Azure Application Engineering Lead

HSO is seeking an Azure Cloud Architect to lead solution design and drive hands-on delivery of complex Microsoft Azure engagements for our clients. This role owns the architecture from discovery through implementation—spanning landing zones, migrations, identity & security, IaC, and cloud governance—while staying grounded in the platform and working directly alongside engineers and clients. A key part of the role is leading large-scale migrations and deployments, mentoring delivery teams, and building reusable assets. As an Azure Cloud Architect, you can expect to… - Azure Architecture & Platform Engineering - Architect enterprise-scale Azure Landing Zones aligned to CAF and Well-Architected principles: management groups, subscriptions, Azure Policy, RBAC, and platform automation. - Define compute and PaaS patterns: VM/VMSS sizing, AKS, App Service/Functions, and Container Registry as appropriate. - Architect Azure Virtual Desktop solutions: host pool design, FSLogix profile strategy on Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files, Scaling Plans, and AVD Insights monitoring. - Lead design sessions, produce Architecture Decision Records (ADRs), and validate approaches through hands-on proof-of-concept builds. - Azure Migration - Lead cloud migration programs across a range of scenarios: on-premises-to-Azure, cloud-to-cloud (e.g., AWS to Azure), and application modernization and refactoring efforts. - Drive discovery and assessment: dependency mapping, workload inventory, rehost/replatform/refactor recommendations, and wave planning. - Manage cutover execution and hypercare: tooling selection, replication monitoring, test migrations, rollback procedures, and stakeholder communication throughout. - Identity & Security - Architect Zero Trust models with Microsoft Entra ID: Conditional Access, PIM role patterns, hybrid identity (Entra Connect/Cloud Sync), and app registration governance. - Define security blueprints: Azure Policy, Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Defender XDR integrations, and Key Vault design. - Map controls to compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS as applicable) and drive Secure Score improvements. - Automation, IaC & CI/CD - Build modular IaC frameworks in Terraform and/or Bicep: reusable landing zone modules, policy-as-code, and coding standards for delivery teams. - Design CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps and/or GitHub Actions: environment gates, drift detection, and pre-deployment compliance checks. - Author automation in PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Python: bootstrap scripts, governance tooling, and operational runbooks. - Observability, Resilience & FinOps - Design observability platforms: Log Analytics workspace architecture, Azure Monitor, Workbook/dashboard frameworks, and alerting. - Architect BCDR solutions with Azure Backup, Site Recovery, and cross-region topologies; validate against RTO/RPO targets. - Lead FinOps efforts: tagging standards, Cost Management reporting, reservation/Savings Plans strategy, and optimization roadmaps. - Consulting & Client Engagement - Lead discovery workshops, design sessions, and Well-Architected Reviews; present architecture options with clear trade-offs to technical and business stakeholders. - Stay hands-on throughout delivery: validate designs through working code and demonstrate patterns directly alongside client teams. - Mentor delivery engineers through design reviews, pairing on complex problems, and code reviews. - Architect enterprise-scale Azure Landing Zones aligned to CAF and Well-Architected principles: management groups, subscriptions, Azure Policy, RBAC, and platform automation. - Design network topologies (hub-and-spoke or Virtual WAN): Azure Firewall, Application Gateway/WAF, Private Link, ExpressRoute/VPN, and DDoS Protection. - Contribute to pre-sales: solution scoping, proposal authoring, SOW definition, and engagement estimates. You’re great at… - Architecting enterprise-scale Azure Landing Zones aligned to Cloud Adoption Framework and Well-Architected principles. - Leading cloud migration programs across various scenarios, including discovery and assessment. - Defining security blueprints and architecting Zero Trust models with Microsoft Entra ID and Defender for Cloud. - Building modular Infrastructure as Code frameworks (Terraform/Bicep) and designing CI/CD pipelines. - Leading FinOps efforts, designing observability platforms, and architecting robust business continuity solutions. - Packaging, deploying, and maintaining applications using Intune - Managing escalated technical issues while remaining calm, professional, and client-focused - Learning new technologies quickly and applying them in real-world scenarios - Providing technical thought leadership in Modern Workplace, system integration, and automation - Communicating complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders - Working independently while owning deliverables and collaborating effectively with team members - Promoting the mission and shared values of the company Sound interesting? If so, you’ll have… - 8+ years of hands-on experience architecting and delivering Azure solutions across networking, compute, storage, identity, and security. - Proven experience leading Azure migration programs—on-premises, cloud-to-cloud, or application modernization—including assessment, wave planning, cutover, and stabilization. - Proven delivery of enterprise Azure Landing Zones: management group design, Azure Policy, RBAC frameworks, and platform automation. - Solid IaC experience in Terraform and/or Bicep with Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions CI/CD pipelines. - Strong Azure networking fundamentals: hub-and-spoke or Virtual WAN, Azure Firewall, Application Gateway/WAF, Private Link, and ExpressRoute/VPN. - Microsoft Entra ID experience: Conditional Access, PIM, hybrid identity, and Zero Trust concepts. - Familiarity with Azure security services: Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Key Vault, and compliance frameworks. - AVD experience: host pool design, FSLogix profiles, Scaling Plans, and monitoring. - Proficiency in PowerShell and Azure CLI; Python is a plus. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills - Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills - Strong client-facing skills, empathy, and the ability to guide clients through complex technical challenges - Ability to work independently, take ownership, and translate goals into actionable outcomes - Preferred qualifications include: - Experience with tenant-to-tenant Microsoft 365 migrations: Exchange Online, SharePoint/OneDrive, Teams, and Entra ID coexistence and cutover. - Microsoft 365 platform: Intune, Exchange Online, SharePoint/OneDrive, Teams, and Purview. - Copilot readiness/governance, Copilot Studio development, and Microsoft Foundry experience. - AKS/Kubernetes and cloud data platform experience (SQL MI, Cosmos DB, Synapse Analytics, or Fabric). - Pre-sales and consulting delivery: scoping workshops, SOW authoring, and client relationship management. - Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) - Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) - Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) or Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100) - Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) - Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700) - Microsoft 365 Certified (e.g., Enterprise Administrator Expert) The Perks We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, flexibility, and long-term success. Benefits include generous paid time off, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, a health reimbursement account, and a 401(k) plan with company match. You’ll also work alongside collaborative, driven teammates in a dynamic and growing professional services environment. HSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.