Principal Cloud Architect

Role Overview

As the Principal Cloud Architect (Microsoft Azure), you will be the technical visionary, shaping and executing our end-to-end cloud strategy. You will architect and optimize next-generation solutions to ensure they are secure, scalable, and cost-efficient. This role involves cross-functional collaboration with engineering, security, product management, and business stakeholders to drive a cloud roadmap that powers our fast-growing Intelligent Automation platform

Responsibilities

• Define the overarching Azure cloud architecture roadmap, aligning with business objectives and industry best practices.
• Establish and enforce cloud governance policies focused on cost management, security, and performance optimization.
• Lead the design of complex cloud solutions leveraging Azure services (Azure App Services, AKS, Azure Functions, Storage, etc.).
• Develop and maintain architecture diagrams, reference implementations, and documentation of best practices.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools like Terraform, ARM Templates, or Bicep.
• Oversee and enhance continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, ensuring reliable automated deployments.
• Integrate security best practices into every layer of the stack, leveraging Azure Security Center, Azure Key Vault, etc.
• Collaborate with compliance teams to ensure adherence to relevant industry regulations (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, etc.).
• Drive initiatives for high availability, disaster recovery, and business continuity in Azure.
• Establish performance monitoring and logging strategies (Azure Monitor, Application Insights) to proactively detect and address issues.
• Serve as a technical mentor, guiding DevOps, data engineers, and developers in Azure best practices.
• Conduct regular workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions to bolster cloud competencies across the organization.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and key stakeholders to ensure alignment on cloud strategies and priorities.
• Represent the cloud architecture function in client discussions and other customer-facing initiatives.
• Keep abreast of emerging Azure services and industry trends, evaluating their potential for adoption within our platform.
• Spearhead proof-of-concept (PoC) projects to assess new technologies, frameworks, and architectures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years in IT, with at least 5 years architecting and deploying large-scale Azure solutions.
• Deep understanding of Azure services: Compute, Networking, Storage, Azure DevOps, AKS, App Services, Serverless Functions, etc.
• Hands-on experience with IaC (Terraform, ARM, or Bicep) and cloud-native DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of microservices architecture and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency with Azure AD and RBAC for identity and access management.
• Background in databases (SQL, NoSQL, Cosmos DB) and data processing (Databricks, Synapse).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional technical teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex cloud concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
• TOGAF or equivalent enterprise architecture certification
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to map technology initiatives to broader business outcomes.
• Problem-Solving: Creative and analytical approach for large-scale cloud challenges.
• Collaboration: Skilled at fostering team relationships and driving consensus across departments.
• Ownership & Accountability: Takes initiative and holds oneself responsible for successful project outcomes.