Cloud Architect – Azure (Remote Contract)

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Azure Cloud Architect to lead design, consulting and transformation initiatives for enterprise customers. The role is fully remote and contract‑based, focusing on delivering robust, scalable Azure solutions while guiding application and engineering teams.

Key responsibilities

• Provide architecture consulting, technical leadership and governance for Azure solutions.
• Conduct architecture reviews, create high‑level and low‑level designs, and maintain deployment blueprints.
• Support application teams with risk assessments, cloud service evaluations and migration roadmaps.
• Design and implement Azure IaaS and PaaS services, including networking, DR strategies and site recovery.
• Develop automation using ARM JSON templates, PowerShell and Visual Studio.
• Perform proofs of concept for new Azure services and drive cost‑optimization initiatives.
• Collaborate on RFP responses and align technical solutions with business objectives.

Required profile

• Strong hands‑on experience with Microsoft Azure architecture and implementation.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex Azure and Windows Server environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Capacity to multitask across multiple enterprise engagements.

Required skills

• Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS, networking, security)
• Azure Active Directory, Office 365, Exchange, Intune
• ARM templates (JSON), PowerShell, Visual Studio
• Linux environments, Chef, Puppet (preferred)
• Azure SQL, Web Apps, CDN, Application Gateway
• ExpressRoute, VPN, Site‑to‑Site VPN
• Azure Site Recovery, Disaster Recovery planning
• Cloud cost optimization and right‑sizing strategies