Cloud Chief Platform Architect

The Chief Platform Architect role is responsible for defining and governing the enterprise cloud platform strategy for aviation systems, ensuring scalability, security, and compliance across AWS and Azure environments. This position drives platform modernization, multi-cloud adoption, and architecture governance for mission-critical aviation applications such as TOPS and CROAMIS.

Key Responsibilities

1. Platform Strategy & Architecture
• Define multi-cloud architecture standards for aviation workloads across AWS and Azure.
• Establish reference architectures for containerized workloads (Kubernetes, Docker) and hybrid deployments.
• Drive platform modernization roadmaps, including migration of legacy systems to cloud-native architectures.
2. Cloud Governance & Compliance
• Implement Zero Trust Architecture, identity-based access controls, and encryption strategies.
• Ensure compliance with FAA/EASA safety standards, GDPR, and enterprise security policies.
• Participate in Architecture Review Boards (ARB) and enforce governance across aviation programs.
3. Performance & Reliability
• Design high-availability, disaster recovery (DR), and multi-region failover strategies.
• Optimize cost and performance baselines for large-scale aviation operations.
4. DevOps & Automation
• Define CI/CD pipelines and GitOps practices for platform deployments.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform, ARM templates, and Crossplane.
5. Collaboration & Leadership
• Work closely with application architects, security teams, and business stakeholders.
• Mentor platform engineering teams and lead architectural discussions for aviation modernization.

Skills Required

Technical Skills

• Cloud Platforms: Deep expertise in AWS (EC2, VPC, IAM, S3, Lambda) and Azure (VMs, VNet, Azure AD, Key Vault).
• Containerization & Orchestration: Kubernetes (AKS/EKS), Helm, Kustomize.
• Infrastructure as Code: Terraform, ARM templates.
• Networking & Security: VPC, NSG, firewalls, VPNs, hybrid connectivity.
• Observability: Prometheus, Grafana, ELK, OpenTelemetry.
• DevOps Tools: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Argo CD.

Domain Knowledge

• Aviation platforms (TOPS, CROAMIS, Crew Management).
• FAA/EASA compliance and safety standards.

Soft Skills

• Strategic thinking and leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Certifications

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
• TOGAF or SAFe® Agilist for architecture governance.

Experience

• 12–18+ years in technology architecture roles.
• 6+ years in multi-cloud platform architecture (AWS + Azure).
• Proven track record in aviation IT modernization and large-scale enterprise solutions.