Lead Azure Architecture SME

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking an experienced Senior Azure Cloud Architect to support a high-visibility federal mission focused on designing, securing, and modernizing enterprise cloud infrastructure within a highly regulated DoD environment. This position is based hybrid in Washington, D.C. , where the selected candidate will serve as a senior technical leader supporting Azure architecture, cloud migrations, networking, identity, infrastructure automation, and cybersecurity initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience architecting and implementing Azure IL5/IL6 environments , with strong expertise in Azure networking, Microsoft Entra ID, Azure Site Recovery, Infrastructure as Code, and DoD security requirements.

ACTIVE SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED | SECURITY+ REQUIRED | HYBRID WASHINGTON, D.C.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, architect, and implement secure, scalable Microsoft Azure environments supporting federal and DoD mission requirements.
• Develop enterprise cloud architecture solutions across compute, storage, networking, identity, security, monitoring, and governance.
• Design and troubleshoot complex Azure networking environments , including VNets, subnets, NSGs, routing, Azure Firewall, VPN, ExpressRoute, load balancing, and cloud-to-on-premises connectivity.
• Architect and implement Microsoft Entra ID solutions, including RBAC, Conditional Access, identity governance, authentication, and enterprise identity integrations.
• Lead and support on-premises to Azure cloud migrations , including migration planning, dependency mapping, replication, failover testing, cutovers, and post-migration validation.
• Utilize Azure Site Recovery (ASR) to support disaster recovery, workload replication, and migration initiatives.
• Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions using Terraform, Bicep, and/or ARM templates .
• Automate cloud infrastructure deployment, configuration, and operational processes using PowerShell, Ansible, Azure DevOps, and/or GitHub Actions .
• Develop, maintain, and update cloud architecture diagrams, network diagrams, and technical documentation using Microsoft Visio .
• Ensure Azure environments comply with DoD security requirements, DISA STIGs, and applicable federal cybersecurity standards .
• Collaborate with government stakeholders, engineers, system administrators, cybersecurity teams, and other technical personnel to develop and implement cloud solutions.
• Lead technical discussions, architecture reviews, design sessions, and customer-facing presentations.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams while serving as a senior subject matter expert for Azure cloud architecture.
• Troubleshoot complex infrastructure, networking, identity, security, and cloud connectivity issues.
• Support the continuous modernization, optimization, and hardening of enterprise cloud environments.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional IT, infrastructure, cloud, or engineering experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on Azure experience within DoD IL5/IL6 or comparable high-security government environments.
• Extensive experience designing and implementing Azure cloud architectures in enterprise or federal environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with Azure networking , including VNets, subnets, NSGs, routing, Azure Firewall, VPN, ExpressRoute, and load balancing.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Entra ID , including RBAC, Conditional Access, identity governance, and enterprise identity architecture.
• Experience with Azure Site Recovery and enterprise cloud migration initiatives.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform, Bicep, and/or ARM .
• Experience with Azure DevOps and/or GitHub Actions for infrastructure automation and CI/CD.
• Strong scripting and automation experience using PowerShell and/or Ansible .
• Experience securing and hardening cloud environments in accordance with DISA STIGs and DoD security requirements .
• Active Secret clearance required.
• CompTIA Security+ certification required.
• Experience creating and maintaining technical architecture and network diagrams using Microsoft Visio .
• Ability to work onsite in Washington, D.C. at least 3 days per week.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact directly with government customers and technical stakeholders.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience architecting Azure Government environments.
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert or other relevant Microsoft Azure certifications.
• Experience supporting DoD, federal, or intelligence community cloud programs.
• Experience with Azure landing zones, governance, policy, and enterprise-scale cloud implementations.
• Experience with Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Defender for Cloud, Sentinel , or other Azure security and monitoring capabilities.
• Experience with cloud disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
• Experience with database or data management environments.
• Familiarity with Agile development and engineering methodologies.
• Experience leading technical teams or serving as a cloud architecture SME.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex cloud, networking, identity, and infrastructure challenges.
• Excellent communication skills with both technical teams and government stakeholders.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear recommendations for customers and leadership.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to provide technical direction and mentorship.
• Comfortable leading architecture reviews, customer meetings, and technical presentations.
• Self-motivated and capable of independently managing multiple technical priorities.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when working within highly regulated and security-focused environments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $200,000 - $230,000 annually , based on experience, education, certifications, and overall qualifications.
• Contract-to-Hire: 6-month Contract-to-Hire opportunity with potential for long-term conversion.
• Schedule: 40 hours/week.
• Location: Hybrid Washington, D.C. - 3+ days onsite per week.
• Travel: Less than 10%.
• Clearance: Active Secret clearance required.
• Certification: CompTIA Security+ required.
• Opportunity to support a high-visibility federal program focused on secure cloud modernization and enterprise Azure architecture.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, parental leave, referral bonuses, and professional development reimbursement.

Keywords

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