Azure Cloud Engineer

LRS Consulting Services is seeking a Senior Azure Cloud Engineer to join a growing financial services organization in Lake Forest, IL. This permanent role will serve as a technical leader responsible for the design, optimization, and evolution of Azure and hybrid infrastructure platforms. The ideal candidate combines deep Azure expertise with strong networking, automation, and cloud architecture experience and enjoys driving modernization initiatives that improve security, scalability, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Location: Lake Forest, IL (Hybrid - 3 Days Onsite)

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of Azure cloud infrastructure, networking, and hybrid connectivity solutions.
• Drive cloud modernization, migration, optimization, and platform improvement initiatives.
• Design and support Azure networking solutions, including routing, DNS, VPN connectivity, and hybrid cloud architectures.
• Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions utilizing Terraform, Bicep, ARM templates, PowerShell, and Azure Automation.
• Design secure, resilient solutions that integrate Azure, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, and on-premises enterprise systems.
• Optimize cloud environments for performance, scalability, availability, security, and cost efficiency.
• Partner closely with Information Security teams to support Zero Trust initiatives and cloud security best practices.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and provide recommendations regarding AI, Azure OpenAI, intelligent automation, IoT, and cloud-native services.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor and mentor to infrastructure and cloud engineering team members.
• Support strategic technology planning and influence cloud architecture decisions across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8 years of infrastructure, network, systems, or cloud engineering experience.
• 5 years of hands-on Microsoft Azure experience.
• Strong expertise in Azure networking, cloud architecture, hybrid connectivity, routing, DNS, VPN technologies, and enterprise infrastructure design.
• Experience designing and supporting hybrid cloud environments.
• Strong Infrastructure as Code (IaC) experience utilizing Terraform, Bicep, ARM templates, PowerShell, or similar automation technologies.
• Experience leading complex cloud transformation, modernization, or infrastructure initiatives.
• Strong understanding of cloud security principles, governance, identity management, and Zero Trust architectures.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to mentor team members and provide technical leadership across projects.

The base salary range for this position is $115,000 - $180,000 annually, depending on experience. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hires of this position across all U.S. locations. Individual compensation is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

LRS Consulting Services is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for employment will receive consideration without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, gender identity, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, or protected veteran status.

In some cases, LRS Consulting Services uses generative artificial intelligence ("AI") in support of our hiring processes. LRS takes steps to ensure the use of AI does not result in discrimination based on protected class(es). AI may be used solely in support of the assessment of candidate qualifications. All hiring decisions are made by LRS employees. If AI will be used in the hiring process for the position for which you are applying, you will be notified and will have the opportunity to opt out. Please contact AI.Questions@lrs.com with any questions.