What are the responsibilities and job description for the Azure Cloud Architect position at Encora?
Job Details
Azure Cloud Architect
Location: Herndon, VA ( Hybrid- 2-3 days onsite each week is expected)
Duration: 12 months contract
Job Summary:
We are looking for an experienced Cloud Architect with a specialization in Microsoft Azure to design and optimize scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud solutions for enterprise-level applications. The ideal candidate will have 12-15 years of experience in architecture and deployment, with advanced knowledge of cloud security, network configurations, and deployment structures within Azure. This role requires strong expertise in designing robust Azure solutions that meet business requirements and adhere to industry security standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Azure Cloud Architecture Design: Develop, document, and maintain architecture for Azure resources, including virtual networks, storage solutions, compute instances, databases, and application services. Ensure alignment with business and technical requirements.
- Network Design & Security Rules: Design and implement network rules and configurations, including Network Security Groups (NSGs), Virtual Network (VNet) peering, and Azure Firewall to ensure secure and seamless connectivity across Azure resources.
- Deployment Structures: Define and implement robust deployment structures using Azure Resource Manager (ARM), Bicep, or Terraform to provision infrastructure as code (IaC), promoting scalability and consistency.
- Cloud Security: Design security strategies for Azure, including implementing Azure Active Directory (AAD), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), identity and access management (IAM) policies, and data protection protocols.
- Cost Optimization & Monitoring: Collaborate with finance and DevOps teams to monitor Azure costs and optimize resource usage, leveraging Azure Monitor, Azure Security Center, and Log Analytics.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with development, DevOps, and security teams to integrate and deploy cloud solutions seamlessly, ensuring alignment across functions.
- Guidance & Mentorship: Provide technical leadership to teams, offering guidance on cloud best practices, secure architectures, and troubleshooting complex issues.
Requirements:
# Core Qualifications:
- Experience: 12-15 years in software or cloud architecture, with at least 5 years of experience designing and managing solutions in Azure.
- Azure Expertise: Proficient in Azure resources including virtual networks, Azure App Services, Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
- Network & Security Knowledge: Strong understanding of network security principles, including VNet peering, NSGs, Azure Firewall, and VPN/ExpressRoute configurations.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Experience with ARM Templates, Bicep, or Terraform for automated, repeatable infrastructure deployments.
- Cloud Security: In-depth knowledge of cloud security practices, including IAM, key management, Azure Key Vault, compliance frameworks (e.g., CIS, NIST), and Azure Security Center.
- Monitoring & Performance: Knowledge of cloud monitoring tools, log management, and alerting systems to optimize performance and troubleshoot issues.
# Preferred Qualifications:
- Certifications: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Security Engineer Associate, or similar certifications in Azure and cloud security.
- DevOps Practices: Familiarity with DevOps and CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or Jenkins.
- Automation & Scripting: Experience with scripting languages such as PowerShell, Bash, or Python to support automation.
Soft Skills:
- Analytical & Problem-Solving: Ability to solve complex problems and make sound architectural decisions.
- Collaboration & Communication: Strong communicator capable of explaining technical concepts to diverse stakeholders and writing clear documentation.
- Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and guide engineering teams to ensure adherence to best practices.
This job description targets candidates with extensive Azure knowledge, cloud security expertise, and the ability to design and implement high-quality, scalable cloud solutions. The emphasis on IaC, deployment automation, and networking aligns well with Azure s current ecosystem.
