Cloud Infrastructure Architect

Job Description
The Cloud Solutions Architect will support the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in leading cloud computing initiatives within the Data Center Operations (DCO) Service Delivery organization. This position performs advanced, senior-level technology architecture work supporting HHS-wide technology needs, working closely with DCO Service Delivery Management, the CTO, HHS Enterprise Architects, portfolio managers, application development teams, and business stakeholders. The role focuses on IT modernization and transformation initiatives, including the design and architecture of cloud infrastructure across SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS delivery models. The Cloud Solutions Architect 2 will act independently or as part of a workgroup, applying agile development practices, and is responsible for the quality and timely delivery of assigned work. This position operates under minimal direction with considerable latitude for independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead DCO Service Delivery strategic efforts supporting both project delivery and steady-state operations.
• Develop architectural blueprints, network topologies, and technical specifications that support business requirements through appropriate cloud services.
• Serve as lead cloud engineer, defining, guiding, and delivering technology initiatives that address specific business needs.
• Perform advanced, senior-level computer systems analysis, including planning, assessment of user requirements, and identification of system improvements.
• Drive and lead cross-functional initiatives involving agency systems, IT groups, and other state entities, including coordination, planning, and scheduling.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and integration pipelines to streamline deployments and scale resources.
• Ensure solution designs comply with applicable data security requirements, including HIPAA and HHSC best practices.
• Design, develop, and administer highly scalable systems across cloud-based provider services, including reporting and system integration.
• Lead and participate in solution implementation, including problem-solving, systems analysis, code development or revision, testing, and installation.
• Identify gaps between current and desired technical states and develop approaches to close them, including collaboration with HHS IT groups.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 7 years of experience with the limitations and capabilities of computer systems, information technology equipment, applicable programming languages, computer hardware and software, and computer operating systems.
• 7 years of experience with new cloud technologies and the analytical services available from major cloud services providers.
• 7 years of experience with cloud delivery models: PaaS, SaaS, IaaS.
• 7 years of experience with agile (scrum) methodology and scrum ceremonies.
• 7 years of experience with cloud-based services for AWS, Microsoft Azure, or GCP.
• 7 years of experience with cloud-based network design principles.
• 7 years of experience in data governance, security, and compliance in cloud environments.
• 7 years of experience in technical writing and diagramming, including proficiency with modeling and mapping tools (e.g., Visio), the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and MS Project.
• 7 years of experience as a technology architect for software development, data analytics, performance management systems, or data warehousing projects, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• 7 years of experience analyzing technology systems capabilities, limitations, defects, and business problems to draw evidence-based conclusions and devise solutions.
• 7 years of experience with cloud computing DevOps principles (CI/CD), containerization, deploying and configuring microservices, and Kubernetes architecture deployment, scaling, and maintenance.
• 7 years of experience supporting application Kubernetes clusters and serverless infrastructure, including APIs pertaining to cloud infrastructure services and integrations.
• 7 years of experience with cloud automation using Ansible, Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, and Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates.
• 7 years of experience with cloud and performance monitoring, auditing, logging, and operations tools such as Sysdig Secure (CNAPP), Dynatrace, and cloud native toolsets (AWS CloudWatch, GCP Cloud Operations, Azure Monitor, OCI Monitoring).
• 7 years of experience with automation using command language scripting (Bash, Korn, PowerShell, Cloud CLI, Kubernetes Helm) and third-party tools.
• 7 years of experience with declarative and imperative languages (YAML, JSON, Ruby, HCL) and infrastructure-as-code tools (Ansible, Docker, Terraform).
• 7 years of experience working under pressure while managing multiple overlapping deadlines and handling multiple cross-agency projects.
• 7 years of experience coordinating multiple assignments and projects, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• 7 years of experience leading and providing direction to team members.
• 7 years of experience leading the creation of best practices and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8 years of experience with the limitations and capabilities of computer systems, information technology equipment, applicable programming languages, computer hardware and software, and computer operating systems.
• 8 years of experience with new cloud technologies and the analytical services available from major cloud services providers.
• 8 years of experience with cloud delivery models: PaaS, SaaS, IaaS.
• 8 years of experience with cloud-based services for AWS, Microsoft Azure, or GCP.
• 8 years of experience with cloud-based network design principles.
• Experience with cloud computing DevOps principles (CI/CD), containerization, deploying and configuring microservices, and Kubernetes architecture deployment, scaling, and maintenance.
• 8 years of experience with declarative and imperative languages (YAML, JSON, Ruby, HCL) and infrastructure-as-code tools (Ansible, Docker, Terraform).
• Knowledge of and/or hands-on experience with cloud database services (relational/NoSQL and SQL/Oracle), data lakes, and cloud ETL/ELT best practices across structured and unstructured data.
• 8 years of experience architecting, engineering, or developing enterprise IT solutions in cloud and hybrid environments.
• 5 years of knowledge of AI services and configuration available from major cloud services providers.
• 5 years of knowledge of data pipelines, ETL processes, and big data frameworks.

Additional Requirements

• Candidates may be required to submit to and satisfy a criminal background check, as authorized by Texas law.
• Candidates must be local to the Austin, Texas area, within a 50-mile radius .

Work Location and Schedule

Location: 701 W. 51st, Austin, Texas 78751.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays; work outside normal business hours on weekends, evenings, and holidays may be required as needed and must be pre-approved.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 3 days remote and 2 days (Thursday and Friday) required onsite.