Azure Cloud Engineer ____ Chicago, IL (Onsite) ___ Contract

Job Title: Azure Cloud EngineerLocation: Chicago, IL (100% Onsite from day 1)Job Type: Long Term ContractJob Description: We are looking for a skilled and experienced Azure Cloud Engineer to join our team onsite in Chicago, IL on a contract basis. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based infrastructure and services using Microsoft Azure. This role requires deep knowledge of Azure services, cloud architecture, automation, and security best practices.Key Responsibilities:Design, implement, and manage cloud infrastructure solutions in Microsoft Azure.Monitor and optimize performance, scalability, availability, and security of cloud environments.Develop and maintain ARM templates, Bicep, or Terraform scripts for infrastructure as code (IaC).Automate cloud deployments and operations using Azure DevOps, PowerShell, or other scripting tools.Support application teams with cloud adoption, migrations, and modernization strategies.Ensure compliance with security policies, governance, and cost optimization best practices.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve cloud-related issues.Participate in cloud architecture reviews, risk assessments, and capacity planning.Required Skills and Experience:9-12+ Years of IT infrastructure or cloud engineering experience.5-7+ Years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure.Proficiency in Azure services such as Virtual Machines, App Services, Azure Functions, Azure Storage, VNet, NSG, Key Vault, and Azure Monitor.Experience with Infrastructure as Code using ARM, Terraform, or Bicep.Experience with CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or similar tools.Strong knowledge of PowerShell, Azure CLI, or other scripting languages.Understanding of cloud security, identity management, and role-based access control (RBAC).Familiarity with Azure Active Directory, Log Analytics, and Azure Policy.Preferred Qualifications:Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Solutions Architect.Experience with hybrid cloud and on-prem integration.Background in networking, firewalls, and load balancing in cloud environments.Knowledge of containerization (Docker, AKS) is a plus.