Azure Cloud Network Architect

TITLE: Azure Cloud Network Architect

LOCATION: NYC, LA, Boston, DC or San Francisco

**CONTRACT TO HIRE

NO 3RD PARTY VENDORS AND CANDIDATES

JOB DESCRIPTION:**

The Network Infrastructure Cloud Architect is a senior level role in the IT Department responsible for supporting the design and architecture of the firm’s data, wireless, video, and VOIP networks, as well as cloud and IaaS based network connectivity, with a primary focus on Microsoft Azure and familiarity with other major cloud platforms (AWS, GCP). The Network Infrastructure Cloud Architect approaches solution designs with a high level of ownership to deliver secure and operationally sound solutions across both on-premises and cloud environments. This role encompasses three key areas of focus: physical and cloud-based designs that illustrate how the network integrates with the enterprise, logical/secure designs to meet defined solution requirements including cloud-native security controls and identity-based network segmentation, and monitoring/measuring that validates the expected digital experience and business value across hybrid and multi-cloud deployments.

The individual will make recommendations for emerging cloud and networking technologies, including software-defined networking, cloud-native services, and infrastructure as code practices. This position requires an active review of designs to ensure that all business requirements, technical requirements, and monitoring objectives are met across on-premises and cloud infrastructure. The Network Infrastructure Cloud Architect will collaborate across the network team and other IT stakeholder groups to propose security, scalability, availability, supportability, and cost improvements, leveraging cloud-native capabilities where appropriate. In addition, the Network Infrastructure Cloud Architect will provide technical guidance across the organization, from cloud migration strategy and strategic decision advice down to the project planning level.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to the strategic design and architecture of the firm’s data network environment, including hybrid cloud connectivity and Azure virtual networking (VNets, ExpressRoute, Azure Virtual WAN).
• Contributes to the design, deployment, and maintenance of various network systems and components including: routers, switches, internet services, wide area network services, wireless networks, VPNs, firewalls, video networks and related infrastructure, VoIP network and related infrastructure, security, cloud network gateways, and performance management and monitoring systems.
• Design and manage cloud network architectures in Azure, including hub-and-spoke topologies, network security groups, Azure Firewall, Private Link, and DNS integration, with awareness of equivalent services in AWS and GCP.
• Participate in physical build planning and design for new spaces, as well as cloud landing zone design and implementation. Scope, recommend, design, plan, oversee, and test inter-rack and station cabling for office, MDF, IDF, and datacenter builds and refreshes, alongside cloud infrastructure provisioning using infrastructure as code tools such as Terraform or Azure Resource Manager templates.
• Configure on-premises and cloud-based networks to ensure their smooth and reliable operation for fulfilling business objectives and processes.
• Evaluate emerging cloud and networking technologies, including Azure-native services, SD-WAN, SASE, and zero trust network architectures, and recommend purchase, development, or enhancement of network hardware and software.
• Recommends performance standards, processes, policies, and procedures for both on-premises and cloud network environments.
• Provide senior level technical support for network elements, systems, and cloud networking services.
• Design and provide for the monitoring of network performance across on-premises and cloud environments using tools such as Azure Monitor, Azure Network Watcher, and third-party observability platforms, and troubleshoot problem areas as needed.
• Collaborate with executive management and department leaders to assess near and long-term network capacity needs, including cloud resource planning and cost optimization strategies.
• Create and maintain documentation as it relates to network architecture and network configuration, including cloud network topology diagrams, runbooks, and infrastructure as code repositories.
• Assures knowledge transfer fo…