Azure Cloud Architect

Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Azure Cloud Architect to lead the design, governance, and implementation of enterprise cloud architecture across a hybrid and multi-cloud environment. This role is responsible for developing cloud architecture frameworks, standards, governance models, and best practices while partnering with business stakeholders and technology teams to deliver scalable, secure, resilient, and cost-effective cloud solutions. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Microsoft Azure, strong hybrid infrastructure knowledge, and hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC), cloud networking, security, and cloud migration strategies. The architect will serve as a trusted advisor, guiding engineering teams and influencing cloud strategy across the organization. Key Responsibilities Cloud Architecture & Strategy Design enterprise-grade Azure cloud architectures that align with business objectives, security policies, and compliance requirements. Develop cloud architecture standards, governance frameworks, reference architectures, and implementation guidelines. Assess existing applications and infrastructure for cloud readiness and create migration and modernization roadmaps. Design scalable, highly available, resilient, and cost-optimized cloud solutions. Create and maintain architecture diagrams and technical documentation using Microsoft Visio. Azure Platform & Cloud Services Architect solutions utilizing Azure compute services including Virtual Machines, Virtual Machine Scale Sets, and Azure Batch. Design storage solutions leveraging Azure Storage Accounts, Blob Storage, Azure Files, Queues, Tables, and Azure Data Lake. Architect data platforms using Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance, Cosmos DB, Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, Databricks, and Event Hubs. Design serverless and application hosting solutions using Azure Functions, App Services, Logic Apps, and App Service Environment (ASE). Design container-based solutions using AKS, Kubernetes, Docker, and OpenShift. Infrastructure as Code & Automation Develop and implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions using Terraform, ARM Templates, or Pulumi. Design and support CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, or similar automation platforms. Automate infrastructure provisioning and configuration management using Ansible, Chef, or Puppet. Drive cloud automation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and deployment consistency. Cloud Security & Governance Implement Azure security best practices including IAM, RBAC, NSGs, ASGs, WAF, Managed Identities, Service Principals, Azure Key Vault, Azure Defender for Cloud, and Azure Advisor. Design secure cloud architectures aligned with Zero Trust principles. Ensure compliance with industry frameworks including CIS, NIST, ISO 27001, and organizational security policies. Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to enhance cloud security posture and governance. Networking & Hybrid Cloud Design and implement enterprise networking solutions including Virtual Networks, Hub-and-Spoke architecture, VNet Peering, Application Gateway, Load Balancers, Traffic Manager, VPN Gateway, and ExpressRoute. Design hybrid cloud connectivity integrating on-premises infrastructure with Azure services. Optimize application delivery using Azure Front Door, Cloudflare, or Akamai CDN solutions. Support multi-cloud interoperability with Azure, AWS, GCP, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Performance Optimization & FinOps Optimize cloud resources for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency. Implement monitoring and observability using Azure Monitor, Azure Resource Health, Network Watcher, and SolarWinds. Develop disaster recovery and backup strategies aligned with business continuity objectives and RTO/RPO requirements. Apply FinOps principles to improve cloud cost visibility, governance, and optimization. Troubleshooting & Operational Support Provide technical leadership for complex cloud infrastructure issues. Perform root cause analysis using Azure-native monitoring and diagnostic tools. Guide engineering teams on architecture best practices and technical problem resolution. Collaboration & Leadership Partner with Infrastructure, Network, DevOps, Cybersecurity, Finance, Procurement, and Application teams to define cloud strategies. Translate business requirements into scalable technical architectures. Lead architecture reviews, technical discussions, and cloud governance initiatives. Mentor cloud engineers and promote adoption of cloud best practices across the organization. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 8+ years of overall IT infrastructure experience. 6 10 years of hands-on Microsoft Azure experience. Strong expertise designing enterprise Azure cloud architectures. Experience with hybrid cloud and on-premises infrastructure integration. Hands-on experience with Azure networking, security, governance, and automation. Experience implementing Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, ARM Templates, or Pulumi. Strong scripting skills using Azure PowerShell and Azure CLI. Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). Knowledge of disaster recovery, high availability, backup strategies, and business continuity planning. Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder management skills. Current Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) certification (strongly preferred).