Azure Cloud Architect

# Azure Cloud Architect ## Professional Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced **Azure Cloud Architect** to design, implement, and migrate cloud architectures, specifically focusing on Azure solutions. This role involves architecting solutions, migrating workloads, and optimizing cloud environments using automation and industry best practices like the Azure Architecture Framework. The successful candidate will work closely with business teams to understand requirements, build target public cloud architectures, and support workload migrations using 6R strategies. This is a contract-to-hire position with a 12-month term, offering USD $30 per hour, based in Mexico City with a hybrid/on-site schedule one day a week (CST Hours). ## Key Responsibilities * Architect comprehensive Azure solutions, including: Azure Networking, Azure Functions, AppService, Data Factory, Azure File Share, Custom Role Based Access Control, Virtual Machine Hardening, IoT, Storage, Azure Databases, Sentinel, Backup Recovery modules, Azure AD, containers, Security, and analytics. * Support the migration of customer workloads to the public cloud; build out target public cloud architectures for existing on-premises customer workloads. * Analyze applications targeted for public cloud migration and create architecture diagrams based on best practices and customer requirements. * Perform migration from on-premises environments into Azure using 6R techniques such as Rehosting, Re-platforming, Refactoring, etc. * Build and maintain security, network, and systems management applications within AWS and/or Azure environments. * Implement availability, scalability, and performance plans for AWS managed service environments. * Automate processes and quality improvements through Infrastructure-as-code (IaC), security controls, alerts, and routine maintenance tasks. * Collaborate with a team of architects, engineers, and developers to create functional design specifications. * Lead and develop best practices for the larger Cloud Engineering team. * Coordinate closely with DevOps teams on additional cloud automation above the infrastructure layer. * Offer guidance in infrastructure movement techniques, including bulk application transfers into the cloud. * Responsible for the design, development, and architecture of Cloud solutions. * Work closely with developers and engineers to recommend and design database or data storage solutions that effectively reflect business needs, security, and service level requirements. * Manage the migration of existing databases from on-premises to the cloud. * Review coding done to advance application upgrade, extension, or other development. * Analyze applications for data integrity issues. * Mentor less experienced technical staff and develop automated solutions to monitor and support software development and release processes. ## Technical Requirements (Must-have) * **Educational Qualifications**: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution. * **Azure Architecture & Hybrid Cloud**: Design and implementation of Azure solutions integrated with on-premises environments. * **Infrastructure as Code (IaC)**: Hands-on experience with Terraform, Bicep, and/or ARM templates. * **Azure Networking**: Expertise in VNets, Hub-Spoke, VPN, ExpressRoute, and network security patterns. * **DevOps & CI/CD**: Automation of infrastructure and deployments; collaboration with DevOps teams. * **Cloud Security & Governance**: Knowledge of Azure Policy, RBAC, Defender for Cloud, Sentinel, and enterprise security controls. * **Containers & AKS**: Experience with containerized workloads and Azure Kubernetes Service. * **Workload Migration**: Application of 6R strategies for on-premises to cloud migrations. * **Non-Technical Skills**: * Advanced English language proficiency (good verbal and written communication skills). * Results-oriented, highly detail-oriented, and productivity-oriented. * Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills. * Trustworthy, organized, timely, and customer service-oriented. * Ability to work well independently and in a team setting. * Adaptability, flexibility, and ability to deal with ambiguity and change. ## Desired Skills (Nice-to-have) * **Multi-cloud Exposure**: Experience with AWS. * **FinOps & Cost Optimization**: Awareness of financial operations and cost optimization strategies. * **Scripting & Automation**: Proficiency in PowerShell, Bash, and Python. * **Enterprise Architecture**: Knowledge of TOGAF. * **Azure Certifications**: Associate and/or Expert level certifications. * **AWS Architecture Certifications**. * **Postgraduate qualification in Technology**.