Senior Azure Cloud Architect

Job Summary:
We are looking for an experienced and certified Senior Azure Cloud Architect to lead the design, development, and management of our Azure-based cloud infrastructure. This role involves transitioning from a third-party vendor-managed environment to a fully in-house cloud architecture. The ideal candidate will have over five years of Azure-specific experience across multiple facets of cloud computing, including cloud security, DevOps, infrastructure, and solution design.
As our Senior Azure Cloud Architect, you will be responsible for implementing cloud best practices, ensuring compliance with security protocols, and enabling the smooth functioning of Azure-hosted .NET applications, mobile applications, and data management. You will work closely with our DevOps and security teams to ensure scalability, operational excellence, and robust cloud architecture for our startup's ever-evolving needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cloud Architecture & Design: Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of Azure cloud services, ensuring a secure, scalable, and efficient cloud infrastructure.
• Security Best Practices: Implement and manage Azure security tools such as Azure Security Center, Key Vaults, and Azure Active Directory. Ensure all security policies comply with industry standards and best practices.
• Azure DevOps & Automation: Oversee CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and automation processes to ensure streamlined deployment and development workflows.
• Cloud Infrastructure Management: Design and maintain cloud infrastructure components such as virtual networks, virtual machines, storage, databases, and other Azure services required to run complex applications.
• Cloud Cost Optimization: Analyze, manage, and optimize cloud resource utilization and costs across the entire infrastructure.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure that the Azure infrastructure complies with organizational, governmental, and industry-specific regulations, including data privacy, security, and disaster recovery.
• Performance Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Monitor system performance, recommend and implement optimizations, and troubleshoot any issues related to Azure services, scaling, and infrastructure.
• Transition Management: Lead the transition from a third-party managed cloud service to an in-house managed service, ensuring no downtime or disruptions.
• Collaboration: Work closely with DevOps, engineering, and software development teams to align cloud architecture with application requirements.
• Innovation & Best Practices: Stay updated with the latest Azure cloud features, technologies, and best practices. Provide continuous improvements to the cloud infrastructure.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Azure Certification: Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience working with Azure cloud technologies in a hands-on architectural role.
• Cloud Security Expertise: Deep understanding of cloud security controls and tools, including identity and access management (IAM), firewalls, data encryption, and vulnerability assessments.
• DevOps Knowledge: Strong experience with Azure DevOps, including CI/CD pipelines, Git, Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using ARM templates, and Terraform.
• Cloud Infrastructure Management: Expertise in managing virtual networks, virtual machines, storage, Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, and other Azure services.
• Networking & Security: Strong knowledge of network protocols, security groups, VPNs, firewalls, and other security measures within an Azure environment.
• Disaster Recovery & Backups: Experience setting up and managing backup solutions, disaster recovery, and high availability in Azure.
• Problem Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills for cloud infrastructure and applications, with a proactive attitude to mitigate risks.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communication skills to work with cross-functional teams and clients. Ability to articulate cloud-based technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Programming Knowledge: Familiarity with .NET, Python, PowerShell, or other scripting languages.
• Mobile App Hosting: Experience with hosting mobile applications on Azure, using services like Azure App Services, Notification Hubs, and Mobile Apps.
• Containerization & Microservices: Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
• Monitoring Tools: Familiarity with Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and Log Analytics for infrastructure and application performance monitoring.