Principal Cloud Architect

Principal Cloud Architect

This is a senior enterprise cloud leadership role responsible for defining and driving the organization's end-to-end cloud strategy and target architecture. You will lead the transformation from on-premise infrastructure to a scalable, secure, and cost-optimized cloud-first environment, with a strong focus on Microsoft Azure. The role combines architectural vision, hands-on technical governance, and team leadership across cloud engineering functions. You will design and enforce enterprise-grade standards for infrastructure, security, identity, and operations while ensuring reliability and performance across mission-critical systems. Acting as a key technical authority, you will guide cloud modernization, migration programs, and platform integration efforts across the enterprise. This position is ideal for a strategic cloud expert who can balance deep technical execution with long-term architectural vision and organizational leadership.

Accountabilities

• Define and maintain enterprise cloud architecture standards, reference models, landing zones, and governance frameworks to ensure scalable and secure cloud adoption.
• Own the enterprise cloud transformation roadmap, including migration strategy, target-state architecture, and operating model evolution.
• Architect and oversee highly available, secure, and resilient Azure-based solutions aligned with business continuity and disaster recovery requirements.
• Lead and mentor a team of Cloud Engineers, providing technical direction, design oversight, and performance guidance.
• Establish Infrastructure as Code standards and automation practices using tools such as Terraform, Azure CLI, and PowerShell.
• Drive cloud migration and modernization initiatives, including application assessment, rationalization, and cutover planning.
• Design and govern identity, access management, networking, and security architectures across hybrid and cloud environments.
• Implement cloud security, compliance, backup, recovery, and operational resilience standards across enterprise systems.
• Partner with DevOps, security, and application teams to implement CI/CD pipelines, observability, and reliability best practices.
• Lead cloud financial management practices, including cost optimization, forecasting, and governance of cloud spend.
• Support post-acquisition integration efforts, aligning inherited systems and environments into the enterprise cloud platform.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience in cloud engineering, infrastructure, or architecture roles, including 5+ years in senior cloud leadership positions.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure architecture, design, and enterprise-scale operations.
• Proven track record of leading cloud transformation initiatives from on-premise or hybrid environments to cloud-first models.
• Strong expertise in Azure landing zones, governance models, subscription design, and enterprise cloud operating frameworks.
• Deep knowledge of cloud security, including Microsoft Entra ID, hybrid identity, RBAC, zero trust, and privileged access management.
• Advanced experience with Infrastructure as Code and automation tools such as Terraform, Azure CLI, PowerShell, Ansible, or Puppet.
• Strong background in designing high-availability, fault-tolerant, and disaster recovery architectures.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Azure DevOps, monitoring, observability, and site reliability practices.
• Strong understanding of networking, APIs, databases, messaging systems, and enterprise integration patterns.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams and driving cross-functional architectural decisions.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from 100,000 to 135,000 USD annually based on experience and skills
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage options
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off, holidays, and flexible work arrangements
• Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• Career development, training, and structured career growth opportunities
• Additional benefits including employee assistance programs, pet insurance, and commuter benefits
• Educational assistance and employee discount programs