Cloud Architect

Under the direction of the Network Manager, the Cloud Architect serves as the agency's lead cloud architecture professional responsible for the strategic design, governance, and optimization of the Ohio Secretary of State's Microsoft Azure environment.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains enterprise cloud architecture standards, principles, and roadmaps.
• Designs scalable, secure, highly available, and cost-effective cloud solutions.
• Evaluates existing and proposed applications for cloud suitability and deployment models.
• Establishes Azure landing zones, tenant structures, subscription strategies, and resource governance models.
• Provides architectural direction regarding cloud migration, modernization, and application hosting strategies.
• Reviews and approves cloud solution designs and implementation plans.
• Establishes cloud governance policies, standards, and best practices.
• Ensures cloud environments comply with applicable security, regulatory, and operational requirements.
• Conducts architecture reviews, risk assessments, and technical evaluations.
• Collaborates with Cyber Defense Team and infrastructure staff to ensure appropriate cloud security controls are incorporated into designs.
• Serves as a technical advisor during cloud-related incidents, outages, and recovery efforts.
• Collaborates with business stakeholders, project teams, vendors, and technical staff to develop cloud solutions that meet operational requirements.
• Participates in RFP development, vendor evaluations, and technical solution reviews.
• Develops cloud adoption strategies and implementation roadmaps.
• Provides mentorship and technical guidance to engineering and operational staff.
• Facilitates knowledge transfer and documentation to reduce operational dependency on individual resources.
• Monitors cloud utilization and recommends cost-saving opportunities.
• Reviews Azure Advisor recommendations and other optimization tools.
• Develops standards for resource utilization, reservation strategies, storage selection, and performance optimization.
• Ensures disaster recovery, business continuity, and resiliency requirements are incorporated into cloud architecture.
• Maintains architecture documentation, diagrams, standards, and technical procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in cloud architecture, systems engineering, infrastructure engineering, or related technology disciplines; OR any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (preferred).
• Experience designing enterprise-scale Azure environments.
• Experience with cloud governance, security, compliance, and cost management.
• Experience supporting hybrid cloud and on-premises infrastructure environments.

Skills

Knowledge

• Cloud computing principles, architecture frameworks, and enterprise technology design.
• Microsoft Azure Application Services, Storage, Azure SQL, Synapse, Backup, Site Recovery, and Key Vault.
• CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
• Cloud security principles, cybersecurity frameworks, and risk management practices.
• Business continuity planning, high availability, and resiliency strategies.
• Technology project management principles and systems development methodologies.
• Cloud cost management, budgeting, and resource optimization practices.
• Procurement processes, vendor management, and technical evaluation methods.

Skills

• Designing scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions.
• Using scripting languages like PowerShell and Infrastructure as code languages like Bicep, Azure CLI, and Terraform.
• Evaluating complex technical environments and developing architectural recommendations.
• Conducting technical research, analysis, and solution assessments.
• Developing technical standards, policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Analyzing cloud utilization and identifying optimization opportunities.
• Facilitating technical discussions and providing strategic guidance.
• Communicating technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership.

Abilities

• Translating business requirements into cloud architecture solutions.
• Evaluating risks and developing effective mitigation strategies.
• Establishing long-term cloud roadmaps and technology strategies.
• Leading cross-functional technical initiatives and collaborating with stakeholders.
• Exercising sound judgment in evaluating complex technical issues.
• Managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Interpreting and applying security, governance, and compliance requirements.
• Mentoring staff and facilitating knowledge transfer across technical teams.

Unusual Working Conditions

• Unclassified per ORC 124.14(A)(9).
• May require evening and weekend hours, particularly during elections, special events, and major initiatives.
• Occasional statewide travel with possible overnight stays.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license or reliable transportation.

Technology

• Personal computing; Microsoft Office 365 – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; collaborative technology like Teams, SharePoint.

Pay

$137,000 - $153,000 based on experience and skills

Schedule

Full-time