Lead DevOps Engineer

Job Title: Senior Lead DevOps Engineer (Azure)

Location: Remote (Must be based in the Eastern Time Zone)
Primary Office: Richmond, VA
Position Type: Direct Hire

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Lead DevOps Engineer to join a high-performing technology team supporting a leading organization. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in Azure cloud services, Kubernetes orchestration, CI/CD automation, and DevOps security-along with strong leadership and communication skills suited for a collaborative, enterprise-scale environment.

This position is responsible for leading the design, automation, and governance of cloud infrastructure and DevOps pipelines, enabling high availability, resilience, and compliance across mission-critical insurance applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead DevOps initiatives focused on scalability, reliability, and automation across Azure cloud environments.
  
• Design, implement, and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or CloudBees, ensuring efficient build, test, and release processes.
  
• Manage and optimize Kubernetes clusters (preferably AKS/K3S) for high availability and performance of containerized microservices.
  
• Implement and manage GitOps deployments via Argo CD, promoting version-controlled, declarative infrastructure management.
  
• Integrate Grafana and Prometheus for advanced system monitoring and observability.
  
• Architect and maintain cloud solutions leveraging Azure services: Front Door, Blob Storage, App Services, Function Apps, Logic Apps, Key Vault, Log Analytics, Application Insights, and Traffic Manager.
  
• Enhance DevOps security posture through tools such as Dependabot, CodeQL, SonarQube, XRay, and container scanning solutions.
  
• Oversee change management, architecture reviews, and compliance documentation, ensuring operational consistency and audit readiness.
  
• Collaborate cross-functionally with application, infrastructure, and data teams to deliver reliable, automated solutions.
  
• Implement cloud governance controls (Azure Policy, CIS benchmarks, tagging, Management Groups, Resource Graph Explorer) for compliance and cost optimization.
  
• Manage Artifactory/JFrog repositories for container and artifact version control.
  
• Support networking and infrastructure components, including DNS, routing, ports, VNets, subnets, peers, load balancers, and private endpoints.
  
• Utilize scripting and automation languages including PowerShell, Bash, Python, JSON, YAML, ARM templates, Terraform, and Ansible.
  
• Provide technical leadership: conduct architecture reviews, coach team members, manage priorities, and ensure cross-team collaboration.
  
• Experiment with AI tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, VS Code plug-ins) and support automation or agent-based integrations to accelerate productivity.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (Master's preferred).
  
• 8+ years of IT experience, including 5+ years in DevOps engineering and automation roles.
  
• Advanced expertise with Microsoft Azure, particularly IaaS/PaaS services, governance, and automation.
  
• Strong, hands-on experience with Kubernetes (AKS/K3S), containerization, and microservice architectures.
  
• Proven background managing CI/CD pipelines, GitOps deployments, and infrastructure as code (Terraform, ARM, Bicep, Ansible).
  
• Proficiency in monitoring, logging, and observability using Grafana, Prometheus, Log Analytics, and Application Insights.
  
• Demonstrated understanding of networking fundamentals, security hardening, and DevSecOps practices.
  
• Experience with VMware management, PowerCLI scripting, and hybrid cloud integrations.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills-able to lead meetings, evaluate proposals, communicate complex issues clearly, and mentor team members.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert, Azure Administrator Associate, or Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
  
• Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) and automation of CI/CD processes using AI.
  
• Knowledge of Java/Tomcat application deployments and database integrations in a microservice environment.
  

Team & Culture:

• Collaborative, calm, and solutions-focused environment emphasizing communication and shared success.
  
• Opportunities to lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and drive modernization efforts.
  
• Remote work flexibility while operating on Eastern Time Zone hours with a Richmond-based leadership team.
  

Why Join Us:

• Lead the modernization of a company's cloud and DevOps infrastructure.
  
• Work on cutting-edge Azure and Kubernetes projects, integrating AI and automation tools.
  
• Competitive compensation, professional development, and full remote flexibility in a supportive enterprise culture.
  
  #DICE