Principal Cloud Architect

Job Description

Job Description

Principal Cloud Architect 11067

The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on cloud engineering expertise with strong architectural leadership. This is a senior individual-contributor role focused on cloud strategy, infrastructure automation, Kubernetes, security, and emerging AI technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement cloud architecture standards, governance frameworks, and security controls across AWS and Azure.

• Design scalable multi-cloud environments, including landing zones, networking, hybrid connectivity, and Kubernetes platforms (AKS/EKS).

• Establish Infrastructure as Code (IaC) standards using Terraform and drive cloud automation initiatives.

• Architect cloud networking solutions, including routing, private connectivity, DNS, and network security.

• Develop cloud data platform architectures supporting enterprise analytics and data processing.

• Design infrastructure supporting AI/ML workloads, GPU computing, model inference, and AI-driven automation.

• Implement DevSecOps best practices, cloud security standards, and policy-as-code controls.

• Provide technical leadership, architecture reviews, and mentorship to cloud engineering teams.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to communicate technical strategies, architectural decisions, and risks.

• Develop architecture documentation and operational standards to support scalable cloud environments.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive experience in cloud engineering and senior-level cloud architecture.

• Strong hands-on expertise with AWS and Azure in enterprise environments.

• Experience designing and managing Kubernetes platforms (AKS/EKS) at scale.

• Advanced knowledge of cloud networking, security, and hybrid connectivity.

• Strong proficiency with Terraform and Infrastructure as Code .

• Experience implementing cloud governance, security guardrails, and policy-as-code.

• Knowledge of DevSecOps, cloud automation, and identity management.

• Proven ability to influence technical teams and communicate with senior stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HPC, GPU infrastructure, or large-scale computing environments.

• Knowledge of AI/ML infrastructure, model serving, and AI-driven automation.

• Experience with enterprise cloud data platforms.

• Background supporting regulated or high-availability environments.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.

• CCNA or equivalent networking knowledge.

Certifications

One or more preferred:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate or Professional)

Role Structure

This is a hands-on, senior individual-contributor position responsible for setting cloud architecture direction and guiding engineering teams. The role emphasizes technical decision-making, platform design, and architectural leadership rather than direct people management.

#ZR \nCompany Description

Thomas Edwards Group is an Executive Search Firm specializing in the direct hire and interim placement of Accounting, Finance, HR and IT professionals. We’ve been in business since 1997 and the Dallas Business Journal has ranked us a Top Search Firm in Dallas and one of the “Best Places to Work” multiple times. Thomas Edwards Group also made the Inc. 5000 list in 2016 and our award-winning team of Search Consultants, which rank among the best and most experienced in the area, includes MBAs, CPAs, former Big 4 Professionals, Controllers, IT Search Professionals, Finance/Banking, and Business Professionals.

Company Description

Thomas Edwards Group is an Executive Search Firm specializing in the direct hire and interim placement of Accounting, Finance, HR and IT professionals. We’ve been in business since 1997 and the Dallas Business Journal has ranked us a Top Search Firm in Dallas and one of the “Best Places to Work” multiple times. Thomas Edwards Group also made the Inc. 5000 list in 2016 and our award-winning team of Search Consultants, which rank among the best and most experienced in the area, includes MBAs, CPAs, former Big 4 Professionals, Controllers, IT Search Professionals, Finance/Banking, and Business Professionals.