Cloud Architect

Job Description
Position Summary:
The Cloud Architect is responsible for designing and implementing cloud-based solutions that meet the Office of the Chief Counsel and PhillyStat360s business needs while aligning with industry best practices and standards. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders to understand requirements, assessing existing IT infrastructure, and developing cloud migration strategies. The Cloud Architect oversees the architecture and deployment of cloud services, ensuring scalability, security, and performance. They play a critical role in driving cloud adoption initiatives, optimizing resource utilization, and guiding teams through the cloud transformation journey.
Essential Functions:
Taking a lead role providing technical planning, design, implementation of initiatives
Oversight of GIS existing Azure Gov cloud tenant
Lead the design and architecture of cloud-based solutions, considering factors such as scalability, reliability, security, and cost optimization.
Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, assess existing infrastructure, and define cloud migration strategies and roadmaps.
Develop architectural designs, blueprints, and technical specifications for cloud solutions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and standards.
Implement cloud services and infrastructure components, such as compute, storage, networking, and security, using leading cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Configure and manage cloud environments, including virtual machines, containers, serverless computing, and microservices architectures.
Implement cloud security best practices, including identity and access management, data encryption, network security, and compliance controls.
Optimize cloud resources utilization, monitoring performance, and cost metrics to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost savings.
Provide technical guidance and expertise to project teams and stakeholders on cloud architecture, best practices, and emerging technologies.
Collaborate with OIT to integrate cloud services with existing systems and applications, ensuring seamless interoperability and data exchange.
Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in cloud computing, participating in training, certifications, and knowledge-sharing activities to enhance skills and expertise.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge:
Strong understanding of cloud computing concepts, architectures, and service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
In-depth knowledge of leading cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, including their services and features.
Familiarity with cloud security best practices, compliance standards, and regulatory requirements.
Understanding of networking principles, protocols, and technologies relevant to cloud environments.
Knowledge of containerization technologies (e.G., Docker, Kubernetes) and serverless computing concepts.
Understanding of DevOps principles and practices, including continuous integration, continuous delivery, and infrastructure as code (IaC).
Familiarity with hybrid cloud and multi-cloud architectures, including connectivity, data replication, and workload migration strategies.
Knowledge of licensing and operation responsibility models for SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS products.
Proficiency in system diagramming tools and techniques.
Skills:
Strong technical skills in cloud architecture, infrastructure design, and implementation.
Proficiency in configuring and managing cloud services and resources using platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Ability to design scalable, resilient, and cost-effective cloud solutions that meet business requirements.
Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and propose effective solutions.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Project management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines and objectives.
Technical writing skills, with experience in writing policies, standards, or other governance documents.
Abilities:
Ability to work independently and proactively, taking initiative to drive cloud adoption initiatives and overcome challenges.
Capacity to adapt to changing priorities and navigate ambiguity in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with a commitment to delivering high-quality cloud solutions.
Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders, fostering collaboration and trust.
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, staying updated on emerging trends and best practices in cloud computing and architecture