Enterprise Architect Cloud

title: Enterprise Architect Cloud (Deep expertise in Microsoft Azure cloud services)
Location: Washington, Dc (Hybrid/Remote)
duration: 6+ Months, possible extn.
security clearance: Public Trust

Remote work with the occasional once a quarter onsite requirement.

Hybrid- up to fully remote, with occasional / ad hoc on-site meetings for specific discussions, scheduled in advance.

Enterprise Architect for Cloud Services you will be responsible for leading the design and implementation of the organization's cloud architecture, ensuring that it aligns with business objectives, IT strategies, and industry best practices. You will play a key role in developing cloud migration strategies, optimizing cloud infrastructure, and guiding teams in the adoption and management of cloud-based technologies. Your expertise will influence key decisions related to cloud technologies and enterprise system integration, ensuring that cloud solutions are secure, reliable, and future-ready. This work is located onsite in the DC area.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead the design and implementation of cloud architecture strategies, aligning cloud initiatives with overall business goals.
Develop cloud solutions that are scalable, secure, high-performing, and cost-efficient, leveraging cloud platforms - primarily Azure with potential to explore AWS. Google Cloud, and other providers.
Create and manage the organization s cloud architecture roadmap, ensuring alignment with IT and business priorities.
Provide guidance on cloud adoption, ensuring the effective use of cloud resources across the enterprise.
Oversee and guide the migration of on-premises systems, applications, and workloads to cloud platforms, ensuring minimal disruption and optimized performance.
Design hybrid cloud and multi-cloud strategies for integrating on-premises systems with cloud environments.
Drive the adoption of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices using tools like Terraform to enable efficient cloud resource management.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior management and technical teams, providing guidance on cloud architecture and cloud-native application development.
Ensure that teams follow agile, DevOps, and CI/CD methodologies in cloud application development and deployment.
Stay up-to-date with emerging cloud technologies, industry trends, and innovations to keep the organization ahead of the curve.

Qualifications:
Bachelor s or Master s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in cloud architecture, enterprise architecture, or similar roles, with a focus on designing and implementing cloud solutions for enterprise-scale organizations.
Deep expertise in Microsoft Azure cloud services
Experience with cloud-native application architectures, including microservices, containers (Docker, Kubernetes), serverless computing, and CI/CD pipelines.
Proficient in cloud security practices, including identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and network security.
Strong understanding of DevOps principles and practices.
Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, or Ansible.
Experience with cloud cost management and optimization strategies.
Ability to translate business requirements into cloud architectural solutions and optimize them for scalability, security, and performance.
Proven ability to lead technical teams, guide cloud adoption strategies, and mentor junior architects and engineers.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:
Azure Solutions Architect Certifications
Strong background in automation tools, such as Jenkins, GitLab, or CircleCI, for cloud-based software development and deployment.
Familiarity with cloud governance tools and platforms (e.g., CloudHealth, CloudBolt).
Experience in building and managing cloud-based data lakes, big data architectures, or AI/ML infrastructure.