Azure Cloud Engineer

Azure Cloud Engineer6-month Contract to HireHybrid: 3x a week onsite in Charlotte, NCPlease make sure you read the following details carefully before making any applications.We are seeking a hands-on Azure Cloud Engineer to maintain, improve, and optimize our client's cloud infrastructure. This role focuses on Azure platform administration, Kubernetes (AKS), infrastructure automation, security, monitoring, and cloud cost management. The engineer will partner with networking, security, application, and data engineering teams to support secure, reliable, and scalable cloud environments.Key ResponsibilitiesAdminister, maintain, and troubleshoot Azure infrastructure to ensure performance, availability, and security.Manage Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), including cluster maintenance, upgrades, scaling, and operational support.Build and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform and Bicep.Automate infrastructure and operational tasks using PowerShell and/or Python.Maintain and support CI/CD workflows using Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions.Configure monitoring and observability with Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Grafana.Support identity, access management, security, and compliance using Microsoft Entra ID.Improve cloud resource utilization, cost efficiency, and governance practices.Support AI and agent-based workloads hosted in Azure, with secondary support for Snowflake, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL environments.Required Qualifications4+ years of hands-on cloud engineering experience, primarily with Microsoft Azure.Strong experience managing and supporting Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).Proficiency in Terraform and scripting with PowerShell and/or Python.Experience supporting CI/CD pipelines, Azure DevOps, and cloud monitoring solutions.Understanding of Azure networking, identity and access management, security, and infrastructure operations.Ability to troubleshoot production issues and collaborate with cross-functional technical teams.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Bicep, GitHub Actions, Grafana, and OpenTelemetry.Familiarity with AI or agent-based workloads running on Kubernetes.Exposure to Snowflake, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL.Microsoft Azure Administrator or Azure Solutions Architect certification. xhyhwjd BenefitsCompetitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with employer matching, paid time off, HSA contributions, career development opportunities, and fitness reimbursement.