Lead Cloud Architect

Job Title : Lead Cloud Architect (Azure)

Location : On-site (Seattle, WA) 2-3 days per week (parking available for contractors)

Duration : 1 Year (Expected)

Position Overview :

We are seeking an experienced Lead Cloud Architect (Azure) to join our team for an exciting contract opportunity. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Azure architecture, migration strategies, and cloud security. As a Lead Cloud Architect, you will advise clients on best practices for in-place migrations, cloud-native migrations, and refactoring applications for Azure. You will also be responsible for providing architectural recommendations, conducting testing within Azure, and configuring Azure services to support agency-level objectives.

This role requires on-site work 2-3 days per week in Seattle, with parking available at no cost for contractors. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) will need to be signed for this position.

Key Responsibilities :

Cloud Architecture & Security : Advise clients on Azure architecture, security best practices, and strategies for optimizing their cloud environments.

Migration Strategy & Refactoring : Provide recommendations for lift-and-shift migrations and on-premise-to-cloud-native migrations. Advise on how to refactor applications for Azure to ensure scalability, security, and cost efficiency.

Testing & Validation : Conduct testing within Azure to demonstrate minimal viable products (MVP) of architectures, ensuring solutions meet technical and business requirements.

Azure Configurations : Make configurations to Azure-based services (e.g., Azure Key Vault, Azure AD, etc.) to align with client and agency objectives, ensuring smooth integration and operational efficiency.

Collaboration with External Parties : Engage with stakeholders from COV, MSI, and other connected parties to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals and to leverage relevant Azure offerings.

Documentation & Reporting : Maintain detailed architecture documentation, configurations, and test results to ensure clarity for stakeholders and teams.

Compliance & Best Practices : Ensure all solutions adhere to security, compliance, and governance standards for cloud environments.

Non-Disclosure Agreement : Sign an NDA to maintain the confidentiality of client and agency data.

Required Qualifications :

7+ years of experience in cloud architecture , specifically with Microsoft Azure .

Deep expertise in Azure Services (e.g., Azure Key Vault, Azure Active Directory, Azure Security Center, etc.).

Proven experience with Azure migration strategies , including lift-and-shift , and cloud-native migration / refactoring.

Strong understanding of cloud security principles and best practices, including identity and access management (IAM), encryption, compliance, and governance in Azure.

Hands-on experience with Azure configuration management and cloud automation tools (e.g., Azure Resource Manager, Azure Automation).

Experience conducting cloud testing to validate architectures and demonstrate MVPs of cloud-based solutions.

Strong understanding of hybrid cloud environments and integrating on-premise systems with Azure cloud solutions.

Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize cloud environments.

Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Willingness to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for confidentiality purposes.

Preferred Qualifications :

Azure certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Azure Security Engineer Associate are highly preferred.

Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform , ARM templates , or Azure Bicep .

Experience with cloud monitoring and cloud cost optimization in Azure.

Knowledge of DevOps and CI / CD practices within Azure environments.

Prior experience working with enterprise-level clients on large-scale cloud transformations.