Azure Cloud Architect&nbsp

Job Title: Azure Cloud Architect
Location: Houston, TX

Overview
We are seeking an experienced Cloud Architect to support a large-scale cloud transformation initiative driven by recent mergers and acquisitions. The organization is evolving its infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) model to a more mature, cloud-native and platform-as-a-service (PaaS)-focused environment on Microsoft Azure.
This role will play a critical part in defining enterprise cloud standards, guiding architectural decisions, and enabling the integration of newly acquired cloud-native applications into a scalable platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and evolution of enterprise cloud architecture on Microsoft Azure
• Define and implement cloud standards, governance models, and best practices across business units
• Provide architectural guidance for integrating M&A-acquired cloud-native applications into the existing ecosystem
• Drive the transition from IaaS-heavy deployments toward PaaS and cloud-native services
• Collaborate with application, infrastructure, and security teams to modernize legacy systems
• Develop reference architectures, roadmaps, and migration strategies
• Support cultural and technical transformation toward cloud-native engineering practices
• Ensure scalability, security, and cost optimization across cloud environments
• Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, including IT leadership and business teams

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in cloud architecture, consulting, or enterprise IT transformation
• Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS, networking, identity, security)
• Proven experience designing and implementing cloud-native architectures
• Experience working in integration or complex enterprise environments
• Deep understanding of:
  o Cloud governance and landing zones
  o Microservices and container-based architectures
  o DevOps and CI/CD practices
• Strong stakeholder management and consulting skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Azure-native services (e.g., App Services, AKS, Functions)
• Familiarity with frameworks like Azure Well-Architected Framework
• Certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Experience in energy, industrial, or manufacturing sectors
• Exposure to multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environments

Key Success Factors

• Ability to bridge traditional infrastructure teams with modern cloud-native development
• Strong communication skills to influence cultural and architectural change
• Strategic mindset with hands-on technical depth
• Experience building enterprise-wide cloud standards