Azure .NET APIM Architect

Role: Azure .NET APIM Architect

Location: Chicago, IL 

Job Type: Hybrid / Full-time

Key Skills:

Azure APIM, Azure DevOps, Logic APPS , Core .NET development , API Development , App Modernization, Microservices architecture, CI/CD pipelines , Azure AI services

Job Summary

OptimeTech is seeking a highly skilled Azure Architect to lead enterprise-wide Azure rollouts and API development initiatives. The ideal candidate must have deep expertise in Azure API Management (APIM), CI/CD Pipelines, Function/Logic Apps, and Enterprise Azure Architecture. This is a Chicago-based role, requiring local candidates due to hybrid work arrangements.

Non-Negotiable Skills & Experience:

• Azure API Management (APIM) – Setup, API Development, Security & Integration
• Azure Function Apps & Logic Apps – Serverless workflows & event-driven architecture
• Azure CI/CD – Building and managing pipelines, setting up environments & release management
• Enterprise Azure Rollouts – Proven experience in designing and implementing large-scale Azure architectures
• Chicago-based Candidates – This is a critical requirement for the role

Negotiable / Preferred Skills:

• AI/ML Solutions – Azure Cognitive Services, OpenAI, ML Pipelines (Preferred but not mandatory)
• Microsoft Fabric – Experience with analytics, data transformation & governance (Nice to have)
• Data Warehousing & Integration – Azure Data Factory (ADF), Databricks, MS SQL Server
• Mulesoft / Other Integration Tools – API development, system integration using Mulesoft or alternatives

Key Responsibilities

API Development & Azure APIM Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain APIs using Azure API Management (APIM), ensuring secure, scalable, and reliable solutions.
• Design and manage APIM policies including authentication, transformation, rate-limiting, caching, and security.
• Integrate APIs with backend data systems such as MS SQL Server, Azure Data Factory (ADF), and Databricks.

Enterprise Azure Architecture & Integration

• Lead the design and deployment of enterprise-scale Azure solutions, ensuring best practices in scalability and security.
• Architect Azure-based system integration using Function Apps, Logic Apps, and Service Bus.
• Enable hybrid cloud connectivity, integrating on-premise and cloud-based applications seamlessly.

CI/CD Implementation & DevOps

• Set up and manage Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines, configuring variables, environments, and release management workflows.
• Automate deployments of APIs, infrastructure, and data workflows using ARM templates, Terraform, and PowerShell scripts.
• Implement Azure Monitoring, Logging & Alerting for proactive system performance tracking.

Data & Integration (Preferred but Not Mandatory)

• Build and manage data pipelines using Azure Data Factory (ADF) for seamless data ingestion and transformation.
• Optimize SQL Server queries and data models for performance and reliability.
• Write efficient Scala & PySpark code in Databricks for large-scale data processing.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in IT, with 5+ years in Azure architecture & cloud solutions.
• Hands-on expertise in Azure PaaS, APIM, Function Apps, and CI/CD pipeline setup.
• Proven track record in designing & implementing enterprise-scale Azure architectures.
• Strong knowledge of API security, authentication mechanisms (OAuth, JWT), and API traffic management.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (PowerShell, Terraform, YAML) for automation.
• Experience with system integration tools