Azure Cloud Architect

W2 Only - no C2C, 1099, sponsorship or third party companies accepted

Type: Direct Hire

Location: South Charlotte (Onsite 5 days/week)

We're seeking a hands-on Azure Cloud Architect to lead a major cloud transformation initiative. This role will be responsible for modernizing infrastructure, driving Azure architecture standards, building Infrastructure as Code (IaC) capabilities, and establishing scalable cloud operations practices.

This is a highly visible individual contributor role with leadership influence, partnering with technical teams, vendors, and senior leadership to deliver secure, automated, and scalable cloud solutions.

• Design and implement Azure cloud architecture, governance, and security standards
• Lead Azure Landing Zone design and cloud migration initiatives
• Build and expand Infrastructure as Code practices using Bicep
• Develop automated provisioning and environment management capabilities
• Establish CI/CD pipelines using Azure Dev Ops and/or Git Hub Actions
• Implement Azure monitoring, alerting, logging, and operational best practices
• Drive cloud cost optimization, governance, and resource management
• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to ensure successful delivery
• Define technical roadmaps and translate business requirements into executable cloud solutions
• Support secure deployment and governance of emerging AI and automation platforms
• Serve as the Azure subject matter expert across infrastructure, security, and application teams

• 6+ years of cloud infrastructure, platform engineering, or cloud architecture experience
• 4+ years of hands‑on Azure experience in enterprise environments
• Experience designing Azure Landing Zones and governance frameworks
• Strong Infrastructure as Code experience with Bicep (Terraform is a plus)
• Experience building CI/CD pipelines with Azure Dev Ops and/or Git Hub Actions
• Strong Azure networking experience including VNets, NSGs, Firewalls, VPNs, DNS, and identity management
• Experience with Azure Key Vault, RBAC, Managed Identities, and cloud security best practices
• Hands‑on experience with large‑scale Azure migrations
• Ability to independently define solutions, create roadmaps, and drive execution
• Experience leading or directing work performed by vendors, consultants, or managed service providers
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and business stakeholders

• AZ-305 Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification
• AZ-400 Dev Ops Engineer certification
• Experience with Azure AI services, AI governance, or Agentic AI environments
• Experience with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and/or Sentinel
• Exposure to AWS and/or Google Cloud Platform
• Knowledge of Fin Ops, cloud cost optimization, and governance practices
• Experience with regulated environments and compliance frameworks such as NIST, CIS, SOC 2, or PCI

• Lead a high-impact Azure transformation
• Influence cloud strategy and architecture decisions
• Build modern Dev Ops and automation capabilities from the ground up
• Work directly with business and technology leadership
• Opportunity to grow into future cloud/platform leadership responsibilities

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Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a…