Azure Cloud Architect

Title: Azure Cloud Architect

Location: Remote

Duration: 12 Months

JOB DESCRIPTION
Searching for a skilled professional with excellent consultative abilities to assume the position of a Lead Consultant in our Cloud services offerings. This individual will serve in a strategic role, collaborating with internal and client project teams to offer direction in designing, implementing, and supporting our Azure cloud capability and service offerings. The consultant will also provide technical support for sales, solution management, and account teams during the scoping of new Cloud migration and optimization opportunities.

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Design and deploy highly available, scalable and secure cloud infrastructure with a focus on Azure (AWS and/or Google Cloud Platform is a plus) using industry best practices leveraging the WAF and CAF frameworks.
• Implement infrastructure migration methodologies and techniques to migrate workloads into Azure.
• Design and develop automation to support continuous delivery and continuous integration process.
• Work closely with the Development and Operations teams to build and maintain CI/CD pipelines to support automated deployment of infrastructure.
• Understanding of Azure Database technologies (both IaaS and PaaS) and options to support the migration process. This will include and not limited to Azure database migration technologies and refactoring options.
• Analyze and resolve configuration issues in development, test, and production environments.
• Build effective monitoring, logging and auditing of production systems to ensure compliance with mandated compliance policies (e.g., HIPAA).
• Experience implementing secure (zero trust) infrastructure on Azure.
• Conduct assessments of the clients existing cloud infrastructure, identify issues, risks, optimization opportunities, and recommend executable strategies.
• Create customer delivery documentation such as assessments, as well as implementation and configuration documents, test plans and run books.
• Lead a team of engineers, providing guidance, mentorship, and technical expertise.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including security, IT operations, and application teams, to ensure seamless integration of cloud solutions.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• 8+ years in enterprise architecture with 6+ years designing cloud-based solutions, including leading full-scale Azure migrations
• Deep knowledge of Azure's Well-Architected Framework (WAF) and Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF)
• Proven experience building scalable, secure, and right-sized Azure Landing Zones
• Hands-on exposure to AWS and/or Google Cloud Platform, with a strong understanding of multi-cloud strategies
• Conducted Well-Architected Reviews, IT Maturity Assessments, and Application Portfolio Evaluations
• Proficient in Infrastructure as Code using tools such as Terraform, ARM Templates, and Bicep, with CI/CD pipeline integration
• Familiarity with on-prem technologies such as Active Directory, VMware, DNS, and hybrid cloud integration
• Experience with Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and Batch for scalable, event-driven architectures
• Led cross-functional teams in Agile environments, with strong collaboration and mentoring skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex architectures to both technical and business audiences
• In an architect role, experienced with leading team of developers and other technical professionals in an Agile delivery framework
• Positive relationship builder able to navigate through complex situations to ensure the most robust and pragmatic solution
• Strong analytical skills and the aptitude to quickly identify gaps and risks
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills including the ability to help stakeholders navigate the trade-offs and alternatives to various solution architectures
• BA/BS required, preferably in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related fields (applicable education and experience may be substituted)
• Advanced degree (MS) in a quantitative discipline preferred (applicable experience may be substituted)
• Technical Requirements:
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is required
• Strong scripting skills in PowerShell, Bash, Python or Terraform for DevOps and infrastructure automation
• Familiarity with compliance requirements for NIST, ISO, SOX, HIPAA, and cloud security best practices
• Experience with source control and CI/CD pipelines for cloud deployments
• Skilled in integrating cloud services with on-prem systems from Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, etc.
• Led large-scale data center/cloud migrations to Azure
• Proficient with configuration management tools such as Azure Policy, Chef, and Puppet
• Experience managing a backlog and delivery team of technical and non-technical professionals
• Leadership experience and executive level communication and facilitation skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to analyze complex issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills including demonstrated proficiency in clearly communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences in business terminology
• Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism in all client communications
• Ability to influence others, build relationships, and manage conflicts
• Highly motivated, consultative, problem solving mindset
• Brief management, as needed, on the status of action items and/or results of these activities
• Prior consulting experience is a nice to have