Cloud Architect

Paradigm Nat'l; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology services firm is seeking a Cloud Architect to lead cloud initiatives leveraging Microsoft Azure and AWS services. You will design and implement scalable solutions, modernize applications, and mentor engineers while collaborating in an AWS-oriented environment. This role entails hands-on leadership, combining technical expertise with client engagement to deliver effective cloud architectures. Candidates must have significant experience in Azure, AWS, and DevOps practices, coupled with excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in systems or cloud architecture.
• 8+ years hands-on with Microsoft Azure.
• Experience with AWS services (EC2, S3, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Lead cloud initiatives across Azure and AWS.
• Architect and implement Microsoft Azure solutions.
• Design and modernize .NET applications to Azure.

Skills

Microsoft Azure

AWS

Containerization

Infrastructure as Code

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Cloud certifications (Azure and/or AWS)

Tools

Terraform

Azure DevOps

Docker

PowerShell

Bash

Python

Job description

Our client is a technology services firm helping organizations modernize and transform their platforms through cloud technologies. While the company primarily utilizes AWS services, we maintain a strong and growing practice focused on Microsoft Azure and the Microsoft application stack to support a broad range of client modernization initiatives.

We specialize in cloud architecture, application modernization, data platforms, and DevOps automation, delivering enterprise-grade solutions across Azure and AWS. Headquartered in Chicago, we partner closely with clients to design and implement scalable, secure, and resilient cloud environments using Azure, .NET, SQL, containerization, and cloud-native services, while integrating seamlessly with AWS-based platforms where required.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Cloud Architect who is a hands‑on technical leader with deep experience in Microsoft Azure, and working knowledge of AWS. This role requires the ability to lead architecture, mentor engineers, and actively implement solutions while collaborating in a primarily AWS‑driven organization.

You will be responsible for designing, building, and modernizing solutions using Microsoft cloud technologies, while also contributing to and integrating with existing AWS environments. This is a leadership role for someone who can bridge platforms, guide teams, and deliver real technical outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a hands‑on technical leader for cloud initiatives across Azure and AWS
• Architect and implement Microsoft Azure solutions, setting standards and best practices
• Design, modernize, and migrate .NET applications to Azure and cloud‑native architectures
• Build and operate containerized workloads using Docker, with orchestration via AKS and familiarity with EKS
• Design, migrate, and optimize SQL‑based data platforms, including Azure SQL, SQL Server, and AWS‑managed databases
• Collaborate with AWS‑focused teams to ensure interoperability, security, and architectural alignment
• Implement Infrastructure as Code using Terraform (preferred), ARM/Bicep, or CloudFormation
• Design and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or AWS‑native tooling
• Lead migrations from on‑premises and legacy systems to highly available cloud architectures
• Apply security best practices including Azure AD, IAM, RBAC, networking controls, and least‑privilege access
• Evaluate environments using the Azure Well‑Architected Framework and AWS Well‑Architected Framework
• Mentor engineers and guide architectural decision‑making across teams
• Communicate architecture, tradeoffs, and delivery status to technical teams and executive stakeholders

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred
• Cloud certifications strongly preferred (Azure and/or AWS), or obtained within the first 90 days

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in systems engineering, software engineering, or cloud architecture
• 8+ years of hands‑on Microsoft Azure experience
• Working knowledge of AWS services and architectures (EC2, S3, VPC, RDS, IAM, etc.)
• Strong experience designing and delivering .NET‑based applications
• Proven experience with SQL platforms (SQL Server, Azure SQL, AWS‑managed databases)
• 2–3+ years of experience with containerization using Docker
• Experience with AKS and familiarity with EKS or other container orchestration platforms
• Strong experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform preferred)
• Experience with CI/CD and DevOps practices across Azure and AWS
• Proficiency in PowerShell, Bash, and/or Python
• Experience implementing enterprise security controls and governance
• Strong understanding of application, data, network, and enterprise architecture
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineers in hands‑on delivery
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate:

• Leads by example and builds alongside the team
• Is comfortable operating in a primarily AWS environment while championing Microsoft solutions
• Makes sound architectural decisions and clearly communicates tradeoffs
• Mentors engineers and raises the technical bar
• Thrives in fast‑paced, client‑facing environments
• Comfortable leading client meetings and engaging in design with business executives