Microsoft Cloud Architect Description As a member of the Consulting Services organization, the Microsoft Cloud Architect serves as the Technical Lead on various client engagements that may vary in length, size, and complexity. The Microsoft Cloud Architect is a senior member of the team and is expected to develop comprehensive architecture(s) for Microsoft solutions that align with not only the end client's business requirements but also industry best practices. Additionally, the Microsoft Cloud Architect will also lead the hands-on implementation of associated Microsoft solutions to include, but not limited to, Microsoft 365, Azure, and/or other Microsoft services. In addition to billable project work, the Microsoft Cloud Architect should also be able to perform in a pre-sales capacity, as needed, to assist in qualifying, scoping, and closing Microsoft-related client opportunities. Responsibilities * Develop comprehensive architecture for Microsoft-based systems, ensuring alignment with business requirements and best practices. * Design and implement scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions on the Azure platform. * Lead the implementation of Microsoft solutions, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and other Microsoft services. * Provide deep technical expertise in Microsoft technologies such as Active Directory, Entra ID, Exchange Online, Microsoft 365 Defender, Intune (Endpoint Management), and Microsoft Purview. * Provide deep expertise In Azure related workloads to include compute, PaaS services, modernization, disaster recovery, storage and networking. * Conduct thorough security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and risks in Microsoft environments. Implement robust security measures and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. * Work closely with clients to understand their needs and translate them into effective technical solutions. * Develop and maintain detailed documentation. * Stay updated with the latest Microsoft technologies and continuously improve the architecture and implementation processes. Position Requirements Education * BS or equivalent is preferred Knowledge & Experience * Must have strong knowledge of Microsoft's current applications, platforms, and/or support technologies to include, but not limited to, the following: * Microsoft Cloud and Security: * Azure Active Directory / Entra ID (including Access Reviews, Lifecycle Management, Privileged Identity Management) * Microsoft Defender for Identities * Microsoft 365 Defender and Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps (legacy) * Microsoft Intune * SharePoint Online / OneDrive / Teams * Microsoft Defender for Endpoints * Security Features for Microsoft 365 workloads to Include: Conditional Access Policies, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). * Retention policies and E-Discovery * Microsoft Purview for comprehensive data classification, labeling, and protection. * Ability to monitor Microsoft 365 environments for security threats, suspicious activities, and vulnerabilities. Respond to security incidents, conduct investigations, perform forensic analysis, and take appropriate actions to mitigate risks and prevent future incidents. * Azure portal and administration experience. * Understanding and experience with Azure Security Center. * Management of Compute (VMs) and PaaS solutions (Azure App Services). * Server Migrations to Azure (P2V and V2V). * Refactoring and Modernization to Azure (I.e. VMs to App Services). * Networking, Security and Firewall capabilities In Azure. * Deep knowledge of DNS zones, private endpoints, and domain configuration for Azure services. * Microsoft On-Premises (hybrid) Technologies: * Active Directory and Group Policy Management * Integration of On-Premises Active Directory with Entra ID (e.g., Entra Connect, Pass-Through Authentication). * Microsoft Exchange 2010-2019; expertise in managing and migrating to hybrid Exchange environments to Exchange Online * Microsoft SharePoint 2010 - 2019 * Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (including Co-Management) * Windows configuration and Automation * Microsoft Windows Operating Systems (Client, Server). * Virtualization using Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware and migrating from these environments to Microsoft Azure. * Tooling and Automation * PowerShell experience * Azure Site Recovery, Migrate and Backup * Microsoft 365 Backup * 3rd party migration tools (e.g. Quest, MigrationWiz, AvePoint) * Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights * * Must have excellent soft skills and the ability to directly consult with end clients as a technical lead on a variety of engagements and translate technical details to business requirements/needs. * Microsoft Certifications are highly desirable * 10+ years of experience in IT, with a strong foundational knowledge of enterprise IT infrastructure, networking, security, and operations. * 5+ years of cloud expertise. * 5-7 years of prior consulting experience; strong communication skills, customer relationship management, and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously. * Hands-on implementation capabilities. Work Conditions * Remote