $90,116
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
Standard working schedule: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Information Technology
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
Cognos Engineer
Empower Data-Driven Decision-Making with Innovative BI Solutions
We are seeking a skilled Cognos Engineer to design, develop, implement, and maintain IBM Cognos-based business intelligence (BI) solutions.
In this role, you will create reports, dashboards, and data models while optimizing performance and ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
As a key member of our team, you will collaborate with business stakeholders to translate requirements into actionable insights, troubleshoot issues, and enhance BI capabilities to align with organizational goals.
If you have a passion for data, analytics, and problem-solving, we'd love to hear from you!
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor's degree in a job-related field and 2 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job-related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or a related field. At least 3 years of experience working with IBM Cognos Analytics, including Report Studio, Framework Manager, and Transformer.
Strong proficiency in SQL for data querying, transformation, and optimization.
Experience with relational databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL.
Familiarity with data warehouse concepts and dimensional modeling.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Experience working in a higher education or public sector environment.
Knowledge of ETL tools such as IBM DataStage, Informatica, or SSIS.
Familiarity with cloud-based reporting solutions (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
Exposure to other BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
Experience with Cognos Administration, including security and configuration.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge:
Strong understanding of IBM Cognos Analytics (Framework Manager, Report Studio, Query Studio, and Cognos Administration).
Expertise in data warehousing concepts, including ETL processes, data modeling, and OLAP technologies.
Proficiency in SQL for querying databases and optimizing report performance.
Knowledge of relational databases (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, DB2) and data visualization best practices.
Familiarity with enterprise reporting and BI architecture, including security, performance tuning, and dashboard development.
Understanding of API integrations and scripting languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript) for automation and data processing.
Awareness of business processes and analytics, enabling alignment of BI solutions with organizational needs.
Skills:
Report Development: Ability to design and develop complex Cognos reports and dashboards based on business requirements.
Data Modeling: Experience creating and optimizing data models using Cognos Framework Manager.
Performance Optimization: Skills in tuning reports, queries, and data models for efficiency and speed.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to resolve Cognos-related issues.
Collaboration: Ability to work with business users, data analysts, and IT teams to deliver effective BI solutions.
Project Management: Ability to manage multiple BI projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
Technical Documentation: Strong documentation skills for system architecture, processes, and user guides.
Abilities:
Ability to translate business requirements into scalable Cognos BI solutions.
Capacity to work independently and take initiative in problem-solving and process improvement.
Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new BI technologies and methodologies.
Ability to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and compliance with organizational standards.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Cognos Development & Report Building
- Design, develop, and optimize Cognos reports, dashboards, and visualizations to meet university reporting needs.
- Create and maintain Framework Manager models and data packages for efficient report development.
- Develop complex queries, calculations, and data transformations to support dynamic reporting.
- Ensure reports meet performance, security, and usability best practices.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
40
Job Duty
Data Modeling & ETL Support
- Collaborate with data engineers to design and maintain data models and warehouse structures that support Cognos reporting.
- Assist in ETL processes, data validation, and troubleshooting issues related to Cognos reporting.
- Ensure data models are scalable, efficient, and aligned with best practices.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
User Support & Training
- Work with end users to gather requirements, translate business needs into Cognos solutions, and provide technical support.
- Conduct training sessions and create documentation to empower users to build and modify their own reports.
- Troubleshoot and resolve Cognos-related user issues promptly.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Performance Monitoring & System Administration (15%)
- Monitor and optimize Cognos server performance to ensure reliability and efficiency.
- Assist in Cognos system upgrades, patches, and configurations in coordination with IT infrastructure teams.
- Maintain security roles and user access control within Cognos Analytics.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement (10%)
- Work closely with business intelligence, analytics, and IT teams to improve reporting capabilities.
- Stay up to date with Cognos updates, best practices, and emerging BI trends to enhance the university's analytics strategy.
- Participate in university data governance and analytics initiatives to promote data consistency and quality.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
05/16/2025
Job Open Date
04/03/2025
Job Close Date
05/18/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by May 18, 2025.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/185376
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.