Direct client Opportunity _Azure DevOps / DevSecOps Architect

Job Title: Azure DevOps / DevSecOps Architect

Location: Dallas, TX

(4 days a week from office)

Contract

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Azure DevOps / DevSecOps Architect to design and implement enterprise-grade DevOps strategies and cloud-native solutions on Microsoft Azure. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technologist with a proven ability to architect scalable CI/CD ecosystems, automate infrastructure provisioning, and ensure security and compliance integration across the software delivery lifecycle. This role requires strong communication skills and experience engaging with C-level and senior leadership to drive strategic DevOps transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement end-to-end Azure DevOps and DevSecOps strategies aligned with enterprise cloud transformation goals.
• Architect and manage cloud-native CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or Jenkins for both application and infrastructure deployments.
• Partner with account leadership and stakeholders to shape and defend DevOps transformation strategies during C-level discussions and executive reviews.
• Lead the adoption of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) leveraging Terraform, Bicep, PowerShell, and YAML-based automation.
• Design, secure, and optimize Azure infrastructure components, including AKS, App Services, Key Vault, Storage Accounts, VNets, and Application Gateways.
• Integrate DevSecOps practices into pipelines, covering secrets management, dependency scanning, SAST/DAST, policy as code, and compliance automation.
• Collaborate with product teams, security, and operations to ensure reliability, observability, and compliance across environments.
• Provide architectural guidance and mentoring to development and operations teams.
• Document design patterns, reference architectures, and governance models to ensure consistency and scalability across cloud initiatives.

Required Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of IT experience, with at least 5 years in Azure DevOps and cloud-native architecture.
• Proven background in Cloud Architecture or Build and Release Engineering with large-scale enterprise systems.
• Deep hands-on experience with:
• Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or Jenkins (CI/CD design and administration)
• Terraform, Bicep, PowerShell, YAML scripting
• Azure Services: AKS, App Services, Key Vault, Storage, Networking, and Monitoring.
• Strong understanding of version control (Git), artifact management (Artifactory, Azure Artifacts, Nexus), and pipeline governance practices.
• Working knowledge of security automation, Azure Policy, Defender for Cloud, and Azure Monitor.
• Ability to engage confidently with C-suite and technical leaders, translating technical value into business impact.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills across cross-functional and multi-geography teams.

Preferred Certifications

• Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate (preferred)
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or DevSecOps Foundation (Plus)

Soft Skills

• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence architectural direction and DevOps maturity models.
• Comfortable navigating executive conversations, presenting business and technical value outcomes.

Agile mindset with experience in modern delivery frameworks