Senior Azure Cloud Architect

Job Title: Senior Azure Cloud Architect

Job Location: Hybrid- [4 days in office]- Montpelier, VT, USA

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future

We are seeking an experienced Senior Azure Cloud Architect to lead the design, implementation, migration, automation, and operational management of enterprise-scale Azure cloud environments. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Azure infrastructure, cloud networking, security, automation, migration strategies, and modern cloud-native services while providing technical leadership to distributed engineering teams.

This role requires a highly skilled cloud professional capable of driving Azure transformation initiatives, implementing landing zones, designing secure and scalable architectures, and ensuring operational excellence across hybrid cloud environments.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is up to $150K depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

In this role, you will

• Design, architect, and manage Azure cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) frameworks such as Terraform, ARM Templates, or Bicep to ensure scalable, repeatable, and secure deployments.

• Lead Azure Landing Zone implementation and cloud modernization initiatives, establishing governance, security, networking, and operational standards for enterprise cloud adoption.

• Design and manage Azure networking solutions, including Virtual Networks (VNets), ExpressRoute, Site-to-Site VPNs, VNet Peering, Load Balancers, WAF, CDN, SD-WAN integrations, DNS services, and firewall configurations.

• Architect and support Azure PaaS services including Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, Storage Accounts, Key Vault, App Services, Function Apps, Event Hub, Service Bus, Blob Storage, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).

• Lead cloud migration projects utilizing Azure Migrate, Azure Site Recovery, Lift-and-Shift methodologies, and third-party migration tools to migrate applications and infrastructure from on-premises environments to Azure.

• Develop and implement automation solutions using scripting and orchestration technologies to streamline provisioning, deployment, monitoring, patching, backup, and operational processes.

• Manage enterprise Azure security and identity services, including Active Directory integrations, SSL certificate management, RBAC implementation, Key Vault management, security monitoring, and cloud governance controls.

• Provide operational leadership for cloud service delivery, ensuring high availability, performance, reliability, disaster recovery readiness, and adherence to SLA commitments across cloud platforms.

• Lead and mentor distributed engineering teams, providing technical guidance, architectural direction, project oversight, and best practices for cloud engineering, DevOps, and infrastructure operations.

• Collaborate with stakeholders, business teams, and project managers to define cloud strategies, manage project lifecycles, identify continuous improvement opportunities, and deliver exceptional customer and stakeholder experiences.

What you'll need to succeed (required skills)

• Bachelor''s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field.

• 15+ years of Infrastructure and Cloud Engineering experience.

• 10+ years of hands-on Azure Cloud Architecture and Engineering experience.

• Proven experience building and managing Azure enterprise environments.

• Strong expertise in Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, ARM Templates, Bicep, or equivalent).

• Extensive experience designing Azure Landing Zones and cloud governance frameworks.

• Hands-on experience with:

• Azure Virtual Machines

• Azure SQL Database

• Cosmos DB

• AKS (Azure Kubernetes Service)

• Event Hub

• Function Apps

• App Services

• Service Bus

• Blob Storage

• Azure Site Recovery

• Key Vault

• Strong understanding of hybrid cloud architectures (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).

• Experience managing Windows Server environments, backups, patching, performance monitoring, and disaster recovery solutions.

Required Technical Skills

Cloud Platforms

• Microsoft Azure (Expert)

• Multi-Cloud exposure (AWS/GCP preferred)

Azure Infrastructure & Networking

• Azure Landing Zones

• Virtual Networks

• ExpressRoute

• VNet Peering

• Site-to-Site VPN

• Azure Firewall

• Load Balancers

• DNS

• WAF

• CDN

• SD-WAN

Cloud Migration

• Azure Migrate

• Azure Site Recovery

• Lift-and-Shift Migration

• Cloud Transformation Programs

DevOps & Automation

• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, ARM, Bicep)

• CI/CD Pipelines

• Azure DevOps

• GitHub Actions

• PowerShell

• Python

• Automation Runbooks

Containers & Modern Platforms

• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

• Kubernetes Administration

• Container Deployment & Scaling

• Microservices Architecture

Security & Identity

• Azure Active Directory / Microsoft Entra ID

• RBAC

• Key Vault

• SSL Certificate Management

• Cloud Security Best Practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.

• Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification.

• Experience with enterprise service delivery and managed services environments.

• Project leadership experience managing large-scale cloud transformation programs.

• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

• 401(k) plan and contributions

• Long-term/Short-term Disability

• Paid Parental Leave

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Work model:

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid role requiring 4 days a week at client site in Montpelier, VT, USA.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

We''re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don''t hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

"Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

About Cognizant:

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information

Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.