Senior Azure Infrastructure Engineer / Systems Engineer

Senior Azure Infrastructure Engineer / Systems EngineerRemote (EST Preferred)6-month contract (potential to extend)OverviewWe are seeking a Senior Azure Infrastructure Engineer / Systems Engineer to design, implement, and support enterprise infrastructure across Azure cloud and hybrid on-prem environments. This role is infrastructure-first, with responsibility for Azure networking, compute, identity, and security, while also supporting Microsoft 365 and email platforms within the broader ecosystem.The ideal candidate brings deep experience across Azure infrastructure, hybrid identity, and enterprise systems engineering, with the ability to own environments end-to-end and operate as a technical SME.Key ResponsibilitiesAzure Infrastructure & Cloud EngineeringDesign, implement, and manage Azure infrastructure environments, including Virtual Machines, storage, and resource configurationsConfigure and maintain Azure networking (VNets, subnets, NSGs, peering, VPN connectivity, load balancing)Support and optimize hybrid infrastructure across Azure and on-prem (Windows Server, VMware)Implement and manage Azure monitoring and logging (Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, alerting)Ensure performance, availability, and scalability of cloud infrastructureIdentity & Access Management (Core Focus)Administer and manage Entra ID (Azure AD) including hybrid identity (AD Connect)Configure and enforce Conditional Access, MFA, RBAC, and Zero Trust policiesSupport and implement SSO integrations using SAML and OAuth across enterprise applicationsManage identity lifecycle, access governance, and directory servicesMessaging & Collaboration (Secondary Responsibility)Support Exchange Online and hybrid Exchange environmentsManage email security platforms (Proofpoint, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, etc.)Maintain mail flow, transport rules, and email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)Assist with migrations and optimization of Microsoft 365 servicesSecurity, Automation & OperationsCollaborate with security teams to support cloud security posture, threat detection, and incident responseUtilize tools such as Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and Purview for monitoring and complianceAutomate infrastructure and administrative tasks using PowerShell and/or Azure CLIDevelop and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, and operational proceduresAct as a senior escalation point for complex infrastructure and cloud issuesRequired Qualifications7+ years of experience in Systems Engineering / Infrastructure Engineering rolesStrong hands-on experience with Azure infrastructure (VMs, networking, storage)Experience managing hybrid environments (on-prem + Azure)Solid experience with Active Directory and Entra ID (Azure AD)Experience with Azure networking (VNets, NSGs, VPN, peering)Proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automationExperience with Exchange Online and Microsoft 365 environmentsFamiliarity with email security concepts and tools (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, anti-phishing)Strong troubleshooting skills across infrastructure, cloud, and identity systemsPreferred QualificationsExperience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, ARM templates, Bicep)Experience with Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and PurviewKnowledge of VMware or other virtualization platformsExperience with Proofpoint or similar secure email gatewaysAzure certifications (AZ-104, AZ-305, etc.) or Microsoft certificationsAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.