IT Cloud Architect

Description

We are looking for an experienced IT Cloud Architect to guide enterprise infrastructure strategy and shape scalable cloud solutions for a business operating in Houston, Texas. This Long-term Contract position will focus on strengthening hybrid and cloud environments, improving reliability, and advancing automation across core platforms. The role partners with technical teams, vendors, and business stakeholders to deliver secure, resilient architecture that supports operational goals and future growth.

Responsibilities:
Create and evolve the organization's cloud architecture strategy, with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Azure and the modernization of existing infrastructure and applications.
Lead the design of identity and access solutions across hybrid environments using Microsoft Entra ID and related technologies to enable secure, efficient user access.
Act as the top technical escalation resource for complex cloud, infrastructure, and platform issues, driving durable resolutions and service stability.
Define architectural standards, reference models, and technical documentation that promote consistency, governance, and effective knowledge sharing across IT teams.
Direct technical planning and execution for cloud and infrastructure initiatives, ensuring alignment with security expectations, operational support needs, and business priorities.
Advance automation practices through PowerShell, Infrastructure as Code, and cloud-native tooling to streamline deployments and reduce manual risk.
Oversee architecture and governance for Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, and Entra ID, to support collaboration and productivity.
Partner with security and compliance teams to build cloud and hybrid solutions that meet regulatory, governance, and cybersecurity requirements.
Design and maintain business continuity, backup, and disaster recovery approaches that protect essential services and support recovery objectives.
Monitor and improve platform performance, scalability, resilience, and cost efficiency while advising IT leadership on emerging technologies and architectural direction.

Requirements

Proven experience designing and supporting enterprise cloud environments, especially within Microsoft Azure.
Strong knowledge of identity and access management in hybrid ecosystems, including Azure Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID.
Hands-on background with Microsoft Windows Server administration and infrastructure engineering.
Experience governing and optimizing Microsoft 365 services such as Office 365, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Teams.
Demonstrated ability to develop automation solutions using PowerShell and infrastructure-as-code principles.
Understanding of cloud security, compliance, resiliency, and disaster recovery architecture best practices.
Ability to evaluate platform performance, operational efficiency, and cost management opportunities across cloud services.
Familiarity with Amazon Web Services (AWS) is beneficial in multi-cloud or comparative architecture environments.

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