Azure Core Infrastructure Architect (Locals only)

Azure Core Infrastructure Architect

Location: Saint Paul, MN (Hybrid)

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Azure Core Infrastructure Architect to lead the design, implementation, and governance of Microsoft Azure-based infrastructure solutions. This role requires deep technical expertise across Azure IaaS and PaaS services, infrastructure automation, networking, identity, and security. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, able to architect scalable, secure, and resilient cloud environments aligned with enterprise standards and business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of Azure infrastructure services including compute, storage, networking, identity, and monitoring.
• Define cloud infrastructure standards, reference architectures, and reusable patterns for IaaS, PaaS, and hybrid environments.
• Partner with application, data, and security teams to align Azure solutions with business needs and compliance requirements.
• Develop Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
• Oversee implementation of Azure governance policies including RBAC, resource tagging, management groups, cost controls, and policy enforcement.
• Design and implement hybrid connectivity (VPN, ExpressRoute), network segmentation (vNETs, NSGs, Azure Firewall), and identity integrations (Azure AD, SSO, MFA).
• Lead cloud migration and modernization efforts, providing architecture guidance and performance optimization strategies.
• Define RTO/RPO strategies and design high-availability/disaster recovery architecture for critical systems.
• Ensure security best practices and zero-trust principles are applied in all designs.
• Create documentation, diagrams, and architecture artifacts that support operations and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with DevOps, security, and operations teams to drive automation, monitoring, and support models.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years of IT infrastructure experience with at least 3+ years in Azure architecture roles
• Strong experience in core Azure services: vNETs, NSGs, Load Balancers, Azure AD, Azure Monitor, Azure Policy, Azure Backup, and Azure Storage
• Proficiency in scripting and IaC tools (e.g., Terraform, PowerShell, Bicep)
• Expertise in network design and hybrid connectivity between on-prem and Azure
• Understanding security and compliance requirements for enterprise cloud environments
• Experience in designing HA and DR solutions in cloud-native and hybrid environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification (AZ-305).
• Experience with multi-cloud and interconnectivity (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud Platform).
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
• Experience with enterprise CMDB, ITSM, and automation platforms.
• Knowledge of infrastructure cost management and FinOps practices.