Microsoft 365 / Azure Architect - Los Angeles, CA

Microsoft 365 / Azure Architect - Los Angeles, CA

Client is seeking a Microsoft 365 and Azure Architect to lead the design, security, and ongoing optimization of an enterprise environment across one of the largest public transportation agencies in the United States. This role will architect identity, azure, cybersecurity, with direct accountability for the integrity, posture and design of the Microsoft 365 tenant, Azure subscriptions, and the hybrid infrastructure that connects these services.

The successful candidate is a hands-on expert who can translate Microsoft platform capabilities into measurable security, performance, and outcomes for a regulated government environment. This role requires deep technical authority in M365 and Azure, paired with the judgment to operate inside the constraints of public sector procurement, audit, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Microsoft 365 Architecture and Operations
• Azure Platform and Virtual Machines
• Security, Identity, and Compliance

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience considered in lieu of a degree.

Minimum 8 years of progressive experience designing and operating enterprise Microsoft environments, with at least 5 years focused on M365 and Azure at scale.

Expert-level command of Microsoft 365 administration, including hands-on experience with tenants of 10,000 accounts or more.

Demonstrated expertise in Azure IaaS and PaaS, with deep knowledge of Azure Virtual Machines, networking, storage, identity, and governance.

Strong working knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, Windows Server, certificate services, and traditional on-premises Microsoft infrastructure.

Proven track record applying NIST, CIS, or equivalent frameworks to Microsoft cloud environments.

Proficiency with PowerShell, including Microsoft Graph, Exchange Online, and Azure modules.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief both engineers and executives.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in a government, transit, utility, or other regulated public sector environment.

Active Microsoft certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Identity and Access Administrator, or Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert.

Experience with Microsoft Sentinel, Defender XDR, Purview, and Intune at enterprise scale.

CISSP, CCSP, or equivalent senior security certification.

Hands-on experience with infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and GitHub or Azure DevOps in a controlled-change environment.