Cloud Architect

Role Overview

The Cloud Architect will design, implement, and optimize the company’s multi-cloud infrastructure, spanning Azure, AWS, and GCP clouds. The role will help lead the development of firm’s cloud strategy, ensuring scalability, security, resiliency, and cost-effectiveness across the organization’s cloud systems. The role will work closely with cloud engineers within the Cloud Engineering & Operations and Network Operations departments, as well as supporting stakeholders across various departments to lead cloud adoption, enhance cloud maturity, improve performance, implement best practices, and drive cloud-based innovation. The Cloud Architect will ensure that Cornerstone’s cloud capabilities align with business needs and will scale to meet future growth.

About the Role

Cornerstone Research is a thriving, 1,100-strong team that spans nine offices, comprising more than 55 nationalities, and leads the industry in its commitment to develop team members across all levels. Inc. Magazine has recognized Cornerstone Research five times as a Best Workplace for its outstanding employee engagement, collaborative culture, and professional growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic and technical oversight in developing, managing, and optimizing multi-cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Designs and implements automation tools for efficient cloud service deployment to meet business demands.
• Leads cloud architecture and governance initiatives, ensuring security, scalability, and compliance across all platforms.
• Manages and optimizes cloud costs, ensuring efficient use of resources and reducing operational expenses.
• Implements and maintains secure cloud connectivity solutions (AWS Direct Connect, Azure Express Route, GCP Interconnect).
• Oversees cloud security frameworks, auditing accounts, permissions, and access rights to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
• Collaborates with IT teams to integrate cloud solutions with on-premises infrastructure that drives innovation.
• Safeguards resiliency by managing critical disaster recovery and response plans for cloud outages, security events, and incidents.
• Provides leadership and mentorship to cloud engineers, ensuring adherence to cloud best practices.
• Maintains comprehensive documentation, disaster recovery plans, and performs ongoing gap analysis to optimize cloud performance.
• Creates and maintains cloud architecture diagrams.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in cloud architecture, infrastructure design with proven expertise in multi-cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Experience in designing and leading cloud solutions and architecture at scale, including migrations, integrations, and strategic cloud management.
• Extensive experience with multi-cloud management and architecture strategies, including advanced cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), hybrid cloud solutions, and cloud-native application development.
• Expertise in designing and implementing cloud automation and orchestration tools (e.g., Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, Azure Resource Manager).
• Strong experience in cloud cost optimization and management, including forecasting, budgeting, and cost-saving initiatives across multiple cloud platforms.
• Deep understanding of cloud security best practices and SOC 2 compliance standards and experience with implementing security frameworks across cloud tenants.
• Advanced knowledge of cloud networking, including secure connectivity solutions (AWS Direct Connect, Azure Express Route, GCP Interconnect).
• UNIX/Linux experience required, with advanced server administration and automation skills.
• Leadership experience in mentoring teams and managing cross-functional collaboration across IT, engineering, and security teams.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent combination of education, skills and experience.
• Cloud Professional Certification required (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert).
• Other IT certifications (e.g., CISSP, CompTIA Cloud+) are a plus.

Qualifications

Cornerstone Research is offering a competitive market base salary for this position. The base salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in all eligible locations. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations.

Benefits

• Annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive benefits such as flexible options for healthcare, paid time off, and retirement savings.

Pay

Base salary range: $133,900 – $163,500 in Chicago, $140,300 - $171,300 in Boston, $137,500 - $167,900 in Washington, DC, $140,700 - $171,900 in Los Angeles, $143,300 - $174,900 in New York, $153,600 - $187,700 in San Francisco.

Schedule

Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.