Azure Architect

Location: Cleveland, OH area (4 days onsite / 1 day remote after conversion)

Contract: 6-Month Contract-to-Hire

Remote Flexibility: Open to remote during the initial contract period, but must be able to do 4 days per week onsite, once converted to FTE

Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Azure Cloud Architect to lead the design and execution of a large-scale enterprise Azure transformation. This individual will partner with infrastructure, security, networking, and application teams to architect secure, scalable, and highly available cloud solutions while helping shape the organization''s long-term cloud strategy.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys leading cloud modernization initiatives, influencing enterprise architecture, and driving best practices across Azure environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement enterprise Azure cloud architecture aligned with business and technical objectives.
• Lead cloud migration and modernization initiatives for on-premises infrastructure and applications.
• Architect secure, scalable, and highly available Azure solutions following Microsoft best practices and the Azure Well-Architected Framework.
• Partner with infrastructure, networking, security, and application development teams to deliver cloud-based solutions.
• Establish governance, security, monitoring, and cost optimization standards across the Azure environment.
• Design identity and access management solutions using Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD).
• Architect Azure networking solutions, including Virtual Networks (VNets), ExpressRoute, VPN connectivity, Private Endpoints, and Load Balancers.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
• Collaborate with DevOps teams to support CI/CD automation and cloud deployments.
• Provide technical leadership, architectural guidance, and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Evaluate emerging Azure technologies and recommend improvements to the organization''s cloud roadmap.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of infrastructure, systems, or cloud architecture experience.
• 5+ years designing and implementing enterprise Microsoft Azure solutions.
• Strong expertise with Azure IaaS, PaaS, networking, and cloud infrastructure services.
• Hands-on experience with:
• Azure Virtual Machines
• Azure Storage
• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
• Azure App Services
• Azure Virtual Networks (VNet)
• Azure Backup & Site Recovery
• Azure Monitor & Log Analytics
• Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
• Experience designing hybrid cloud environments and cloud migration strategies.
• Strong understanding of Azure security, governance, identity, and compliance.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
• Experience with PowerShell, Azure CLI, or other automation tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across technical and business teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
• Experience with Kubernetes and containerized workloads.
• Experience leading enterprise cloud transformation initiatives.
• Knowledge of Azure cost optimization and FinOps practices.
• Experience with Azure DevOps and CI/CD pipelines.

Why Join?

• Lead a high-impact enterprise Azure transformation.
• Opportunity to influence cloud strategy and architecture.
• Contract-to-hire with long-term career growth.
• Remote flexibility during the contract period with a collaborative hybrid environment upon conversion.