Azure Cloud Architect

Azure Cloud Architect (Contract)

Location: Long Beach, CA 90802 (Hybrid)
Job Type: Contract
Duration: 12 Months

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Azure Cloud Architect to support enterprise Azure cloud initiatives, including governance, security, monitoring, automation, and infrastructure operations. This is a hybrid contract opportunity based in Long Beach, CA 90802. Candidates must be local to Southern California and available to work onsite as required. An onsite interview may be part of the selection process.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and support Azure infrastructure services aligned with enterprise architecture and security standards.
• Establish and maintain Azure governance using Azure Policy, Management Groups, and compliance guardrails.
• Manage Azure identity services, including Microsoft Entra ID, hybrid identity, Conditional Access, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Privileged Identity Management (PIM).
• Design and implement Azure networking solutions, including VPN, ExpressRoute, hub-and-spoke architecture, Network Security Groups (NSGs), Private DNS Zones, and Virtual Networks (VNets).
• Support hybrid cloud connectivity between on-premises environments and Azure.
• Manage Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) environments.
• Utilize Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and DevOps tools such as Terraform, Bicep, Azure DevOps, and GitHub Actions.
• Drive automation, cloud optimization, and infrastructure modernization initiatives.
• Deploy and manage containerized applications using Azure Container Services (ACS), Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Develop automation scripts and workflows using PowerShell and/or Python.
• Manage Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions including Microsoft Intune and Kandji.
• Administer Microsoft 365, Office 365, and Microsoft Purview environments.
• Implement and manage Microsoft security solutions including Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Sentinel.
• Perform cloud patch management and vulnerability remediation.
• Lead cloud migration initiatives and infrastructure modernization projects.
• Troubleshoot Azure infrastructure, networking, identity, and security issues.
• Monitor and optimize Azure cloud costs, budgeting, and resource utilization.
• Evaluate emerging Azure technologies and recommend platform improvements.
• Design and implement Backup, Disaster Recovery (DR), and Business Continuity solutions.
• Support Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) processes.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience designing and supporting Microsoft Azure environments.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft's Azure Well-Architected Framework and Cloud Adoption Framework.
• Experience designing and supporting hybrid cloud architectures.
• Hands-on experience with AI/ML infrastructure and Azure services including Azure AI Foundry, Azure AI Search, and Azure API Management (APIM).
• Knowledge of Zero Trust security architecture and best practices.
• Experience with Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms.
• Experience implementing serverless solutions using Azure Functions and Azure Logic Apps.
• Strong knowledge of Azure networking, identity, governance, security, automation, and infrastructure management.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
• Other relevant Microsoft Azure certifications.

Work Environment

• Hybrid work schedule based in Long Beach, CA 90802.
• Candidates should reside in Southern California and be available for onsite work as required.
• An onsite interview may be required during the hiring process.