Azure Administrator

ThoughtStorm; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ThoughtStorm is seeking an Azure-focused administrator to deploy, configure, and manage cloud resources across compute, storage, and networking services. You will implement identity governance, manage AAD objects, and optimize RBAC for secure access.

The role emphasizes monitoring, patching, disaster recovery, and security best practices, with frequent collaboration across networking, security, development, and support teams. Travel may be required for national/international assignments.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience administering Azure environments.
• Strong understanding of Azure services including compute, networking, identity, and storage.
• Proficiency in PowerShell and/or Azure CLI.
• Experience with monitoring tools such as Azure Monitor and Log Analytics.
• Experience implementing security and governance within Azure.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals (DNS, routing, firewalls, VPN).

Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, and maintain Azure resources including Virtual Machines, VNets, Storage Accounts, Load Balancers, and App Services.
• Manage Azure Active Directory (AAD) objects, identity governance, and RBAC.
• Oversee and optimize Azure networking components (VNets, NSGs, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute, Firewalls).
• Monitor system performance, availability, and security through Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights.
• Perform routine maintenance, patching, backup management, and disaster recovery operations (ASR, Backup Vaults).
• Troubleshoot Azure service issues and implement permanent fixes.
• Implement Azure security best practices including policies, blueprints, and conditional access.
• Manage encryption, key vaults, managed identities, and compliance configurations.
• Work with security teams to maintain adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.
• Improve cloud efficiency through cost management (budgets, tagging, right-sizing).
• Contribute to DevOps pipelines and processes where applicable.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including networking, security, development, and support.
• Provide Tier 2/3 support for Azure-related escalations.
• Maintain documentation for architecture, configuration, and operational procedures.

Skills

Azure administration

PowerShell

Azure CLI

Monitoring tools

RBAC

Networking fundamentals

Identity management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Zscaler

Active Directory

VMware

Windows Server

Job description

Deploy, configure, and maintain Azure resources including Virtual Machines, VNets, Storage Accounts, Load Balancers, and App Services.

Manage Azure Active Directory (AAD) objects, identity governance, and role-based access control (RBAC).

Oversee and optimize Azure networking components (VNets, NSGs, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute, Firewalls).

Monitoring & Operations

Monitor system performance, availability, and security through Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights. Perform routine maintenance, patching, backup management, and disaster recovery operations (ASR, Backup Vaults).

Troubleshoot Azure service issues and implement permanent fixes.

Security & Compliance

Implement Azure security best practices including policies, blueprints, and conditional access.

Manage encryption, key vaults, managed identities, and compliance configurations.

Work with security teams to maintain adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.

Automation & Optimization

Improve cloud efficiency through cost management (budgets, tagging, right-sizing).

Contribute to DevOps pipelines and processes where applicable.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including networking, security, development, and support.

Provide Tier 2/3 support for Azure-related escalations.

Maintain documentation for architecture, configuration, and operational procedures.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Degree preferred, but not required.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience administering Azure environments.
• Strong understanding of Azure services including compute, networking, identity, and storage.
• Proficiency in PowerShell and/or Azure CLI.
• Experience with monitoring tools such as Azure Monitor and Log Analytics.
• Experience implementing security and governance within Azure.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals (DNS, routing, firewalls, VPN).

Soft Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in both team settings and independently.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and sound decision-making.
• Solid project management skills, including task prioritization and multitasking under pressure.
• Availability for occasional after-hours and weekend work when required.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally for business purposes.

Technical Skills

• Zscaler cloud security administration.
• PowerShell scripting.
• Active Directory management.

Strong understanding of:

• TCP/IP, BGP, and OSPF routing protocols.
• VMware virtualization technologies.
• Microsoft 365 (Office 365) administration.
• Windows Server 2019/2022.
• HP/Aruba networking hardware management.
• Palo Alto firewalls and Panorama management.