Azure Architect

Position: Azure Architect

Duration: 6 months

Remote Work

Interview Mode: Both Webcam and In Person

Special Requirement:

• This role will be open to remote candidates, so please vet and submit with the best candidate.
• If a candidate is willing to relocate, that would be a plus.
• All hardware (laptops, monitors, etc.) will be provided by DHR.
• We expect this to be a long-term contract
• The Department of Human Resources (DHR) for the State of Alabama is seeking an experienced Azure Analyst to support and maintain critical cloud infrastructure for the ACES application environments.

Job Description:

This role will play a key part in ensuring the health, security, and performance of Azure resources while collaborating with the Alabama Office of Information Technology (OIT). Additionally, the Azure Analyst will provide training and knowledge transfer to existing DHR staff to empower them to manage and troubleshoot these systems effectively.

Responsibilities

Azure Resource Management:

• Maintain and optimize Azure resources such as Azure Front Door, Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF), Key Vault, and other components critical to the ACES application.
• Ensure the performance, security, and availability of the ACES application environments.
• Monitor and address infrastructure health, implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks and improve system reliability.

Governance and Security:

• Enforce security policies and best practices within the Microsoft Azure Gov Cloud environment.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Collaboration and Support:

• Work closely with the Alabama Office of Information Technology (OIT) to align Azure resources and policies with broader state IT initiatives.
• Act as a liaison between DHR and OIT for Azure-related matters.

Training and Knowledge Transfer:

• Provide hands-on training to current DHR staff on Azure resources, ensuring they understand functionality and troubleshooting techniques.
• Develop documentation and guides to facilitate ongoing staff learning and independence.

Required /Desired Skills:

• Proven experience managing and maintaining Microsoft Azure resources, including Azure Front Door, Imperva WAF, and Key Vault.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Azure Gov Cloud environments and security best practices.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a focus on cloud performance and availability.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to non-technical staff.
• Experience collaborating with multiple teams, including IT departments, in a government or enterprise environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Certifications in Microsoft Azure (e.g., Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert).
• Prior experience working with government agencies or in regulated environments.
• Demonstrated success in providing technical training and mentorship.

Required/Desired Skills

• Required 5 years of experience with Firewall and/or azure front door/WAF
• Required 5 years of experience with Azure networking (Virtual Network, ExpressRoute, Load Balancers).
• Required 5 years of understanding of Azure security features like Azure AD, role-based access control (RBAC), encryption, and Azure Security Center
• Required 5 years of knowledge of Azure core services like Virtual Machines, App Services, Functions, Kubernetes (AKS), and storage solutions
• Required 5 years of ability to design scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions
• Required 5 years of Knowledge of data governance and compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, IRS 1075)
• Required 5 years of experience Familiarity with Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and Log Analytics to ensure performance and reliability