Azure Architect (14-16 yrs)

Job Description :

We are seeking an experienced Azure Architect with 14+ years of experience to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of cloud infrastructure solutions using Microsoft Azure. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of cloud architecture, DevOps practices, security, and enterprise-level application deployment in Azure environments. As an Azure Architect, you will be responsible for shaping the cloud strategy, driving technology innovation, and ensuring the seamless integration of Azure solutions across the organization.

Key Responsibilities :

- Cloud Architecture Design : Design and implement scalable, secure, and highly available Azure cloud architectures for a range of enterprise applications and services.

- Solution Leadership : Lead the end-to-end process of architecture design, development, and deployment of cloud solutions on Azure, ensuring alignment with business objectives and industry best practices.

- Cloud Strategy & Roadmap : Develop and execute comprehensive Azure cloud strategies and roadmaps, defining cloud migration plans, cost optimization strategies, and cloud-native application development.

- Infrastructure Management : Design and manage infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS) solutions in Azure, including compute, storage, networking, and security components.

- Cloud Security : Ensure cloud security best practices and compliance standards are met, including configuring and maintaining secure identity management, access controls, and data protection mechanisms on Azure.

- DevOps & Automation : Collaborate with development and operations teams to establish DevOps pipelines, automation frameworks, and CI/CD workflows to accelerate application deployment and updates in Azure.

- Integration : Design integration solutions for both cloud-to-cloud and hybrid cloud architectures, ensuring seamless connectivity between Azure and on-premises environments.

- Cost Optimization : Implement and monitor Azure cost management strategies, identifying opportunities to reduce operational expenses while maintaining performance and availability.

- Cloud Migration : Lead and manage cloud migration initiatives, guiding teams in migrating legacy applications and infrastructure to Azure with minimal disruption.

- Collaboration : Work closely with IT, development, and business teams to define cloud requirements, assess risks, and ensure effective implementation and integration of Azure solutions.

- Performance & Monitoring : Ensure the performance, reliability, and scalability of applications running on Azure, utilizing Azure monitoring and logging tools to troubleshoot and optimize solutions.

- Documentation & Best Practices : Develop and maintain detailed architectural documentation, including design patterns, implementation guides, and security protocols, to ensure the organization follows Azure best practices.

- Mentorship : Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior architects, developers, and cloud engineers on Azure-related technologies and cloud architecture principles.

Required Skills and Experience :

- 14+ years of experience in IT, with at least 5+ years focused on Azure architecture and cloud solutions.

- Strong expertise in Microsoft Azure services, including Compute, Storage, Networking, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), App Services, SQL Database, Azure Active Directory, and Virtual Networks.

- Proficiency in designing cloud-native applications, microservices architectures, and hybrid cloud architectures.

- Extensive experience with Azure security best practices, including identity management, data encryption, network security, and access control.

- Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps for continuous integration and delivery, as well as automated infrastructure provisioning using Terraform, ARM templates, or Azure Bicep.

- Expertise in cloud migration strategies for transitioning on-premises workloads to Azure.

- Strong knowledge of cloud cost management and optimization in Azure, including Azure Cost Management and Azure Pricing Calculator.

- Experience with CI/CD and DevOps tools, as well as knowledge of infrastructure automation and configuration management tools like Ansible, Chef, or Puppet.

- Solid understanding of networking (DNS, VPN, VNET peering, load balancing, and subnets) in an Azure environment.

- Experience with Azure monitoring tools like Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and Log Analytics to manage and optimize performance.

- Experience with containerization and microservices architectures, including Docker and Kubernetes.

- Familiarity with enterprise integration patterns, such as API Management, Event-Driven Architecture, and Service Bus.

- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues in cloud environments.

- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and translate technical concepts into business-friendly language.

Preferred Skills :

- Azure Certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Microsoft Certified : Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.

- Knowledge of Hybrid Cloud Environments using tools like Azure Arc.

- Experience with Azure IoT, AI, or Machine Learning services.

- Familiarity with Cloud-Native Security Tools such as Azure Security Center, Azure Sentinel, or Azure Key Vault.

- Experience in leading Agile projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams using Agile methodologies.