Principal Cloud Infrastructure Architect

Socket.dev; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Empower Pharmacy is a leading healthcare innovator driving AI-enabled cloud infrastructure across Azure and AWS. The Principal Cloud Infrastructure Architect will define strategy, lead migrations to cloud-native environments, and establish IaC standards while embedding AI capabilities for predictive analytics and operational excellence.

The role demands 15+ years in cloud engineering with strong leadership, security governance, and a track record of aligning technology with regulatory

Qualifications

• 15+ years in cloud infrastructure engineering with leadership experience.
• Proven track record of cloud strategy execution and AI integration.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive a comprehensive cloud strategy for Azure and AWS.
• Lead infrastructure development with Infrastructure-as-Code and AI-enabled optimization.
• Mentor and manage a high-performing engineering team across initiatives.
• Ensure security, compliance, and audit readiness for cloud environments.
• Drive innovation and strategic partnerships to future-proof the infrastructure.

Skills

Cloud architecture (Azure & AWS)

AI integration

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS/Engineering

Tools

Terraform

Kubernetes

Azure DevOps

Job description

Empower Pharmacy is a visionary healthcare company dedicated to making quality, affordable medication accessible to millions of patients nationwide. As the nation’s most advanced 503A compounding pharmacy and FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility, we’re redefining what’s possible in personalized medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing. We’re proud to be recognized as one of Houston’s fastest-growing private companies and ranked #116 in Healthcare & Medical on the Inc. 5000 List for 2025.

Our strength is built on four core values: People, Quality, Service, and Innovation. Guided by these principles, we’ve created a uniquely integrated healthcare platform powered by advanced technology, operational excellence, and a relentless commitment to patient care. From manufacturing and quality control to distribution and customer experience, our teams work together to raise industry standards, expand access to critical medications, and improve outcomes for patients and providers across the country.

At Empower, joining our team means more than starting a new role. It means becoming part of a mission-driven organization that’s transforming healthcare at scale. We invest deeply in our people, encourage bold thinking, and create opportunities for growth, leadership, and innovation at every level. Your ideas matter here, your development is supported, and the work you do has a direct impact on the lives of millions.

If you thrive in a fast-moving, purpose-driven environment where innovation, collaboration, and ambition come together, Empower Pharmacy is the place for you. Let’s transform healthcare together.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal Cloud Infrastructure Architect is a senior leadership role responsible for defining, driving, and delivering the enterprise cloud strategy across Azure and AWS, and you will architect the migration of on-premises and data center workloads to cloud-native environments, establish Infrastructure-as-Code standards, embed AI and machine learning capabilities into the infrastructure fabric, and lead a high-performing engineering team. As we scale Azure as our foundational platform, this role is pivotal in ensuring our infrastructure is not only resilient and secure, but AI-ready, intelligent, and built for the next decade of innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Cloud Strategy

• Define Vision: Lead the formulation of a comprehensive cloud strategy aligning with corporate goals, emphasizing AI integration to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with business needs and regulatory requirements, driving organizational growth and innovation.
• Architecture Leadership: Spearhead architectural decisions for cloud adoption, focusing on performance, scalability, and resilience. Utilize AI-driven analytics to optimize resource allocation and infrastructure stability, ensuring seamless migration of workloads to cloud-native environments.
• Performance Monitoring: Establish robust monitoring frameworks using AI tools for real‑time insights into cloud performance. Drive continuous improvements, ensuring infrastructure remains agile, secure, and capable of supporting Empower's rapid growth and innovation targets.

Infrastructure Development

• Code Standards: Develop and enforce Infrastructure-as-Code best practices, ensuring consistent and efficient deployment across environments. Leverage AI to automate code reviews and enhance deployment accuracy, minimizing human errors and reducing deployment times.
• AI Integration: Lead initiatives to embed AI and machine learning capabilities within the infrastructure, enhancing predictive analytics, operational efficiency, and proactive issue resolution. Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging team members to explore cutting‑edge AI technologies and methodologies.
• Scalability Solutions: Architect solutions that ensure infrastructure scalability aligns with business growth. Use AI-powered tools to anticipate capacity needs and automate scaling processes, ensuring resources meet demand without compromising performance or security.

Team Leadership

• Mentor Talent: Build and nurture a high‑performing engineering team, providing guidance and fostering professional growth. Encourage a collaborative environment where team members can leverage AI tools to enhance problem‑solving capabilities and drive innovation.
• Set Objectives: Define clear objectives and performance metrics aligned with organizational goals. Utilize AI‑driven insights to evaluate team performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure alignment with Empower's strategic vision.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments to understand business needs, integrating their input into cloud infrastructure projects. Leverage AI to streamline communication and coordination, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with company objectives.

Security & Compliance

• Ensure Compliance: Oversee the implementation of security measures and compliance protocols across cloud infrastructure. Utilize AI‑driven analytics to proactively identify vulnerabilities, ensuring Empower remains secure and adheres to industry regulations.
• Risk Management: Develop comprehensive risk management strategies, leveraging AI to predict and mitigate potential threats. Establish robust incident response frameworks to quickly address and resolve security breaches, minimizing impact on business operations.
• Audit Readiness: Prepare cloud infrastructure for audits, ensuring all processes comply with regulatory standards. Use AI tools to streamline documentation and reporting, enhancing audit efficiency and accuracy while minimizing disruption to daily operations.

Innovation & Growth

• Drive Innovation: Champion a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging the exploration of emerging technologies and AI advancements. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for innovation that drive business growth and maintain Empower's competitive edge.
• Strategic Partnerships: Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with cloud service providers and technology vendors. Use AI insights to identify and leverage partnership opportunities that enhance Empower's infrastructure capabilities and support long‑term growth.
• Future‑Proofing: Ensure the cloud infrastructure is adaptable to future technological advancements and market changes. Utilize AI‑driven forecasts to anticipate industry trends and proactively adjust strategies, maintaining Empower's position as an industry leader.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Extensive expertise in cloud platforms, Azure and AWS, with a focus on architecture and infrastructure development.
• Proficiency in Infrastructure-as-Code tools, AI integration, and machine learning methodologies.
• Strong leadership and team‑building skills, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem‑solving abilities, with a focus on achieving business objectives.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in cloud infrastructure engineering, with leadership experience in a similar role.
• Proven track record of successful cloud strategy execution and AI integration in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and risk management in cloud environments.

CERTIFICATIONS preferred:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (Required)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (Required)
• HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate or Professional (Required)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (Strongly Preferred)
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) (Strongly Preferred)
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Associate or Professional (Preferred)