Cloud Solutions Architect

KRC Corporation • Bismarck, ND

1d

About The Position

The Cloud Solutions Architect provides complex design and deployment of Knife River’s enterprise Azure cloud functions, including security, critical infrastructure, applications, data, and cloud environments. The role leads complex projects, mentors team members, and supports successful enterprise application and infrastructure rollouts. It develops well-architected approaches, standards, and solutions; conducts business reviews; documents current systems; and recommends how to proceed with environments and applications.

The position uses cloud services to streamline existing processes, automate manual technology processes, and identify new capabilities that deliver business value. It works with users, business analysts, Business Unit IT, operations, vendors, and other team members to provide secure, reliable, performance-focused IT architecture. The architect develops core feature designs, technology roadmaps, and the cloud operating model for applications across the organization.

The position may be based in Bismarck, North Dakota, or near another Knife River location. On-site, remote, or hybrid work may be available depending on location. Travel is minimal, up to 10%. The role may require a valid driver’s license. Production support may involve rotating on-call duties beyond normal business hours. Employment is subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer information systems or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Seven years of Information Technology experience with a proven record of increasing work responsibility and leadership.
• Three to five years building well-architected, best-practice cloud solutions within Azure Cloud.
• Experience combining infrastructure and application solutioning.
• Ability to develop, implement, and oversee Azure-based solutions and design cloud and hybrid systems using Microsoft Azure.
• Core understanding of cloud best practices and enterprise cloud standardization.
• Ability to oversee cloud computing strategy, including cloud adoption plans, application design, and management.
• Ability to balance the needs of four diverse business units with distinct technology requirements.
• Effective analysis and project management skills.
• Understanding of infrastructure-as-code deployment and best practices, preferably Azure Automation.
• Independent judgment and creative thinking.
• Ability to provide direction, decompose technical tasks, and coach technology engineering and support teams.
• Deep hands-on cloud experience and in-depth knowledge of business application principles, practices, and procedures, with specialized skills in multiple areas.
• Specialized training and in-depth knowledge of company applications.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Broad knowledge of data sources, data flow, system interactions, computer equipment, and software applications for developing, enhancing, and implementing enterprise systems on-premises and in the cloud.
• Understanding of and ability to apply controls supporting the enterprise security framework (CIS 20 CSCs).
• Experience selecting and implementing security technology to support an enterprise security framework.
• Understanding of and ability to maintain the confidentiality of company information.
• Effective team-building and communication skills.
• May be required to maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel minimally, up to 10%.

Nice To Haves

• Microsoft Azure certifications, such as Azure Solutions Architect or Azure Database Administrator Associate, or similar certifications.
• Certifications related to critical infrastructure, security, or cloud.
• Experience supporting an enterprise environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain cloud enterprise architecture aligned with business strategy across test, development, production, and disaster recovery environments.
• Determine and develop secure cloud architectural approaches and solutions; conduct business reviews, document current systems, and recommend security controls and network connectivity for on-premises and cloud applications.
• Develop an enterprise cloud training program for engineering and operations.
• Lead complex cloud infrastructure, application, and security projects; assist with planning, analysis, design, programming, and testing of complex software systems.
• Provide direction and create documentation describing program development, logic, and application interfaces.
• Review, analyze, evaluate, and modify business processes and system applications and related devices to assess the feasibility and cost effectiveness of enhancements.
• Provide production support for application errors, including rotating on-call duties that may extend beyond normal business hours.
• Oversee preparation of cloud-related test plans, test data, and documentation, and perform testing to verify systems meet user requirements.
• Develop program specifications and provide direction through all phases of the software delivery life cycle for project teams that may include analysts, programmers, users, contract programmers, and consultants.
• Administer and control projects and communicate project status to management.
• Identify, develop, implement, maintain, and integrate data security measures.
• Monitor emerging technologies and seek improvements to application processing efficiency.
• Train and coordinate work with team members to expand team knowledge in support of current and future roadmap initiatives.
• Define the cloud operating model architecture, including landing zone, security, developer, data, and governance components, to fulfill business requirements.
• Act as the highest-level technical expert in addressing system configuration, integration, compatibility, and maintenance problems.
• Contribute to preparation of Enterprise IT capital and operating and maintenance budgets and support business unit budgeting.
• Lead in a team environment and prioritize resources and needs.
• Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior