Azure Solutions Architect - St Louis, United States - Perficient

Description

Job Description

We currently have a career opportunity for a Azure Solutions Architect to join our team located in Dallas, Houston, or Lafayette, LA.

Job Overview:
As an Azure Solutions Architect, you will be the subject matter expert in your target focus area and contribute to a variety of cloud engineering teams to deliver end-to-end cloud transformation for our customers, as part of our fast-growing Azure Practice. This challenging role requires significant knowledge and experience across many facets of cloud technology including Cloud Infrastructure, Application Modernization & Development, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, Containers and Modern Data Services - all while understanding the Governance, Security, Monitoring and Cost Management aspects of the Azure ecosystem. We are looking for disciplined consultants with deep technical backgrounds, experience building world-class cloud solutions and strong leadership skills.

The core responsibility of this role is to provide Azure architectural vision and implementation expertise throughout the assessment, proposal, design, implementation and operational phases of a customer engagement. You will work alongside Perficient resources to serve all needs within the Microsoft Azure cloud, heavily leverage Azure native services for migration and modernization and enable open source and third-party solutions on Azure infrastructure. The role often results in the Solutions Architect becoming the trusted, technical face of the engagement; strong leadership and consulting skills are necessary. Successful candidates must be willing to multitask and understand that customer engagements will vary over time and must maintain and evolve skillsets to meet those needs.

Technology Capabilities:

• Familiarity of principles summarized in the Azure Cloud Adoption and Well-Architected Frameworks is desired
• Solid experience developing infrastructure architecture, networking and security components at scale
• Applicable knowledge of principles summarized in the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework
• Expert-level technical design and thought leadership of Azure assessment and implementation engagements
• Lead elaboration and discovery sessions to inform solution design, migration and modernization strategy
• Lead architecture design, infrastructure foundations, component and design thinking sessions with customers
• Proven experience with a deep understanding of the following cloud platform technologies is strongly desired:
  • IaaS: Compute (virtual machines via Windows & Linux), Storage (blob, file, managed disk), Networking (virtual networks, peering, routing) and Security (network security, auditing/logging, policy/compliance)
  • PaaS: App Service/App Service Environment, Traffic Manager, Front Door, App Gateway, Load Balancer, Serverless SQL, Managed Instance SQL
  • Cloud Networking: Virtual WAN/VWAN, Secure Hub, Azure Firewall, NVA, Virtual Networks, NSG, Traffic Analytics, Hybrid Networking
  • Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, AKS, OpenShift or ARO container platforms
  • Working knowledge of Azure DevOps, ARM Templates, Azure Policies, Azure Blueprints
  • Working knowledge of Azure Monitor, Application Insights, Cost Management or equivalent tooling
  • Understanding of data services including Cosmos DB, Azure SQL Database, Data Lake, Databricks, Data Factory, Synapse and when to use each
  • Provide guidance on Network Security, Azure Policy and Blueprints, Azure Monitor and Azure Security and governance-compliance mechanisms in general
• Support IaaS migration & implementation via Azure Virtual Desktop, Citrix, and VMware
• Support application & data migrations and PaaS modernizations
• Design and implement Azure infrastructure to support 3rd party solutions (e.g., Sitecore on Azure)
• Ability to produce high quality architecture diagrams and documents to communicate thoroughness of vision for system component topology, design, networking and security of proposed solutions
• Ensure that the established process is followed on assigned projects and maintain familiarity with industry best practices including:
  • Cloud virtual network segregation and service isolation
  • Web Application Firewall configuration and implementation
  • System reliability and regional redundancy
  • Zero Trust security design and implementation
  • Automated system auditing, logging and monitoring
• Good understanding in designing and implementing platform infrastructure for web services and applications is desired. Extra consideration is given to those candidates that have experience in this area with large scale, high performance and highly redundant solutions
• Understands Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery design principles, methodologies and tooling options. The ideal candidate should be able to define and demonstrate BCDR (Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery) solutions
• Candidates may have a focus area in either Azure Foundations, Azure Application Modernization or Azure Data Services:
• Working knowledge of Azure DevOps, ARM Templates, Azure Policies, Azure Blueprints
• Working knowledge of Azure Monitor, Application Insights, Cost Management or equivalent tooling
• Understanding of data services including Cosmos DB, Azure SQL Database, Data Lake, Databricks, Data Factory, Synapse and when to use each
• Provide guidance on Network Security, Azure Policy and Blueprints, Azure Monitor and Azure Security and governance-compliance mechanisms in general
• Support IaaS migration & implementation via Azure Virtual Desktop, Citrix, and VMware

Azure Foundations:

• Preferred experience in platform automation methodologies and tooling (Blueprint, Template, JSON/YAML/Bicep)
• Designing Azure Identity and Role Based Access Control
• Designing Azure Platform Protection and Network Segregation
• Managing Azure Security and Optimization for infrastructure workloads

Azure Application Modernization:

• Implementation of Azure Web Apps, Function Apps, and development on these platforms
• Designing solutions that utilize Azure Cosmos Database, Azure Storage Account, and other services
• Designing solutions that utilize Azure integration services such as EventGrid, EventHub, and ServiceBus
• Managing Azure Security and Azure Identity in applications and workloads

Azure Data Services:

• Preferred experience with Azure Data services such as Data Factory, Data Bricks and Data Lake
• Design and development of data transformation, migration and manipulation pipelines
• Manage Azure Security and optimize for data pipeline and workload needs
• Design Analytics and reporting solutions using Azure Data Bricks, Power BI, Tableau, or other systems

