PRIMARY PURPOSE: To design and implement secure, scalable, and highly available cloud reference architecture that drives the deployment of applications in a cloud environment. They are responsible for driving the overall design and architecture standards for ***'s cloud environments. They work with other architects, operational/infrastructure, and delivery teams to ensure that new services align with enterprise architecture direction and standards. They also consult with engineering teams on major architectural designs for product roadmaps to ensure consistency, security, maintainability, and flexibility with respect to overall system, technical, and product architectures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for producing and maintaining cloud reference architecture documents for building and deploying complex and secure cloud-based applications. This includes considering factors like data privacy, access controls, and encryption.
Consults with cloud engineering teams to ensure their designs and deployments are in compliance with the published cloud reference architecture.
Works with appropriate stakeholders to develop strategies for migrating on-prem applications/solutions into the cloud.
Evaluates cloud solution designs to ensure best practices, cost effectiveness, scalability, security; makes alternative design recommendations when necessary.
Works with appropriate groups to define best practices around cloud administration which includes deployment, monitoring, and alerting.
Conducts technical audits of existing cloud deployments to insure they are following current cloud architecture standards.
Collaborates with the cloud FinOps team to Client areas for cost reductions and develop ongoing cost saving strategies.
Stays abreast of new trends in cloud technology so they can make informed decisions and stay ahead in their field.
Help drive troubleshooting efforts during cloud related outages.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
Mentor and coach colleagues on cloud related technology.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supports the organization's quality program(s).
Travel as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Licensing
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major in information management, computer science, or other related technology field or comparable technical institute certification or equivalent work experience. Technical certification(s) a plus. Certified IT Architect (CITA), Certified Enterprise Architect (CEA), Microsoft Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (MCSE), or AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional.
Experience
A minimum of 5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience spanning at least three disciplines which can include (systems architecture, network architecture, enterprise architecture, datacenter architecture) with at least 3-4 years of cloud solutions architecture experience. Multi-cloud experience is preferred, with emphasis on implementing Microsoft Azure enterprise solutions. Must show proven ability to architect highly complex scalable cloud solutions across a global enterprise.
Skills & Knowledge
4-5 years of demonstrated hands-on experience in designing and configuring secure and scalable cloud platform patterns on Azure. 1-2 years of additional experience with AWS is a plus.
Experience implementing and supporting Microsoft Azure infrastructure and topologies (Operations Management Suite, Application Insights, Azure App Services, Azure SQL Databases, Azure Site Recovery, Azure Backup, Security Center, Azure Networking, Azure Storage, Azure Automation)
Experience with scripting technologies (PowerShell, Bash, Python, Azure Resource Manager Templates, Desired State Configuration, JSON)
Networking experience (routing, protocols, subnets, SDNs, network topologies, DNS, Load Balancers)
Experience with infrastructure as code tools and engineering practices (Terraform, Ansible, ARM)
Experience with Microservices and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
High-level fluency in one or more scripting languages (Python, Perl, or similar)
Experience with CI/CD tools and engineering practices (Jenkins, Octopus, Azure DevOps)
Experience with monitoring, alerting, and pipeline analysis tools.
Strong documentation skills including the creation of detailed reference architecture diagrams.
Proven and demonstrable experience in architecting, designing, and implementing high volume, high availability cloud applications utilizing a high degree of automation.
Proven ability to maintain both a strategic long-term outlook and enterprise perspective, while also supporting tangible, business-driven and IT-delivered solutions.
Quickly understand organizational dynamics and management priorities, and to be able to work effectively in a fast paced, results driven company.
Strong critical thinking and analytical decision-making skills.
Project management skills