IT Architect - Cloud

HDR; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,726 - 158,180; Full time

Job summary

HDR is looking for a Cloud Architect in Chicago, IL to design secure, scalable cloud solutions and govern HDR’s cloud architecture. This strategic role involves collaboration with various teams to shape cloud capabilities and drive modernization initiatives.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in infrastructure technologies, a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and an Azure Solutions Architect Certification. The expected compensation range is between $110,726.00 and $158,180.00 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years experience in technology systems.
• In-depth knowledge of infrastructure technologies.
• Ability to solve complex problems creatively.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of enterprise cloud architectures focused on Azure.
• Build governance programs ensuring secure and compliant solutions.
• Advise teams on architecture-aligned solutions.

Skills

Azure Solutions Architect

Creative problem solving

Infrastructure knowledge

Cloud technologies (PaaS, IaaS, SaaS)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related area

Tools

Cloud platforms (Azure)

Networking fundamentals

Job description

About the Role

As a Cloud Architect, you will work closely with the Director of IT Architecture and fellow architects to establish, evolve, and govern HDR’s cloud architecture. You will partner with operational technology leaders, corporate IT teams, and business stakeholders to design secure, scalable, and cost‑efficient cloud solutions that support HDR’s long‑term business strategy.

This is a strategic architecture role, not a software development or cloud engineering position. You will influence decisions, design target‑state architectures, shape governance frameworks, and guide teams as HDR continues expanding its cloud capabilities.

What You’ll Do

Architecture & Strategy

Lead the design of enterprise cloud architectures with a focus on Azure‑first solutions across identity, networking, security, governance, FinOps, automation, and platform services.

Define and maintain reference architectures, standards, patterns, and guardrails to guide cloud adoption across HDR.

Develop and communicate cloud roadmaps aligned to HDR’s broader technology vision and business objectives.

Provide architectural leadership for modernization initiatives, including application migration, platform evolution, and infrastructure transformation.

Governance & Oversight

Build and contribute to governance programs ensuring cloud solutions are secure, compliant, cost‑optimized, and aligned with HDR architecture principles.

Review proposed cloud solutions to ensure adherence to architectural standards and best practices.

Serve as a subject‑matter expert to IT Operations, Security, and other corporate technology teams.

Collaboration & Leadership Influence

Advise operational leaders and technical teams on solving systemic challenges and improving cloud maturity.

Work across diverse teams to translate complex requirements into actionable, architecture‑aligned solutions.

Create and deliver presentations, architectural documentation, and decision frameworks for technical and non‑technical audiences.

Partner with operations teams to build transition plans and ensure long‑term sustainability of solutions you design.

What This Role Is / Is Not

• Not a software development or application architect role
• Not a hands‑on DevOps, SRE, or cloud engineering position
• Not a junior or entry‑level engineering role
• Not focused solely on operating existing cloud workloads

This role IS: architectural, strategic, cross‑functional, and enterprise level; focused on cloud foundations, governance, modernization, and long‑term strategy; suited for someone who thrives in designing and guiding—not exclusively building—solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

Azure Solutions Architect Expert Certification equivalent, or ability to obtain certification is required.

Demonstratable in‑depth technical knowledge in cloud technologies (PaaS, IaaS, SaaS, serverless), particularly Azure.

This role is ineligible for visa sponsorship.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, related technical area, or relevant combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 7 years experience in analysis, design, implementation, and planning for technology systems
• In‑depth technical knowledge of infrastructure technologies
• Systems requirements gathering and execution into applicable solutions
• Creative problem solving
• Ability to evaluate new technologies or concepts and apply them to the big‑picture technology service needs of HDR
• Broad technology experience in infrastructure technologies, including personal computer hardware, servers, operating systems, supporting technologies (such as anti‑virus, software deployment, remote control), software configurations, and general networking fundamentals
• Knowledge and experience in an architecture and engineering environment
• Ability to plan and manage design and implementation of complex infrastructure technology systems
• Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Compensation & Benefits

Expected compensation range: Chicago, IL – $110,726.00 – $158,180.00; Denver, CO – $110,726.00 – $158,180.00. The range depends on skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.)

Primary Location: United States – Nebraska – Omaha. Other Locations: United States – Missouri – Kansas City, United States – Texas – Dallas, United States – Colorado – Denver, United States – Texas – Fort Worth, United States – Illinois – Chicago.

Industry: IT; Schedule: Full‑time; Employee Status: Regular.

Legal and Equal Opportunity Statement

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer