azure cloud architect

Job Summary

The Cloud Architect will serve as the technical lead in orchestrating the placement and interaction of cloud-based application components to support IT system modernization initiatives. This role involves ensuring the proper integration of cloud infrastructure with COTS packages, SaaS solutions, web services, and other government applications. The Cloud Architect will provide leadership and technical expertise to application development teams, ensuring best practices in cloud implementation, usability, security, and maintainability.

This position requires working in a hybrid model (onsite 2 days per week). Candidates must be local or willing to relocate at their own expense.

Key Responsibilities

Architectural Leadership

• Develop and manage the enterprise-level cloud architecture for IT systems and projects.
• Provide technical guidance on cloud-based applications, integration strategies, and infrastructure as code (IaC) implementation.
• Design and maintain application architectural models to be used internally and with third-party technology partners.
• Lead services-based development and migration strategies for cloud applications.
• Conduct architecture design reviews and enforce best practices in cloud application development.

Application & Infrastructure Development

• Oversee application design, security, middleware, services, and database integration.
• Define and implement IT application architecture methodologies and best practices.
• Ensure the integration of security standards into cloud applications and infrastructure.
• Oversee the design and validation of enterprise-level application components, APIs, and cloud services.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Provide technical leadership to application developers, database administrators, and other IT stakeholders.
• Collaborate with enterprise architecture and security teams to align solutions with organizational IT policies.
• Act as the cloud subject matter expert (SME) and enforce best practices in cloud deployment.
• Conduct training and mentoring sessions for technical teams on cloud best practices.

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Skills

• Cloud Platforms: Microsoft Azure (including Function Apps, cloud-based integrations).
• Programming & Scripting: .NET, HTML, XML, SQL, SOAP, REST, PowerShell.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Experience writing and implementing IaC solutions.
• Cloud Application Development: Advanced knowledge of web-based and client-server-based architectures.
• Security & Compliance: Understanding of secure coding, authentication, and authorization best practices.
• Software Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Visio, Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Microservices & Distributed Applications: Experience designing and maintaining distributed applications.
• Observability & Tracing: Knowledge of logging, monitoring, and distributed tracing tools.

Experience Requirements

• 5 years of experience in cloud application development and architecture.
• Strong experience in cloud-based infrastructure design and migration strategies.
• Experience in enterprise application integration with government agencies or large organizations.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex application issues under pressure.
• Experience preparing technical documentation and architecture models.

Additional Requirements

• Security Clearance Required: Candidates must pass a background check.
• Hybrid Work Requirement: Must be onsite two days a week (Wednesdays & Thursdays).
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Travel: No travel required.
• Education: Minimum Bachelor s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.