Cloud Architect

Job#: 2089058

Job Description:

100% remote with occasional meetings in Dallas, TX

3-6 month contract to hire

Rate; $50-60hr

Salary: $135-165k

We are seeking an exceptionally talented and experienced Cloud Services Architect to join our organization. As a

Cloud Services Architect, you will play a crucial role in designing and implementing robust, scalable, and secure

cloud solutions using the Azure platform. Your deep expertise in Azure cloud technologies, combined with your

extensive experience in architecting complex systems, will be instrumental in driving the success of our cloud

initiatives. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Architect and Design: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and create comprehensive Cloud

Services Architectures that align with business goals, technical requirements, and best practices. Develop

high-level and detailed design documents for Azure cloud solutions, considering factors such as scalability,

reliability, security, performance, and cost optimization.

Azure Cloud Expertise: Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of Azure services, features, and

capabilities, and leverage this knowledge to architect innovative solutions that meet specific project

objectives. Stay up to date with the latest advancements in Azure, AWS and Google cloud technologies

and provide recommendations on adopting new services or features that can enhance system

performance and efficiency.

Cloud Strategy: Contribute to the development and refinement of the organizations cloud strategy,

ensuring alignment with industry trends, business needs, and regulatory requirements. Provide guidance

and thought leadership on leveraging Azure services and tools to drive business value, accelerate time to

market, and optimize operations.

Solution Implementation: Lead and oversee the implementation of Azure cloud solutions, working closely

with development teams, infrastructure teams, and stakeholders. Provide technical guidance, review

solution designs, and ensure adherence to architectural principles, standards, and best practices.

Security and Compliance: Collaborate with security teams to design and implement robust security

controls and compliance frameworks within cloud environments. Assess and mitigate risks, identify

vulnerabilities, and establish secure access controls, data encryption, and threat monitoring mechanisms.

Performance Optimization: Identify performance bottlenecks and scalability challenges within Azure cloud

solutions and provide recommendations to optimize system performance, resilience, and availability.

Conduct performance testing and analysis, and fine-tune configurations to ensure optimal utilization of

Azure resources.

Technical Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert and provide mentorship to junior cloud architects

and engineers. Conduct training sessions, knowledge sharing, and documentation to promote the

adoption of best practices and ensure a high level of technical excellence within the team. Complete

assigned helpdesk tickets/requests in a timely and professional manner. Ensure strict compliance with the Bank's policies and procedures, code of conduct, and regulatory guidelines. Assist other employees by liaising with them through healthy and positive interactions. Continuously update skills by participating in professional training

Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Develop and maintain automation scripts using Terraform, ARM templates,

to ensure efficient cloud deployments.

Hybrid Cloud & Integration: Architect hybrid cloud solutions integrating on-premises systems with Azure

services like Azure Files, ExpressRoute, and VPN Gateway

Emerging Technologies: Stay up to date with advancements in AI, ML, Open Banking APIs, and Blockchain

to explore innovative banking solutions. Experience in Open Banking and API management

All other tasks, responsibilities, or duties, as directed by management.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions.

COMPETENCIES

Excellent communication and people skills

Ability to use the computer efficiently and the capacity to learn new software programs as they are rolled

out by the Bank.

Must possess basic English language skills to write and speak clearly, and effectively with coworkers and

customers.

Must be well-organized, accurate, and attentive to detail.

Must be cooperative and willing to assist coworkers and customers on a regular basis.

Must possess excellent multi-tasking skills and be able to function well under pressure.

Must be able to remain composed under pressure and respond to customer and coworker concerns

regularly.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience of 8-10 years' experience in an applicable

technology field.

Experience:

o Experience (minimum of 8-10 years) in architecting and implementing Azure cloud solutions.

o Strong knowledge of Azure services, including Azure Virtual Machines, Azure App Services, Azure

Functions, Azure Storage, Azure Networking, Azure Security, and Azure Governance.

o Experience in designing reliable, scalable, and fault-tolerant cloud architectures.

o Deep understanding of cloud computing principles, DevOps practices, and infrastructure-as-code

concepts.

o Strong expertise in designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines, automation frameworks, and

infrastructure provisioning using tools like Azure DevOps, Azure Resource Manager templates, or

GitHub.

o Experience with hybrid cloud environments, including connectivity between on-premises and

cloud resources.

o Strong knowledge of networking concepts, including IP addressing, subnets, VPN, VNET peering,

and ExpressRoute.

o Demonstrated experience in implementing security controls and compliance frameworks within

Azure, including Azure Security Center, Azure Key Vault, Azure Defender for Cloud, and Azure

Policy.

o Experience with other cloud service providers like Amazon or Google.

Certifications/Specific Knowledge: Good interpersonal skills, good computer skills, ability to read, write,

speak, and understand English. Relevant Azure certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions

Architect Expert or similar certifications are highly desirable. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

or equivalent.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a retirement plan (401k or local country equivalent) program. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.