Senior Cloud Architect

Hybrid Position - $80/hour on 1099 Job Overview We are seeking an experienced Azure Cloud Architect/Specialist to lead the design, implementation, modernization, and governance of enterprise cloud solutions on Microsoft Azure. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Azure Landing Zones, cloud migration, modern application architecture, networking, security, and platform engineering. Key Responsibilities: Design and implement enterprise-scale Azure cloud architectures aligned with the Azure Well-Architected Framework and Cloud Adoption Framework. Lead Azure Landing Zone design, cloud governance, and architecture best practices. Architect and execute cloud migration and application modernization initiatives, including IaaS-to-PaaS transformations. Design highly available, secure, scalable, and disaster recovery solutions across Azure services. Develop cloud-native solutions using Azure App Services, AKS, microservices, serverless, and event-driven architectures. Design enterprise networking solutions including Hub-and-Spoke, Azure Firewall, Application Gateway, Load Balancer, Private Link, VPN Gateway, and ExpressRoute. Implement Azure security, identity, and governance using Microsoft Entra ID, RBAC, Azure Policy, Key Vault, and Microsoft Defender for Cloud. Build Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/Bicep), automate deployments, and establish CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions. Design monitoring, logging, and cost optimization solutions using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Application Insights, and Azure Cost Management. Collaborate with development, infrastructure, and business teams to deliver architecture reviews, technical guidance, and cloud transformation strategies. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. 10+ years of IT experience, including 5+ years designing enterprise Azure cloud solutions and 3+ years in a Cloud/Solutions Architect role. Strong expertise in Azure architecture, networking, security, identity (Microsoft Entra ID), governance, and Azure Landing Zones. Hands-on experience with Azure PaaS services, AKS, containers, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/Bicep), and CI/CD using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions. Experience leading cloud migration, application modernization, and hybrid cloud initiatives. Proficiency in Azure monitoring, automation, cost optimization, and cloud security best practices. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and technical leadership skills. One or more Microsoft Azure certifications, such as AZ-305, AZ-104, AZ-500, AZ-700, SC-100, or Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA). Pay: $80.00 per hour Application Question(s): Are you a US Citizen or Green Card Holder? Do you have experience working on Azure Migration (IaaS to PaaS)? Are you willing to work once a week onsite at Washington, DC? Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20024