Cloud Solutions Architect

Cloud Solutions Architect 2 – Data Center Operations / IT ModernizationLocation: Hybrid — Onsite & Telework, Austin, TX (701 W. 51st St.)Contract Type: W2/C2C, Long TermPosition OverviewWe are seeking one (1) Cloud Solutions Architect 2 to lead architectural and engineering initiatives supporting a Texas state agency's Data Center Operations (DCO) Service Delivery team. This role drives IT modernization and transformation efforts, focusing on the design and architecture of cloud computing infrastructure and applications across SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS delivery models. The architect will work closely with DCO Service Delivery Management, enterprise architects, portfolio managers, application development teams, and business stakeholders, using agile practices to support application enhancements. This position operates under minimal direction with considerable latitude for independent judgment and initiative.ResponsibilitiesLead DCO strategic efforts supporting both project delivery and steady-state operations; develop architectural blueprints, network topologies, and technical specifications aligning business requirements with appropriate cloud services (30%)Perform advanced, senior-level systems analysis — planning, requirements assessment, procedure review, and identification of system improvements — including automating processes and transitioning on-premises environments to public, private, or hybrid cloud platformsPlan and schedule studies and system implementations; provide technical and business process guidanceDrive cross-functional initiatives involving agency systems, IT groups, and other state entities, requiring coordination and planning throughout project development and implementation (25%)Evaluate and present architectural options to support technology solution selection and implementationImplement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and integration pipelines to streamline deployments, improve consistency, and scale resources efficientlyDesign and implement new or revised methods to meet agency needsEnsure solution designs comply with applicable data security requirements, including HIPAA and agency best practices; establish and enforce security measures and identity/access controlsDesign, develop, and administer highly scalable systems with core capabilities across cloud-based provider services, including reporting and full system integration (15%)Lead and participate in solution implementation — coordinating and solving problems, analyzing systems and procedures, developing/revising code, scheduling, testing, installing, and implementing systems, and writing/revising standards and procedures (15%)Articulate current-state vs. desired-state technical solutions, identify gaps, and develop approaches to close them; collaborate with IT groups on recommendations and assist with IT planning and justification (5%)Oversee and may conduct training for technical and program staff prior to implementation of new technology or data analytics platforms (5%)Perform other duties as assigned (5%)Required Qualifications (7+ years each)Knowledge and experience with computer systems, IT equipment, programming languages, hardware/software, and operating systemsKnowledge and experience with new cloud technologies and analytical services from major cloud providersKnowledge and experience with cloud delivery models: PaaS, SaaS, IaaSKnowledge and experience with agile (Scrum) methodology and Scrum ceremoniesKnowledge and experience with cloud-based services for AWS, Microsoft Azure, or GCPKnowledge and experience with cloud-based network design principlesStrong knowledge of data governance, security, and compliance in cloud environmentsStrong technical writing and diagramming skills, including modeling/mapping tools (e.g., Visio), MS Office Suite, and MS ProjectStrong analytical and problem-solving skills; experience as a technology architect for software development, data analytics, performance management, or data warehousing projectsSkill analyzing technology systems' capabilities, limitations, defects, and business problems to draw evidence-based conclusions and devise solutionsExperience with cloud DevOps principles (CI/CD), containerization, microservices, and Kubernetes architecture deployment, scaling, and maintenanceExperience supporting Kubernetes clusters and serverless infrastructure, including related APIs for cloud infrastructure services and integrationsExperience with cloud automation using Ansible, Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, and Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templatesExperience with cloud/performance monitoring, auditing, logging, and operations tools (e.g., Sysdig Secure/CNAPP, Dynatrace, AWS CloudWatch, GCP Cloud Operations, Azure Monitor, OCI Monitoring)Proficient automation skillset using scripting (Bash, Korn, PowerShell, Cloud CLI, Kubernetes Helm) and third-party toolsKnowledge and experience with declarative/imperative languages (YAML, JSON, Ruby, HCL, etc.) and IaC tools (Ansible, Docker, Terraform, etc.)Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple overlapping deadlines, and handle cross-agency projectsAbility to coordinate multiple assignments/projects, set priorities, and meet deadlinesAbility to lead and provide direction to team membersAbility to lead the creation of best practices and proceduresPreferred Qualifications8+ years in the required knowledge areas above (systems/IT equipment, cloud technologies, delivery models, AWS/Azure/GCP, network design, DevOps/CI/CD/Kubernetes, IaC languages/tools)Knowledge and/or hands-on experience with cloud database services (relational/NoSQL, SQL/Oracle), data lakes, and cloud ETL/ELT best practices for structured and unstructured data8+ years architecting, engineering, or developing enterprise IT solutions in cloud and hybrid environmentsKnowledge of AI services and configuration available from major cloud providers (5+ years)Knowledge of data pipelines, ETL processes, and big data frameworks (5+ years)Contract DetailsDuration: 10/12/2026 – 08/31/2027 (not to exceed 2,008 hours); may be amended, renewed, or extended by written agreementWork Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, excluding state holidaysWork Location: Hybrid — Onsite & Telework, Austin, TXBackground check required per Texas lawPriceSenz is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.