Cloud Architect

Description

Cloud & Platform Architect (Google Cloud Platform-Focused):
Par Hawaii Refining, LLC is seeking a senior, hands-on Cloud & Platform Architect to own and evolve its cloud and hybrid infrastructure as the organization transitions from AWS to Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform). This role will act as the technical authority and architectural owner for cloud platforms, ensuring scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions while partnering closely with infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and data teams.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong communication skills and thrives in an environment with high autonomy and low red tape. Comparable / Applicable Job Titles:

- Cloud Architect (Google Cloud Platform) - Platform Architect
- Senior Cloud Infrastructure Architect
- Hybrid Cloud Architect
- Cloud Solutions Architect Top Required Skills & Experience (Most Critical):

- Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform) architecture expertise, with hands-on experience designing, operating, and optimizing cloud infrastructure
- Hybrid infrastructure and networking experience, including on-prem connectivity, routing, VPNs/tunnels, DNS, and identity integration
- Strong change leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and independently own initiatives
- Hands-on engineering mindset - this role requires daily technical involvement, not just design oversight
- Cloud cost governance and optimization experience, including billing visibility and efficiency improvements

Key Responsibilities Project:

- Migration from AWS to Google Cloud Platform in next 2 years (AWS License ends) - Serve as the primary architect and technical owner for cloud and platform infrastructure across Google Cloud Platform (primary), AWS (legacy), and limited Azure
- Own and mature the Google Cloud Platform environment, supporting current data lake initiatives and upcoming large-scale AWS-to-Google Cloud Platform migrations
- Act as the technical gatekeeper for new platforms, tools, and services, ensuring architectural fit, security, and cost effectiveness
- Lead and support cloud migration initiatives, coordinating with implementation partners while retaining architectural ownership Oversee and guide:

- Cloud networking, DNS, certificates, and hybrid connectivity
- Identity and access management (SSO, RBAC) - Monitoring, patching, and operational readiness Partner closely with:

- Network, server, cybersecurity, and data/analytics teams
- Managed service providers (network, backup/DR, and future services) - Support and evolve CI/CD and automation practices, including Git Hub Enterprise-based deployments
- Provide architectural input for data platforms, analytics, and AI initiatives
- Proactively identify and drive improvements in tooling, automation, reliability, cost, and operating model Required Skills, Tools & Technologies Cloud &

Infrastructure:

- Google Cloud Platform (primary) - Amazon Web Services (legacy / migration source) - Hybrid cloud and on-prem infrastructure
- Windows-centric environments (Windows Server, SQL Server) - Identity and access management (SSO, RBAC) Networking & Platform:

- VPC design, subnetting, and routing - VPNs, tunnels, DNS, public/private connectivity
- Platform governance and architectural standards Automation & Dev Ops:

- Git Hub Enterprise - CI/CD pipelines (cloud-native or integrated) - Infrastructure automation and scripting
- Power Shell (strongly preferred) - Python (for cross-cloud automation and tooling) Operations & Governance:

- Cloud cost management and optimization
- Monitoring and operational ownership
- Change management and documentation
- Vendor and managed-service coordination Soft Skills & Working Style:

- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to own outcomes with minimal direction
- Proactive problem-solver who raises risks and proposes solutions
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and evolving environments
- Open to and supportive of AI-driven initiatives and innovation

Skills

Google Cloud Platform, google coud, Multi Cloud, AWS, ci/cd, cloud architecture, powershell scripting, terraform scripts

Top Skills Details

Google Cloud Platform,google coud,Multi Cloud,AWS,ci/cd,cloud architecture

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Location & Work Model:

- Location:

Houston, TX (City Centre / Beltway 8 area) - On-Site Requirement: 4 days per week in office (Monday-Thursday);
Friday optional
- Engagement Type: 6-month Contract-to-Hire

Minimum Qualifications:

- 8+ years of infrastructure, platform, or cloud engineering experience - 4+ years in a senior cloud or architecture-focused role
- Proven experience designing and operating production cloud environments
- Background transitioning from on-prem infrastructure to cloud architectures
- Demonstrated ability to balance hands-on execution with architectural leadership

Experience Level

Expert Level

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The…