Principal Cloud Architect

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Principal Cloud Architect in Salt Lake City, UT.

Summary:
We are hiring a Principal Cloud Architect to lead enterprise cloud strategy and infrastructure modernization. This role drives innovation across AWS, Azure, and OCI, designing scalable, resilient solutions that meet business and technical goals. You will guide architecture decisions, mentor engineering teams, and ensure our cloud platforms support high availability, disaster recovery, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the design and hands-on implementation of cloud-native architectures across AWS, Azure, and OCI
* Translate business needs into scalable cloud solutions, balancing performance, cost, and resilience
* Drive the modernization of infrastructure through automation, DevOps practices, and CI/CD pipelines
* Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, including GenAI and agentic automation tools
* Architect and maintain fault-tolerant, highly available workloads with built-in backup and disaster recovery aligned to RTO/RPO and SLA targets
* Conduct architectural reviews and post-deployment assessments to ensure alignment with governance and performance standards
* Mentor cloud engineers and foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture
* Develop and deliver internal technical content including white papers, training materials, and summit presentations
* Collaborate with product teams to support testing, validation, and DevOps enablement
* Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts for cloud operations
* Support hybrid integrations with on-prem systems and third-party platforms
* Ensure compliance with data governance and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, PCI, SOX)

REQUIREMENTS:
* 6+ years of experience managing production workloads in cloud environments; Container platforms, preferably Kubernetes
* Experience building CI/CD pipelines using modern tooling
* Experience with core AWS service
* Experience with cloud governance tools (AWS Config, Inspector, Lambda)
* Extensive hands-on experience architecting and operating cloud environments (AWS, Azure, OCI)
* Deep expertise in infrastructure automation using Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible, Chef, or Puppet
* Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, Java, Node.js, Ruby, PowerShell)
* Proven experience with container orchestration platforms (Kubernetes, EKS, ECS)
* Familiarity with CI/CD tools such as Octopus Deploy, Jenkins, Argo CD, and AWS CodePipeline
* Solid understanding of Git workflows, feature flagging, and trunk-based development
* Experience with observability tools (Dynatrace, Prometheus, Grafana, CloudWatch, New Relic)
* Knowledge of DevOps, Agile, Scrum, and ITIL methodologies
* Strong communication, documentation, and stakeholder engagement skills
* Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence technical direction

Preferred Qualifications:
* AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional or Solutions Architect Professional
* Experience supporting remote learning platforms and distance education technologies
* Proficiency in multiple programming languages including Python, Java, and Golang
* Expertise in serverless architecture and cloud cost optimization
* Experience integrating cloud services with enterprise platforms (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Ellucian Banner)
* Familiarity with compliance frameworks for sensitive data (PII, FTI, FERPA, HIPAA, PCI, SOX)
* Advanced skills in JSON and YAML configuration management

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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