Perficient is always looking for the best and brightest talent and we need you We're a quickly-growing, global digital consulting leader, and we're transforming the world's largest enterprises and biggest brands. You'll work with the latest technologies, expand your skills, and become a part of our global community of talented, diverse, and knowledgeable colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Own and aggressively drive forward specific areas of technology architecture. Provide architectural solutions/designs to project execution teams for implementation.
• Provide architectural assessments, strategies, and roadmaps for one or more technology domains.
• Lead projects within architecture. Work with Product Owner/Business Analysts to understand functional requirements and interact with other cross-functional teams to architect, design, develop, test, and release features.
• Project and solution estimation and team structure definition.
• Develop Proof-of-Concept projects to validate new architectures and solutions.
• Support multiple Agile Scrum teams with planning, scoping and creation of technical solutions for the new product capabilities, through to continuous delivery to production.
• Liaise with offshore team and clients for resolving technical dependencies, issues, and risks.
• Mentor and provide architectural guidance to multiple teams building innovative applications.
• Drive common vision, practices and capabilities across teams.
• Engage with business stakeholders to understand required capabilities, integrating business knowledge with technical solutions.
• Engage with Technical Architects and technical staff to determine the most appropriate technical strategy and designs to meet business needs.
• Demonstrate broad solutions technical leadership, impacting significant technical direction, exerting influence outside of the immediate team and driving change.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of enterprise architecture, infrastructure and/or solution delivery experience and a Bachelor of Computer Science, MIS or equivalent degree; without a degree, three additional years of relevant professional experience (8+ years in total)
• 3+ years delivering enterprise solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform
• Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is required (or achievable by the candidate within the first six months)
• Demonstrable record of accomplishment in leading and managing successful client engagements
• Experienced understanding in structuring and leading team resources to ensure a high probability of successful engagements
• Deep dedication to managing time while balancing several simultaneous project engagements
• Collaborate with project managers and customers to develop backlogs based off the solution design
• Serve as primary point of contact for customers including issue escalation, new feature requests and occasionally project backlog problem resolution
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methodology
• Sufficient depth and breadth of technical knowledge to be individually responsible for the design and scope of deliverables within a field of expertise
• Able to communicate and present complex issues with preciseness, assurance and confidence with client representatives including management and C-suite level
• Passion for technology and a high technical aptitude
• Self-sufficient, high integrity, more than just competent
• Demonstrates the use of consulting skills including: questioning, listening, ideas development, permission and rapport, and influencing
• Ability to conduct/lead oral status/technical interchange meetings with clients - serve as primary point of contact for customers including issue escalation, new feature requests, and occasionally complaints
• Owns and produces customer documentation. Ability to translate technical details into concise and easy to understand written form
• Ability to translate requirements from client meetings into requirements documents and proposal presentations

Perficient full-time employees receive complete and competitive benefits. We offer a collaborative work environment, competitive compensation, generous work/life opportunities and an outstanding benefits package that includes paid time off plus holidays. In addition, all colleagues are eligible for a number of rewards and recognition programs including billable bonus opportunities. Encouraging a healthy work/life balance and providing our colleagues great benefits are just part of what makes Perficient a great place to work.

The salary range for this position takes into consideration a variety of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, level of experience, applicable office location, training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The new hire salary range displays the minimum and maximum salary targets for this position across all US locations, and the range has not been adjusted for any specific state differentials. It is not typical for a candidate to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the unique facts and circumstances regarding each candidate. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range for this position is $81,978 to $178,090. Please note that the salary range posted reflects the base salary only and does not include benefits or any potential equity or variable bonus programs. Information regarding the benefits available for this position are in our benefits overview.

WHO WE ARE

Perficient is the leading digital transformation consulting firm serving Global 2000 and enterprise customers throughout North America. With unparalleled information technology, management consulting and creative capabilities, Perficient and its Perficient Digital agency deliver vision, execution and value with outstanding digital experience, business optimization and industry solutions.

Our work enables clients to improve productivity and competitiveness; grow and strengthen relationships with customers, suppliers and partners; and reduce costs. Perficient's professionals serve clients from a network of offices across North America and offshore locations in India and China. Traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, Perficient is a member of the Russell 2000 index and the S&P SmallCap 600 index.

Perficient is an award-winning Microsoft National Service Provider and Gold Certified Partner, an IBM Premier Business Partner, an Oracle Platinum Partner, an Adobe Business Solution Partner, and a Salesforce Gold Consulting Partner.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

At Perficient, we promise to challenge, champion, and celebrate our people. You will experience a unique and collaborative culture that values every voice. Join our team, and you'll become part of something truly special.

We believe in developing a workforce that is as diverse and inclusive as the clients we work with. We're committed to actively listening, learning, and acting to further advance our organization, our communities, and our future leaders... and we're not done yet.

Perficient, Inc. proudly provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Perficient, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Perficient, Inc. expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or covered veterans. Improper interference with the ability of Perficient, Inc. employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Disability Accommodations:

Perficient is committed to providing a barrier-free employment process with reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.

Disclaimer: The above statements are not intended to be a complete statement of job content, rather to act as a guide to the essential functions performed by the employee assigned to this classification. Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties of the position at any time.

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About Us

Perficient is always looking for the best and brightest talent and we need you We're a quickly growing, global digital consulting leader, and we're transforming the world's largest enterprises and biggest brands. You'll work with the latest technologies, expand your skills, experience work-life balance, and become a part of our global community of talented, diverse, and knowledgeable colleagues.