Senior Azure Architect

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Azure Architect to lead the design,
implementation, and optimization of complex, enterprise-scale Azure solutions, with a strong focus on microservices architecture. This role will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop scalable, secure, and high-performance cloud-native applications and infrastructure on Azure. The Senior Azure Architect will be responsible for crafting architecture blueprints, leading Azure transformation projects, and ensuring alignment of Azure-based microservices with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Azure Architecture & Solution Design
  Design and architect end-to-end Azure solutions that incorporate microservices, serverless computing, and containerized workloads.
  Develop architecture blueprints, technical documentation, and integration frameworks that align with best practices in microservices.
  Drive the technical decision-making for complex Azure migration and modernization projects, ensuring seamless integration of microservices.
• Microservices Strategy & Implementation
  Define and implement a strategy for microservices architecture on Azure, using services like Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Functions, and API Management.
  Collaborate with development teams to create microservices and design service-to-service communication, service discovery, and API gateways.
  Establish best practices for microservices architecture, including service isolation, scalability, observability, and security.
• Azure Infrastructure & Environment Management
  Oversee Azure infrastructure design, including networking, storage, and compute resources tailored for microservices workloads.
  Implement best practices for Azure governance, security, and high availability, ensuring scalability across microservices and Azure environments.
  Utilize Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and Log Analytics for proactive monitoring and troubleshooting in production environments.
• DevOps Integration & Automation
  Develop CI/CD pipelines and automate the deployment of microservices using Azure DevOps, ARM Templates, Terraform, and other IaC tools.
  Collaborate with DevOps teams to incorporate DevSecOps practices, ensuring security is integrated throughout the development pipeline.
  Optimize deployment strategies for microservices applications and support continuous delivery practices.
• Security & Compliance
  Ensure that all Azure-based microservices solutions adhere to security policies and regulatory standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2).
  Design identity management and access control using Azure Active Directory, RBAC, and other Azure security tools for secure access.
  Implement monitoring and alerting frameworks to detect and address security threats and vulnerabilities within microservices.
• Performance Optimization & Cost Management
  Analyze resource utilization across microservices and implement strategies for cost optimization.
  Collaborate with stakeholders to manage Azure costs, identifying and implementing opportunities for performance improvement and resource efficiency.
  Regularly audit and adjust configurations in Azure to maintain the performance of applications and services.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Leadership
  Partner with cross-functional teams, including product, development, and security, to align Azure architecture and microservices with business needs.
  Provide mentorship and technical leadership to architects, engineers, and other stakeholders.
  Communicate technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; a Masters degree is a plus.
• Experience: 6-8 years in cloud architecture, with deep expertise in Azure and a focus on microservices.
• Certifications: Relevant Microsoft Azure certifications, such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert, are highly preferred.

Skills Required

• Extensive knowledge of Azure services (Compute, Storage, Networking, Security, and Identity) with a focus on microservices.
• Strong expertise in microservices architecture, containerization (Docker), and orchestration (Kubernetes, AKS).
• Proficiency in infrastructure as code (IaC) tools like Terraform, ARM Templates, or Bicep.
• Experience with Azure DevOps, including CI/CD pipeline design, artifact management, and automation practices.
• Strong understanding of cloud security, compliance standards, and identity management (Azure AD, RBAC).
• Familiarity with monitoring, logging, and observability for microservices using tools like Azure Monitor, Application Insights, Prometheus, and Grafana.