ARM (Advanced RISC Machine), Agile Programming Methodologies, Architectural Services, Bash Scripting, Best Practices, Cloud Architecture, Cloud Computing, Collaborative Learning, Communication Skills, Continuous Deployment/Delivery, Continuous Integration, Cryptography, DevOps, Docker, Documentation Standards, Ecosystems, Environmental Management, GitHub, Government, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), Hybrid Cloud, IT Governance, ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library), Identify Issues, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Microsoft Product Family, Microsoft Windows Azure, Multitasking, Network Administration/Management, Network Connectivity, Network Support, Operational Support, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Project Management Professional (PMP), Project/Program Management, Public Cloud, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Regulatory Compliance, Resource Management, Root Cause Analysis, SQL Databases, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Technical Writing, VMS Operating System, VPN (Virtual Private Network), Vendor/Supplier Relations, Virtual Machine (VM), Windows PowerShell, Writing Skills
We have a 1-year hybrid (must be onsite once monthly), Azure SME contract, in Jackson, MS. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.
Our client is seeking a highly skilled and well-rounded Microsoft Azure expert to support a mature enterprise cloud environment and help drive continued cloud adoption across multiple internal teams and partner agencies. Over the past two years, the organization has implemented both an Azure Landing Zone and an Azure Government cloud landing zone, establishing a standardized, scalable foundation for cloud operations. As the environment continues to grow, the organization is focused on building strong internal cloud expertise to support ongoing operations, agency projects, and future cloud initiatives.
The Azure SME will be responsible for maintaining and optimizing the existing Azure environment, supporting troubleshooting efforts across multiple stakeholder groups, and serving as a senior technical resource for complex cloud challenges. The Azure SME will also play a key role in mentoring internal staff and helping to develop long-term cloud capabilities across the organization. This position is central to the continued success of the organization's cloud program and will directly contribute to the development of a Cloud Center of Excellence, including governance, best practices, and technical standards.
Job Functions Overview:
Azure Environment Management Oversee and maintain the existing Azure tenants and Management Groups while ensuring adherence to industry best practices.
Cloud Architecture For both ITS and agencies, design, review, and implement Azure solutions that meet performance, security, and scalability requirements.
Troubleshooting and Support Serve as a senior point of contact for complex Azure-related issues, including network connectivity. This will require coordination with internal teams and agencies to determine root cause and remediation strategies.
Vendor Relationships Work with Microsoft and other third-party vendors to integrate various products into the overall Azure ecosystem.
Mentorship and Training Provide knowledge transfer, training, and coaching to staff members to build internal cloud expertise. Help with the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, standards, and playbooks.
Governance and Security Work with ITS and agency security teams to ensure industry best practices (such as Azure Policy and Microsoft Defender for Cloud) and various compliance requirements are met.
Minimum Qualifications
- Deep knowledge of key Azure services (VMs, Azure Storage, Azure SQL/Cosmos DB, VNet, Microsoft Entra ID, Azure Functions, Azure Resource Manager templates, etc.).
- Experience leading cloud migrations or implementations in a complex multi-tenant/subscription environment.
- Strong network troubleshooting abilities to help resolve connectivity issues both inside the Azure cloud environment and ingressing/egressing to the State's on-premises environment (e.g., ExpressRoute, VPN).
- Familiarity with Azure Landing Zone implementations and management using Azure Landing Zone reference architectures or ALZ deployment tools.
- Proficiency with infrastructure as code (ARM templates, Bicep, Terraform) and CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions).
- Experience implementing security best practices (e.g., Azure RBAC, encryption, network segmentation, and Azure Policies).
- Familiarity with DevOps principles, containerization (Docker, AKS, Azure Container Apps), and serverless architectures.
- Strong troubleshooting abilities across networking, storage, and compute layers in Azure.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven experience mentoring staff and fostering a collaborative, learning-focused environment.
- Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
- Strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to lead architectural reviews and navigate ambiguity in designing solutions to complex business problems.
Desirable Qualifications
- Microsoft Azure Expert-level certification (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure DevOps Engineer Expert).
- Experience in a government or highly regulated environment (e.g., HIPAA, CJIS, IRS 1075 compliance).
- Knowledge of ITIL, project management methodologies (e.g., PMP, Agile), and enterprise IT governance frameworks.
- Familiarity with other public cloud providers and hybrid-cloud environments (e.g., Azure Arc).
- Working knowledge of common scripting/programming languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
Minimum Application Requirements
Your application will be disqualified if you do not meet all these minimum application requirements.
- Must meet or exceed the Minimum Qualifications.
- Must be a current resident of the United States.
- Must have current work authorization for the United States.
- Must be a direct hire.
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