Principal Cloud Architect - Contract

Project Scope:

We are seeking an experienced Principal Cloud Architect to provide enterprise-level architecture expertise for cloud modernization initiatives. The ideal candidate will lead the design, implementation, and adoption of a cloud-native integration platform built on Microsoft Azure.

The role will focus on developing scalable enterprise integration solutions using APIs, event-driven architecture, messaging platforms, cloud data technologies, and modern cloud engineering practices.

Key Responsibilities:

·        Lead architecture, design, and implementation of enterprise cloud solutions using Microsoft Azure.

·        Design and implement cloud-native integration patterns using REST APIs, event-driven architecture, asynchronous messaging, and distributed systems.

·        Provide technical leadership and architecture guidance to development teams, project teams, and implementation partners.

·        Develop and maintain cloud architecture standards, technical documentation, governance practices, and solution design patterns.

·        Collaborate with enterprise architects, cybersecurity teams, infrastructure teams, business stakeholders, and vendors.

·        Design and implement enterprise data platforms using cloud-based data lake, analytics, and data engineering technologies.

·        Support cloud adoption strategies and ensure solutions align with security, scalability, and performance requirements.

·        Mentor technical teams and provide knowledge transfer on cloud architecture best practices.

·        Promote continuous improvement, automation, and cloud engineering standards.

Required Skills & Experience:

·        12+ years of experience in enterprise technology solutions.

·        10+ years of experience designing, developing, and implementing enterprise applications and platforms.

·        7+ years of experience designing and implementing cloud solutions and cloud-native architectures using Azure, AWS, GCP, or similar cloud platforms.

·        Strong experience designing enterprise integration solutions using:

• REST APIs, Event-driven architecture, Asynchronous messaging, Distributed systems
  

·        Experience designing and implementing enterprise data platforms, including:

• Cloud data lakes, Analytics platforms, Data engineering solutions
  

·        Strong understanding of cloud security, identity and access management, scalability, performance optimization, monitoring, and operational support.

·        Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills:

·        Experience integrating enterprise systems such as: SAP, SAP S/4HANA, ERP platforms, HR systems, Financial applications

·        Experience supporting government, public sector, or highly regulated environments.

·        Experience with: Azure API Management, Azure Functions, Azure Logic Apps, Azure Event Grid, ERP integration solutions

·        Experience establishing: Enterprise architecture standards, Cloud governance practices, Technical design patterns, Solution documentation

·        Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC), including: Terraform, Bicep, ARM Templates

·        Experience with: CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, Development automation

·        Experience with cloud architecture certifications and frameworks.

Education
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field.

Preferred Certifications

• Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  
• Microsoft Azure Developer Associate
  
• Microsoft Azure Data Engineer Associate
  
• TOGAF or equivalent Enterprise Architecture certification