Deskside Support Engineer

Cognizant is looking for Deskside Support engineer to provide hands-on technical support to end users for laptops, printers, and other peripherals. The role is the first physical point of contact for hardware and software issues, resolving what can be fixed locally and coordinating with central IT teams (Windows/EUC, M365, Network, SharePoint, Security, etc.) for issues that need specialized support, while keeping the user informed through to closure.

About Cognizant's CIS Practice:

Cognizant's CIS (Cognizant Infrastructure Services) Practice is a global leader in providing IT infrastructure services. We deliver innovative solutions to optimize and transform IT infrastructure, ensuring business agility and operational efficiency. Our services include cloud computing, data center management, network services, and cybersecurity. We focus on understanding client needs and delivering customized solutions to drive business success.

In this role, you will:

Hardware Support

• Install, configure, troubleshoot, and repair laptops, desktops, docking stations, monitors, keyboards, mice, headsets, webcams, and other peripherals.
• Diagnose hardware faults (battery, display, keyboard, memory, storage, charger) and coordinate with OEM/vendor for warranty repairs and part replacements.
• Manage laptop provisioning, refresh, and replacement, including data migration and user handover.
• Support printers, scanners, and MFDs: driver installation, queue and connectivity issues, toner and consumable replacement, and vendor coordination for maintenance.

Operating System and Software Support

• Troubleshoot Windows OS issues: boot problems, profile corruption, slow performance, updates, BitLocker, driver conflicts.
• Install, configure, and support standard and local/business-specific applications on laptops.
• Support Microsoft 365 applications, including MS Teams (audio/video, sign-in, meeting issues), Outlook (profile, mailbox, sync, calendar issues), OneDrive, and Office apps.
• Assist users with SharePoint access, sync, and permission-related issues by coordinating with the SharePoint/collaboration team.
• Perform VPN client setup, antivirus/endpoint agent checks, and patch compliance verification.

Network and Connectivity

• Troubleshoot basic connectivity issues: Wi-Fi, LAN, VPN, DNS, IP configuration, and printer network connections.
• Isolate whether an issue is client-side or network-side, and raise it to the Network team with logs, port details, and test results.

Coordination with Central Teams

• Work with the following teams to resolve issues beyond local scope:

• Windows/EUC team: OS images, Group Policy, SCCM/Intune, patching

• M365/Messaging team: Outlook, Exchange Online, Teams

• Network team: Wi-Fi, LAN, VPN, firewall access

• SharePoint/Collaboration team: site access, permissions, sync

• Security/IAM team: account lockouts, MFA, access requests, endpoint protection

• Vendors/OEMs: warranty, spares, printer maintenance

• Provide clear, complete handoff information (symptoms, steps tried, error messages, screenshots) when escalating.

• Track escalated tickets, follow up on SLAs, and keep users updated until resolution.

Incident and Service Management

• Log, update, and close tickets in the ITSM tool (ServiceNow/Remedy/Jira, etc.) with accurate documentation.
• Prioritize and resolve incidents and service requests within agreed SLAs.
• Perform root cause analysis for recurring issues and recommend permanent fixes.
• Maintain knowledge base articles and troubleshooting guides.

Asset and Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate records of laptops, peripherals, and spares in the asset management system.
• Handle asset issue, return, and disposal as per policy, including secure data wiping.
• Manage spare inventory and raise requests for procurement when stock is low.

User Experience and Compliance

• Provide courteous, professional support and brief users on basic troubleshooting and good practices.
• Support VIP and executive users with priority handling.
• Follow IT security policies, data protection standards, and change/incident management processes.
• Support onboarding and offboarding activities for joiners and leavers.

What you'll need to succeed:

• 2-5 years of experience in IT End User Computing, Desktop Support, or Field Support.
• Strong knowledge of Windows operating systems, Microsoft 365, Outlook, Teams, and Office applications.
• Experience troubleshooting laptops, desktops, printers, mobile devices, and peripherals.
• Familiarity with ticketing tools such as ServiceNow, Remedy, or Jira.
• Strong customer service, communication, and coordination skills.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Annual compensation between $73,000-$84,000 is being offered for the role. Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits 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.

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.

Applicants for US based positions must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The company is unable to provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for US based positions.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.

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.