Cloud Solutions Architect

Reston, VA, United States

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Cloud Solutions Architect (CSA) specializing in Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 (M365) to lead complex cloud architecture projects and cloud-based service migrations. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Azure, encompassing cloud-native services, hybrid cloud integration, and security best practices, along with deep expertise in M365 services. This role is pivotal in designing and implementing scalable, resilient, and secure cloud solutions that align with organizational objectives and industry standards. As a trusted advisor to our clients, you'll be instrumental in architecting solutions and guiding teams through successful cloud transformations.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead the design and implementation of cloud architectures in Microsoft Azure, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry best practices.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop cloud adoption strategies, encompassing cloud-native services, hybrid cloud integration, and migration approaches.

Utilize advanced data analysis techniques to assess workload requirements, optimize resource utilization, and forecast infrastructure needs.

Automate deployment and management tasks using infrastructure as code (IaC) principles and Azure DevOps tools.

Provide hands-on implementation and technical guidance for cloud-native services, including Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Functions, and Azure Logic Apps.

Architect security controls and compliance measures for cloud environments, incorporating Azure security services and industry standards.

Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to cloud architecture, ensuring high availability, reliability, and performance.

Create and maintain comprehensive documentation of cloud architectures, designs, and operational procedures.

Develop and implement cloud governance frameworks to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.

Define and enforce policies for resource provisioning, access control, and cost optimization in Azure environments.

Educate and influence stakeholders and engineering teams on effective cloud solutions and best practices.

Be an Azure and M365 platform evangelist with our customers.

Understand customers' overall applications portfolio, IT and business priorities, and success measures to design implementation architectures and solutions (Microsoft and 3rd party solutions) using PaaS, DevOps, and advanced application coding.

Define innovative solutions using concepts such as infrastructure-as-code, deployment orchestration, and automation templates.

Implement PaaS and IaaS solutions in a public cloud platform such as Azure.

Use expert-level knowledge of identity and access management in on-premises solutions and the cloud, inclusive of Azure AD Connect, ADFS, and third-party identity providers.

Ensure the architecture meets the functional and non-functional requirements and complies with the overall Client’s IT policies and strategies.

Provide escalation support and remediation for engineering team roles on projects.

Location and Travel Details

This is a remote position with occasional travel (if needed).

Profile of Success

5+ years of experience in cloud architecture, specializing in Microsoft Azure.

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, or similar.

Strong understanding of cloud architecture principles, including scalability, availability, and security.

Experience with Azure services such as Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Functions, Azure Logic Apps, and Azure DevOps.

Proficiency in infrastructure as code (IaC) tools and methodologies, such as Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates and Terraform.

Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on delivering efficient and effective cloud architectures.

Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Experience leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with stakeholders across multiple geographic locations and time zones.

Over ten years of professional experience in infrastructure and ability to lead the design and implementation of PaaS services.

Enterprise-scale technical experience with cloud security, hybrid infrastructures, secure architecture designs, and technology management.

Proven expertise in the implementation of encryption technologies (SSL, encryption, PKI).

Experience in a client-facing environment and interacting with technical and business stakeholders.

Desire to mentor and train internal technical teams.

Desirable Skills

Experience with Quest AD Migration tools or similar for Active Directory migrations in cloud environments.

Familiarity with Microsoft Forefront Identity Manager and Active Directory Migration Tool (ADMT) in cloud migrations.

Deep knowledge of Active Directory Schemas, FSMO Roles, ADDS Disaster Recovery, and AD Trusts in cloud environments.

Experience with enterprise management and business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) in cloud architectures.

Knowledge of traditional network architecture such as IP Addressing, subnetting, routing, switching, and firewalls.

Active participation in the technical community, including but not limited to contribution to user groups, presenting, writing blogs, Stack Overflow, etc.

Understanding of software development patterns and practices.

Experience with hybrid cloud integration, encompassing Azure Arc, Azure Stack, and Azure Hybrid Benefit.

Familiarity with Azure landing zone architectures and best practices for cloud adoption.

Proficiency in cloud-native development methodologies, such as microservices architecture and serverless computing.

Strong understanding of cloud networking concepts, including virtual networks, VPN gateways, and ExpressRoute.

Knowledge of Azure cost management tools and techniques for optimizing cloud spending.

Experience with M365 hybrid designs and scenarios including Exchange, SharePoint, and OneDrive migrations and integrations.

Understanding of Microsoft 365 protections such as CAS, DLP, ATP, and AIP.

About AIS

AIS, Dedicated to Our People

AIS employees can spend their entire career at AIS doing challenging, rewarding work and reach their desired level of achievement and responsibility. We offer the opportunity to move up, without the obligation to move out of a position where one excels. We are committed to our employee's success; however, they define it.

It's our dedication to our employees that inspired our leadership to invest in our future and become partially employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP).

Our employees are our greatest strength, and we do all that we can to serve them. We invest in technology as early adopters, allowing us to create transformative and innovative solutions for our customers while exposing our team to cutting edge technology.

We hire outstanding individuals who are committed to curiosity, passionate about emerging technology, and who are excited to find innovative solutions for the biggest tech challenges facing international brands and government agencies today.

We Invest in Individuals Committed to Innovation

AIS is seeking professionals of a certain character and level of excellence. People that we can learn from and that we can help grow to achieve their personal career goals.

We are looking for:

Smart people with a passion for technology

Strong technical capabilities with a consultancy mindset

Close involvement with local technical communities

A willingness to think outside of the box to provide innovative solutions to clients

Ability to solve challenging technical business problems

Self-directed professionals

Our Core Values

Client Success

C ontinued Learning and Technical Excellence

Strong Client Relationships

Citizenship and Community

EEO Statement

Applied Information Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis covered by law. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business need.

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