Azure Application Engineering Lead

HSO is hiring an Azure Cloud Architect to lead the design and hands-on delivery of complex Microsoft Azure engagements. The role covers Azure architecture, migrations, identity and security, automation, observability, resilience, FinOps, and client-facing consulting.

Responsibilities:

• Architect enterprise-scale Azure Landing Zones aligned to CAF and Well-Architected principles: management groups, subscriptions, Azure Policy, RBAC, and platform automation
• Define compute and PaaS patterns: VM/VMSS sizing, AKS, App Service/Functions, and Container Registry as appropriate
• Architect Azure Virtual Desktop solutions: host pool design, FSLogix profile strategy on Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files, Scaling Plans, and AVD Insights monitoring
• Lead design sessions, produce Architecture Decision Records (ADRs), and validate approaches through hands-on proof-of-concept builds
• Lead cloud migration programs across a range of scenarios: on-premises-to-Azure, cloud-to-cloud (e.g., AWS to Azure), and application modernization and refactoring efforts
• Drive discovery and assessment: dependency mapping, workload inventory, rehost/replatform/refactor recommendations, and wave planning
• Manage cutover execution and hypercare: tooling selection, replication monitoring, test migrations, rollback procedures, and stakeholder communication throughout
• Architect Zero Trust models with Microsoft Entra ID: Conditional Access, PIM role patterns, hybrid identity (Entra Connect/Cloud Sync), and app registration governance
• Define security blueprints: Azure Policy, Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Defender XDR integrations, and Key Vault design
• Map controls to compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS as applicable) and drive Secure Score improvements
• Build modular IaC frameworks in Terraform and/or Bicep: reusable landing zone modules, policy-as-code, and coding standards for delivery teams
• Design CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps and/or GitHub Actions: environment gates, drift detection, and pre-deployment compliance checks
• Author automation in PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Python: bootstrap scripts, governance tooling, and operational runbooks
• Design observability platforms: Log Analytics workspace architecture, Azure Monitor, Workbook/dashboard frameworks, and alerting
• Architect BCDR solutions with Azure Backup, Site Recovery, and cross-region topologies; validate against RTO/RPO targets
• Lead FinOps efforts: tagging standards, Cost Management reporting, reservation/Savings Plans strategy, and optimization roadmaps
• Lead discovery workshops, design sessions, and Well-Architected Reviews; present architecture options with clear trade-offs to technical and business stakeholders
• Stay hands-on throughout delivery: validate designs through working code and demonstrate patterns directly alongside client teams
• Mentor delivery engineers through design reviews, pairing on complex problems, and code reviews
• Architect enterprise-scale Azure Landing Zones aligned to CAF and Well-Architected principles: management groups, subscriptions, Azure Policy, RBAC, and platform automation
• Design network topologies (hub-and-spoke or Virtual WAN): Azure Firewall, Application Gateway/WAF, Private Link, ExpressRoute/VPN, and DDoS Protection
• Contribute to pre-sales: solution scoping, proposal authoring, SOW definition, and engagement estimates

Requirements:

• 8+ years of hands-on experience architecting and delivering Azure solutions across networking, compute, storage, identity, and security
• Proven experience leading Azure migration programs—on-premises, cloud-to-cloud, or application modernization—including assessment, wave planning, cutover, and stabilization
• Proven delivery of enterprise Azure Landing Zones: management group design, Azure Policy, RBAC frameworks, and platform automation
• Solid IaC experience in Terraform and/or Bicep with Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions CI/CD pipelines
• Strong Azure networking fundamentals: hub-and-spoke or Virtual WAN, Azure Firewall, Application Gateway/WAF, Private Link, and ExpressRoute/VPN
• Microsoft Entra ID experience: Conditional Access, PIM, hybrid identity, and Zero Trust concepts
• Familiarity with Azure security services: Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Key Vault, and compliance frameworks
• AVD experience: host pool design, FSLogix profiles, Scaling Plans, and monitoring
• Proficiency in PowerShell and Azure CLI
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong client-facing skills, empathy, and the ability to guide clients through complex technical challenges
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and translate goals into actionable outcomes
• Python is a plus
• Experience with tenant-to-tenant Microsoft 365 migrations: Exchange Online, SharePoint/OneDrive, Teams, and Entra ID coexistence and cutover
• Microsoft 365 platform: Intune, Exchange Online, SharePoint/OneDrive, Teams, and Purview
• Copilot readiness/governance, Copilot Studio development, and Microsoft Foundry experience
• AKS/Kubernetes and cloud data platform experience (SQL MI, Cosmos DB, Synapse Analytics, or Fabric)
• Pre-sales and consulting delivery: scoping workshops, SOW authoring, and client relationship management
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) or Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)
• Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)
• Microsoft 365 Certified (e.g., Enterprise Administrator Expert)