Lead, Cloud and Datacenter Architect/Engineer (Azure)

Lead, Cloud and Datacenter Architect/Engineer (Azure)

Salary: Starting at $180k + bonus

Location: Chicago, IL

Hybrid: 3 days onsite, 2 days remote

*We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role*

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 10+ years of enterprise IT infrastructure experience, with deep expertise in cloud platforms and data center engineering
• Expert-level, hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines in large-scale production environments.
• Proven ownership of platform engineering, developer enablement, or cloud deployment frameworks.
• Demonstrated leadership in architecture and design governance, including leading design reviews and influencing enterprise standards.
• Strong background in cloud security governance, privileged access management, and incident response, with experience partnering closely with a dedicated CISO organization.
• Solid understanding of data center mechanical and electrical systems (UPS, cooling, fire suppression, power).

Responsibilities

• Own the architecture, governance, and operational excellence of the firm s Microsoft Azure environment, including landing zones, policy-based controls, IaC standards, and cost management.
• Lead developer experience and platform enablement, designing secure, compliant, and scalable deployment patterns, reusable Terraform modules, and self-service frameworks used across engineering teams.
• Chair and lead cloud and infrastructure design reviews, providing final technical direction and ensuring alignment with security, architecture, and financial governance standards.
• Serve as the internal custodian of privileged access (including Global Administrator access), ensuring strong separation of duties, independent validation of managed service providers, and proper escalation paths.
• Act as the incident commander for cloud infrastructure events, making real-time, business-aligned decisions and coordinating directly with Legal, HR, the CISO organization, and executive leadership.
• Own the strategy and operational governance of data centers, colocation facility, and global office server rooms.
• Lead the design and implementation of server rooms and structured cabling across global locations.
• Oversee preventative maintenance programs, vendor contracts, capacity planning, and Level 4 escalation for complex data center incidents.
• Ensure all facilities meet regulatory, audit, cyber insurance, and resiliency requirements, partnering closely with security and risk stakeholders.
• Represent Cloud & Datacenter Operations in firm-wide forums, including design review boards, vendor evaluations, client security audits, and executive incident command.
• Lead infrastructure foundations for enterprise AI and automation initiatives, working in close partnership with Applications and Information Security.
• Drive complex, multi-team initiatives spanning identity, networking, security operations, and application engineering with full accountability for outcomes.