Cloud Architect

Position: Cloud Architect

Location: Long Beach CA 90802

Work Environment: Hybrid

Duration: The engagement shall commence upon award and continue as determined by the client based on operational requirements.

Required Details: Resume Earliest Availability Date Hourly Rate Work Authorization Status Relevant Azure Certifications (if applicable) References (if requested)

Scope of Services: The client Information Management Division is seeking one (1) experienced Cloud Architect to provide staff augmentation services in support of Azure cloud initiatives and Infrastructure Operations activities. The selected resource will collaborate with Infrastructure Operations Network Operations and Cybersecurity teams to establish and maintain a secure scalable and well-governed Azure environment aligned with Microsofts Cloud Adoption Framework and Well-Architected Framework.

The Cloud Architect shall provide expertise in Azure infrastructure design governance security automation networking identity management cloud migrations and operational support activities.

Background Information: The client Information Management Division is undertaking strategic Azure cloud initiatives to enhance the organizations cloud maturity governance capabilities security posture and operational efficiency. The client requires an experienced Cloud Architect to augment existing teams and support enterprise-wide Azure adoption efforts including hybrid cloud integration identity modernization automation initiatives cloud security enhancements and continuous optimization of cloud services.

The selected consultant will work closely with Infrastructure Operations Network Operations and Cybersecurity teams to implement secure and scalable Azure solutions while supporting ongoing operational activities and future cloud transformation initiatives.

General Requirements:

1. Design implement and support Azure infrastructure services aligned with enterprise architecture and security standards.

1. Establish and maintain Azure governance frameworks including Azure Policy Management Groups compliance guardrails and monitoring solutions.

1. Support Azure identity management initiatives involving Entra ID hybrid identity Conditional Access Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Privileged Identity Management (PIM).

1. Design and maintain Azure networking solutions including VPN ExpressRoute hub-and-spoke architectures Virtual Networks (VNets) Network Security Groups (NSGs) and Private DNS Zones.

1. Support hybrid cloud connectivity and integration between on-premises environments and Azure services.

1. Provide operational support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 environments.

1. Develop and maintain DevOps-driven infrastructure utilizing Terraform Bicep Azure DevOps GitHub Actions and Infrastructure-as-Code methodologies.

1. Drive automation initiatives and continuous optimization of cloud operations.

1. Implement and support containerization and microservices technologies including Azure Container Services (ACS) Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) Docker and Kubernetes.

1. Develop scripts and automation solutions using PowerShell and/or Python.

1. Support Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions including Microsoft Intune and Kandji.

1. Adhere to established IT Service Management (ITSM) processes and practices.

1. Administer Microsoft M365/O365 and Purview environments.

1. Implement and support Microsoft security platforms including Microsoft Defender suites and Microsoft Sentinel.

1. Perform cloud patch management and vulnerability management activities.

1. Support large-scale cloud migration initiatives.

1. Troubleshoot and resolve Azure infrastructure networking identity and security-related issues.

1. Monitor and optimize cloud costs including budgeting and forecasting activities.

1. Evaluate emerging cloud technologies tools and best practices to enhance platform capabilities.

1. Design and support Backup Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity solutions within Azure environments.

1. Implement and support Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) processes.

1. Develop maintain and update technical documentation throughout the engagement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum five (5) years of hands-on experience working with Microsoft Azure environments.

• Strong understanding of Microsofts Azure Well-Architected Framework.

• Strong understanding of Microsofts Cloud Adoption Framework.

• Demonstrated experience designing and supporting hybrid cloud architectures.

• Experience implementing Azure governance solutions including Azure Policy and Management Groups.

• Experience with Azure identity and access management technologies including Entra ID Conditional Access MFA and PIM.

• Experience designing and supporting Azure networking solutions including ExpressRoute VPN connectivity hub-and-spoke architectures NSGs VNets and Private DNS.

• Experience supporting Infrastructure-as-Code initiatives using Terraform and/or Bicep.

• Experience utilizing Azure DevOps and/or GitHub Actions to support DevOps practices.

• Experience with containerization technologies including Docker Kubernetes ACS and/or AKS.

• Experience developing automation scripts using PowerShell and/or Python.

• Experience administering Microsoft M365/O365 environments.

• Experience implementing Microsoft security technologies including Defender and Sentinel.

• Experience supporting large-scale cloud migration projects.

• Strong troubleshooting analytical verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Technical Skills:

• Azure Foundry

• Azure AI Services

• Azure AI Search

• Azure API Management (APIM)

• Zero Trust security principles

• Mobile Device Management (MDM)

• Microsoft Intune

• Kandji

• Azure Functions

• Azure Logic Apps

• Serverless architecture and services

• Cost optimization and forecasting methodologies

• Backup and Disaster Recovery solutions within Azure

• ITSM frameworks and best practices

• SDLC implementation and support experience.

Security Requirements:

The selected consultant shall comply with the clients operational security and business requirements. Work arrangements may be modified or suspended based on organizational security and operational needs. The consultant shall support secure Azure implementations aligned with Microsofts security best practices and Zero Trust principles.