Azure Cloud Architect

Azure Cloud Architect W2 Only- no C2C, 1099, sponsorship or third party companies acceptedLocation: South Charlotte (Onsite 5 days/week)Type: Direct Hire Overview 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. What You'll Do Design and implement Azure cloud architecture, governance, and security standardsLead Azure Landing Zone design and cloud migration initiativesBuild and expand Infrastructure as Code practices using BicepDevelop automated provisioning and environment management capabilitiesEstablish CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps and/or GitHub ActionsImplement Azure monitoring, alerting, logging, and operational best practicesDrive cloud cost optimization, governance, and resource managementPartner with internal teams and external vendors to ensure successful deliveryDefine technical roadmaps and translate business requirements into executable cloud solutionsSupport secure deployment and governance of emerging AI and automation platformsServe as the Azure subject matter expert across infrastructure, security, and application teams By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Desired Skills and Experience Required Qualifications 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 DevOps and/or GitHub 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 Preferred Qualifications AZ-305 Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification AZ-400 DevOps 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 FinOps, cloud cost optimization, and governance practices Experience with regulated environments and compliance frameworks such as NIST, CIS, SOC 2, or PCI Why This Role? Lead a high-impact Azure transformation Influence cloud strategy and architecture decisions Build modern DevOps and automation capabilities from the ground up Work directly with business and technology leadership Opportunity to grow into future cloud/platform leadership responsibilities Keywords: Azure, Cloud Architecture, Bicep, Infrastructure as Code, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Azure Landing Zone, Cloud Migration, DevOps, Platform Engineering, AI Governance, Azure Security, Cloud Automation. Equal Opportunity Notice 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 veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. Representation Notice By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. Additionally, you agree to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. Lastly, you agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. For residents of Ontario, Canada only: to the extent the position for employment is not with Highspring or not otherwise noted as vacant above, candidate should be informed that this role is to replace a presently employed person at Vaco by Highspring's client. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR and UK GDPR may access our policies here. Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring's use of AI can be found here (https://www.highspring.com/ai-use-notices/). Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client's use of AI products in hiring. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: · the individual's skill sets, experience and training; · licensure and certification requirements; · office location and other geographic considerations; and · other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or participation in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's retirement plan (or similar retirement benefits).