Job Description
Job Description : Cloud & Platform Architect
Title : Cloud & Platform Architect, Snr Director
Location : Parts Town Addison, IL, Fort Wayne, IN (or Remote with bi-monthly travel)
Reports To : Chief Information Officer
Overview
Parts Town is seeking a Cloud & Platform Architect to design and implement our next-generation Azure-based data center and Kubernetes environment to support our enterprise applications, data workloads, and e-commerce platform. This role will play a critical part in defining and executing our cloud strategy, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security across our infrastructure.
In addition to cloud architecture, the Cloud & Platform Architect will take on responsibilities as a Platform Engineer , focusing on automating infrastructure, optimizing CI / CD workflows, and managing seamless infrastructure cutovers for new deployments or migrations. By combining cloud design expertise with hands-on platform engineering, this role will ensure that our infrastructure is robust, modern, and fully aligned with business objectives.
The role will evolve leading the development of a shared Azure environment across Parts Town's four divisions , creating a platform that is accessible and usable by engineers in each division. The Cloud & Platform Architect will define frameworks and guardrails to empower engineers while maintaining consistency and security. Collaboration with e-commerce front-end engineers will also be key, particularly in co-owning critical components such as performance optimization, API integrations, and Kubernetes-backed application deployments.
Additionally, the Cloud & Platform Architect must understand both B2B and B2C environments , addressing data security, sovereignty, and protection requirements across different markets to ensure that the architecture supports compliance, scalability, and operational needs.
Key Responsibilities
1. Cloud Architecture Design & Implementation
- Lead the design and implementation of a hybrid or full Azure-based cloud infrastructure for modernizing Parts Town's data center.
- Develop scalable architectures for a robust Kubernetes environment to support containerized applications and e-commerce platforms.
- Establish a shared Azure environment for Parts Town's four divisions, defining frameworks and guardrails for divisional engineers.
- Ensure high availability, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery capabilities across cloud and on-premise systems.
- Align cloud architecture decisions with business objectives, focusing on scalability, security, and cost efficiency.
2. Kubernetes and Platform Engineering
Build and maintain Kubernetes clusters (AKS preferred) for containerized workloads, optimizing for performance and scalability.Design and implement CI / CD pipelines for automated deployment of applications and infrastructure using tools like Azure DevOps, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions.Automate cloud infrastructure provisioning and management using tools like Terraform, Pulumi, or ARM templates.Set up and maintain monitoring and observability tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, Azure Monitor) for platform performance and reliability.3. Infrastructure Cutover Management
Plan and execute infrastructure cutover activities, including cloud migrations, system upgrades, and data center transformations.Design detailed cutover plans to minimize operational disruption, with robust rollback strategies in place.Coordinate with stakeholders across IT, development, and business teams to ensure seamless transitions during cutovers.Monitor cutover execution in real-time, troubleshoot issues, and validate post-cutover stability.4. Shared Azure Platform Development
Lead the development of a shared Azure platform across 4 Parts Town divisions, enabling consistent and secure use by engineers in each division.Provide a clear framework and guardrails for divisional teams to operate independently while adhering to best practices and compliance requirements.Develop shared services, such as identity management, networking, and monitoring, that can be leveraged across all divisions.5. Collaboration with E-commerce Engineers
Work closely with e-commerce front-end engineers to co-own :Performance optimization for e-commerce applications.
API integrations with back-end systems.Containerized application deployments within Kubernetes.Monitoring and alerting for e-commerce workloads.Ensure architecture supports high-traffic e-commerce environments, focusing on reliability and low-latency performance.6. Security and Compliance Across B2B and B2C
Understand and implement best practices for data security, sovereignty, and protection in both B2B and B2C environments.Design architecture to meet compliance requirements across different global markets.Implement role-based access controls and secure networking solutions for both customer-facing and internal platforms.Ensure architecture is scalable to handle the differing requirements of B2B and B2C operations, such as customer portals and API-driven integrations.7. Optimization and Cost Management
Monitor and optimize cloud costs using tools like Azure Cost Management and Azure Advisor.Implement cost-saving measures such as right-sizing resources, automating scale-out / -in policies, and optimizing container workloads.8. Continuous Improvement
Evaluate new Azure services, Kubernetes enhancements, and platform tools to ensure Parts Town leverages cutting-edge solutions.Mentor IT teams on cloud and Kubernetes best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.Qualifications
Technical Skills
Cloud Expertise : Deep knowledge of Azure cloud services, including VMs, Kubernetes (AKS), networking, and storage.Kubernetes : Proficiency in designing, deploying, and maintaining Kubernetes clusters at scale.Platform Engineering : Hands-on experience with CI / CD pipelines, IaC tools (Terraform, Pulumi), and container orchestration.Infrastructure Cutover : Strong experience planning and executing migrations, upgrades, and other infrastructure cutovers.Security and Compliance : Experience with data security, sovereignty, and compliance standards across global markets.Monitoring & Observability : Proficiency with tools like Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack, and Azure Monitor.Experience
10 years of experience in IT infrastructure, cloud architecture, or platform engineering roles.3 years of hands-on experience in designing and deploying Azure-based environments.Proven track record in Kubernetes implementation for large-scale applications.Extensive experience with infrastructure cutover activities, cloud migrations, or data center transformations.Familiarity with microservices architecture and distributed systems.Soft Skills
Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive initiatives from concept to completion.Certifications (Preferred but not Required)
Microsoft Certified : Azure Solutions Architect Expert.Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA).Terraform Certified Associate.Key Metrics for Success
Successful deployment of Azure-based infrastructure and Kubernetes platform within project timelines.Seamless execution of infrastructure cutover activities with minimal downtime or disruption.Enhanced application scalability and performance for e-commerce and enterprise platforms.Reduction in cloud costs and improved resource utilization.Over time see an adoption of shared Azure environment across all 4 divisions.Compensation, Benefits and Duration
Minimum Compensation : USD 64,000
Maximum Compensation : USD 224,000
Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications of the candidate. The above is a reasonable and a good faith estimate for the role.
Medical, vision, and dental benefits, 401k retirement plan, variable pay / incentives, paid time off, and paid holidays are available for full time employees.
This position is available for independent contractors
No applications will be considered if received more than 120 days after the date of this post
Salary : $224,000
