Cloud Architect

Stone Coast Fund Services•Portland, ME

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a senior member of the IT Infrastructure team, you will lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of Stone Coast’s cloud platforms, setting technical direction for current and future cloud technologies that support our operations. In this role, you will serve as an experienced Azure Cloud Architect responsible for crafting cost effective, scalable solutions by working closely with cross functional teams to translate business requirements into secure, high performing cloud architectures. You will mentor junior engineers while ensuring reliability, security, and compliance across a 24×7 environment.

Requirements

8-10years in progressively responsible network, systems, or IT roles; 3–5 years focused on Azure cloud solution design, implementation, and management.
5+ years managing IaaS/PaaS and related cloud services.
Demonstrated strengths in cloud system design, trouble complex issues, process improvement, automation, decision‑making, and time management.
Intermediate (or stronger) experience with:
Cloud security solutions and best practices
Infrastructures Code
Networking (Routing/Switching/VPN)
Email and browser security
Identity platforms (e.g., Active Directory, Microsoft Entra,)
Web and database systems such as IIS, Tomcat, SQL Server, MySQL
Log collection, aggregation, and management
Microsoft Azure CSP/NCE subscription models and cost optimization.
Azure cloud databases (Azure SQL, SQL Server on Azure VMs, Managed Instances).
Azure DevOps.

Nice To Haves

Experience in financial services or other regulated industries.
Hybrid cloud design/operations, including migrations (cross‑cloud).
Advanced PowerShell scripting.
VDI solutions ( Desktop).

Responsibilities

Research, design, plan, implement, and manage cloud technologies and solutions on an ongoing basis.
Maintain and administer cloud platforms and services, driving timely issue resolution and continuous optimization.
Stay abreast of cloud trends to maintain adherence to modern cloud best practices for optimal application performance and security throughout their lifecycle.
Collaborate with IT, Operations, and vendors to develop, migrate, implement, optimize, and manage Stone Coast’s cloud environment.
Implement resource optimization strategies and maintain cost management.
Administer infrastructure systems for optimal availability and security on a 24×7 basis.
Proficiency with Azure AD / Entra ID, RBAC, and Zero Trust concepts
Hands-on experience with IaC tools (Terraform, Bicep, ARM)
Knowledge of backup, DR, and high availability design
Familiarity with Azure Security Center, Defender, and monitoring tools
Strong documentation and communication skills
Serve as TierIII escalation to drive resolution; engage vendors/third parties when appropriate.
Perform patching, maintenance, and proactive log/metric reviews; lead root‑cause analysis and implement durable fixes.
Design and maintain monitoring for systems, applications, and automation in the cloud; own alert response and escalation runbooks.
Follow and continuously improve Stone Coast’s change‑management protocols.
Develop and automate recurring maintenance tasks to boost reliability and productivity.
Ensure alignment to control objectives and documentation standards required for SSAE 18; contribute to DR planning, as‑builts, workflow diagrams, and technical procedures.
Lead stakeholder discovery; document business requirements and solution features for cloud initiatives.
Scope projects and communicate risks, benefits, costs, and timelines to senior management.
Research and vet vendors; facilitate meetings; lead or participate in rollouts and cutovers; keep stakeholders informed and risks visible.
Negotiate and document contract terms and obligations.
Set vendor goals, define performance metrics, and drive continuous improvement.
Optimize pricing and manage operating/project costs; build strong vendor relationships.
Maintain a keen focus on industry trends and best practices; champion system and environment optimization to align with evolving industry best practices.
Provide day‑to‑day guidance to junior engineers; deliver training on cloud technologies, trends, and best practices.
Serve as a senior escalation point for difficult or complex problem resolution.
Act as an IT SME for cross‑company projects and training.