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Cloud Infrastructure Architect (Azure Focus)

3B Staffing LLC, Boston, MA, United States


Please send me your 1 best candidate today - I don't' want a bunch. Take your time and find your 1 best.

Candidates must be onsite week 1 in Boston, MA

Strong Azure Architecture with Infrastructure and Security
Infrastructure as Code IaC
Strong Networks
Some AWS
Title:

Cloud Infrastructure Architect (Azure Focus)

Basic Company Info:

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global, experiential, research university built on a tradition of engagement with the world, creating a distinctive approach to education and research. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools, and select advanced degrees at graduate campuses in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Seattle.

Location:

216 Mass Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 -they are by the Christian Science Plaza and Library. Parking is not available and comes at a monthly cost direct to contractor.

Start:

ASAP

Duration:

9 months

Interview Process:

They are doing MS Teams video interviews

Background Check (if applicable):

Yes-criminal

Hours / Shift:

EST 8:30-5 pm full time (40 hours)

This role is hybrid, with 3 days onsite in Boston, MA expected- they really should have primary local residence

Cloud Infrastructure Architect (Azure Focus)

Overview:

Northeastern University is seeking an experienced

Cloud Infrastructure Architect

with a strong focus on

Microsoft Azure . This hands-on role is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing cloud infrastructure solutions that align with the university's cloud strategy. The ideal candidate will have

deep expertise in Azure architecture, governance, security, networking, and automation . You will work closely with cloud engineers, security teams, and application teams to drive

cloud adoption, scalability, cost optimization, and security best practices .

Key Responsibilities:

Cloud Architecture & Design:

Design and implement scalable, secure, and resilient Azure cloud architectures that align with Northeastern University's cloud strategy.
Develop reference architectures, best practices, and governance frameworks for cloud adoption.
Define and implement hybrid cloud architectures, integrating on-premises data centers with Azure services.
Cloud Infrastructure & Networking:

Architect and oversee Azure

network components , including

Virtual Networks (VNets), VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute, Load Balancers, Azure Firewall, and Network Security Groups (NSGs) .
Ensure high availability and performance across cloud workloads through proper network design and resource allocation.
Drive modernization efforts by leveraging

Azure Virtual WAN, Private Link, and hybrid connectivity solutions .
Security & Compliance:

Lead

cloud security hardening initiatives , implementing

Azure Security Center, Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, and Zero Trust security models .
Establish governance and compliance frameworks to ensure adherence to

NIST 800-171, GDPR, HIPAA,

and other regulatory requirements.
Design and implement

Azure Identity and Access Management (IAM) , including Azure Active Directory (AAD), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Privileged Identity Management (PIM), and Conditional Access Policies.
Cost Optimization & Governance:

Develop and enforce cost governance strategies, leveraging

Azure Cost Management + Billing, Reserved Instances, Spot VMs, and Azure Hybrid Benefit .
Implement

tagging strategies, FinOps methodologies, and cloud cost optimization best practices .
Work closely with finance teams to provide

cost forecasts, budget controls, and resource efficiency recommendations .
Automation & Infrastructure as Code (IaC):

Define

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) best practices

using

Terraform, Bicep, and ARM templates

to automate cloud deployments.
Oversee CI/CD integration for infrastructure automation using

Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or Terraform Cloud .
Implement

configuration management and policy enforcement

using

Azure Policy, Azure Blueprints, and Desired State Configuration (DSC) .
Required Qualifications:

Experience:

Minimum

7+ years of experience in cloud architecture

with a strong focus on

Azure infrastructure .
Azure Expertise:

Deep understanding of

Azure networking, security, compute, storage, and hybrid connectivity .
Infrastructure as Code (IaC):

Proficiency in

Terraform, Bicep, ARM templates, and PowerShell

for infrastructure automation.
Cloud Security & Compliance:

Strong knowledge of

Azure AD, RBAC, PIM, Conditional Access, Zero Trust Security, and regulatory compliance .
Cloud Networking:

Expert-level experience with

VNets, VPNs, ExpressRoute, Azure Load Balancers, and Azure Firewall .
Cost Optimization:

Proven track record in

Azure cost governance, Reserved Instances, FinOps, and budget forecasting .
Monitoring & Incident Response:

Experience implementing and managing

Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights .
Certifications:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)

- Required.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)

- Preferred.
Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)

- Preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in

multi-cloud environments (Azure & AWS) .
Hands-on experience with

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and containerization technologies .
Familiarity with

Azure SQL, CosmosDB, Azure Data Lake, and Azure Synapse Analytics .
Experience with

Zero Trust security models and cloud governance frameworks .