Azure Cloud Architect

Position   :  Azure Cloud Architect

Location   :  Richmond, VA USA  - Locals only

Mode of Work: Hybrid

Mode of Interview: Both Web Cam and In Person Interview

DURATION: 1 year expected

• Pls note: The mgr has not been able to find candidates with the combination of SR level technical experience as an Azure Cloud Architect along with solid communications skills needed for this role. Candidates so far have not been about to clearly articulate the experience that is on their resume during the interviews.
• ON SITE REQUIRED: 2-3 days/week (parking available on site at no cost for contractors)
• Pls make sure you are technically vetting anyone you plan to submit and make sure they are not using any AI tools to assist them during your vetting process.
•  **Pls note: Mgr will do initial Virtual (Web based IV) but reserves the right to do a follow up IN PERSON interview if they deem necessary. Pls make sure your candidate is aware.
• Lastly, pls note that some on site is REQUIRED; do not submit if they cannot agree to this arrangement.

• Azure Architect will be advising agency on architecture and security concerns associated with Azure including in-place migrations/refactoring.
• Architect will need to make recommendations on lift and shift and on-premise to cloud native migrations.
• Architect will need to make recommendations with refactoring within Azure environment.
• Architect will need to conduct testing within Azure to show minimal viable product of an architecture.
• Architect will need to understand available offerings from COV, MSI and other connected parties.
• Architect will make configurations to Azure in support of agency-level objectives.  Configurations will be primarily to Azure-based services.
• Architect will need to sign Non-Disclosure Agreement.

• 5 years — Strong knowledge of cloud fundamentals
• 5 years — Expertise in single-cloud and multi-cloud strategies and their business/technical implications5 years — Designing end-to-end cloud solutions aligned with business and technical requirements
• 5 years — Advanced Azure networking and storage architecture experience
• 5 years — Strong hands-on experience with Azure services (Azure Key Vault, Entra ID, etc.)
• 5 years — Experience with Azure Functions, Web Apps/App Services, containers, microservices, and serverless architectures
• 5 years — Knowledge of cloud security principles (Zero Trust, network segmentation, JIT access, conditional access)
• 5 years — Experience architecting high-availability solutions and planning for RPO/RTO in Azure
• 5 years — Strong documentation skills (position papers, architecture documents, technical design documentation)
• 5 years — Managing cloud security posture (vulnerability remediation, perimeter defense, encryption in transit/at rest)
• 5 years — DevOps knowledge/experience (Azure DevOps, GitHub Enterprise Cloud)
• 5 years — Experience with database/storage technologies (SQL Server, Oracle, Cosmos DB, and other non-relational databases) On-premises architecture experience
• 5 years — Excellent communication skills
• 2 years — Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect (certificate required)