Azure Architect

POSITION TITLE: Service Desk Agent

Work Location/Type:

This position is hybrid; 1-2 days onsite 390 N. Roberts St. St Paul, MN

Narrative Description of Position:

We are seeking an experienced Azure Core Infrastructure Architect to lead the design, implementation, and governance of Microsoft Azure-based infrastructure solutions. This role requires deep technical expertise across Azure IaaS and PaaS services, infrastructure automation, networking, identity, and security. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, able to architect scalable, secure, and resilient cloud environments aligned with enterprise standards and business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of Azure infrastructure services including compute, storage, networking, identity, and monitoring.
• Define cloud infrastructure standards, reference architectures, and reusable patterns for IaaS, PaaS, and hybrid environments.
• Partner with application, data, and security teams to align Azure solutions with business needs and compliance requirements.

• Develop Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
• Oversee implementation of Azure governance policies including RBAC, resource tagging, management groups, cost controls, and policy enforcement.
• Design and implement hybrid connectivity (VPN, ExpressRoute), network segmentation (vNETs, NSGs, Azure Firewall), and identity integrations (Azure AD, SSO, MFA).
• Lead cloud migration and modernization efforts, providing architecture guidance and performance optimization strategies.
• Define RTO/RPO strategies and design high-availability/disaster recovery architecture for critical systems.
• Ensure security best practices and zero-trust principles are applied in all designs.
• Create documentation, diagrams, and architecture artifacts that support operations and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with DevOps, security, and operations teams to drive automation, monitoring, and support models.

Specifications

Descriptions of Specifications

MINIMUM SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Must have to be accepted for consideration for this position.

Level of Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Years of experience in Position Title

7+ years of IT infrastructure experience with at least 3+ years in Azure architecture roles

Experience

Strong experience in core Azure services: vNETs, NSGs, Load Balancers, Azure AD, Azure Monitor, Azure Policy, Azure Backup, and Azure Storage

Proficiency

Proficiency in scripting and IaC tools (e.g., Terraform, PowerShell, Bicep)

Expertise

Expertise in network design and hybrid connectivity between on-prem and Azure

Understanding

Understanding security and compliance requirements for enterprise cloud environments

Qualified

Experience in designing HA and DR solutions in cloud-native and hybrid environments

DESIRED SPECIFICATIONS: Not required, but desire experience in these specifications for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification (AZ-305).
• Experience with multi-cloud and interconnectivity (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud Platform).
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
• Experience with enterprise CMDB, ITSM, and automation platforms.
• Knowledge of infrastructure cost management and FinOps practices.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to translate technical concepts into business language.
• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams.
• Excellent documentation, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Analytical mindset and problem-solving ability in complex environments.

Work Environment

Working independently and/or in a team environment may be required for some engagements. Hybrid telework/office setting work environment.