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​Microsoft is on a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Our culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset, a theme of inspiring excellence, and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. Growth mindset encourages each of us to lean in and learn what matters most to our customers, to create the foundational knowledge that enables us to make customer-first decisions in everything we do. In doing so, we create life-changing innovations that impact billions of lives around the world.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Are you an experienced and passionate Azure solutions architect who can design, describe, and manage solutions that run on Microsoft Azure, the cloud computing platform? Do you have the skills and knowledge to migrate applications from on-premise to cloud using tools like AppZero, ASR, and Azure Migrate? If yes, then we have an exciting opportunity for you!

As an Azure solutions architect, you will be responsible for:

Working with consultants , providing them direction and help with implementing Azure cloud architecture solutions, and overseeing issues such as migration1.

Working independently with business and technical stakeholders and understanding the organization’s obstacles, and providing due diligence1.

Estimating and outlining the solutions needed to implement cloud migration as well as continued operations1.

Executing the hands-on implementation of proposed solutions, and providing technical guidance to teams during the solutions’ development and deployment phases1.

Sharing information and guidance on engineering methodologies, standards, and best practices proactively with the team members1.

Identifying, communicating, and mitigating the assumptions, issues, and risks that occur throughout the project lifecycle1.

Being the judge striking a balance between what is strategically logical and what can be accomplished realistically1.

Designing and implementing advanced functions of Office 365 and/or Azure AD Premium including security, governance and compliance2.

Designing and testing application services migrations in both a manual and automated manner2.

Working closely with application, network, and security teams to ensure requirements are reflected appropriately in the Azure design2.

Designing solutions in Microsoft Azure as per project specifications and needs2.

Driving architecture and technical discussion to lead cloud security, privacy, and compliance decisions scale, performance, agility, HA/DR considerations2.

Configuring and managing customer Azure cloud environment.

Implementing CI/CD based application development methodology using tools like Jenkins/TFS/powershell2.

Azure Cloud Architecture: Utilize your expertise and creativity to design and develop high-quality, secure, and scalable Azure infrastructure solutions that align with the organization's business requirements and reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Technical Leadership: As a key figure in our team, you will serve as a supportive and empowering leader, fostering an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and respected. Your mentorship will enable individuals to thrive and grow both personally and professionally.

Solution Planning: Collaborate with a diverse range of teams and stakeholders to gather requirements and perspectives, identify technical challenges, and create comprehensive cloud solution architectures and strategies that resonate with our diverse customer base.

Implementation and Deployment: Lead the implementation and deployment of Azure infrastructure solutions, ensuring that the process is inclusive and accommodating to the needs of all team members.

Performance Optimization: Continuously monitor and optimize the performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency of Azure cloud services with a focus on diversity and inclusion, ensuring that our solutions meet the needs of all users.

Security and Compliance: Advocate for strong security measures that protect the privacy and data of all users, making sure that our cloud solutions are compliant with diverse global regulations and standards.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Collaborate on creating effective disaster recovery and business continuity plans that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for all team members.

Technical Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, utilizing clear and inclusive language, architecture diagrams, deployment guides, and standard operating procedures.

Collaboration: Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, ensuring that the diverse perspectives and expertise of all team members are heard and valued during the integration of Azure infrastructure services.

Research and Innovation: Stay up-to-date with the latest Azure technologies and industry trends, and actively seek opportunities to enhance existing processes and technologies to better serve our diverse customer base.

Understand customers' overall cloud portfolio, IT and business priorities, and success measures to design implementation architectures and scalable cloud solutions leveraging expertise in cloud infrastructure solutions (Windows and Linux IaaS, SAP, VMware, Security, Management, Storage, Networking, OSS, containers and Infra as a code technologies).

Apply technical knowledge and customer insights to create a migration and modernization roadmap with customers using the Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF). Architect solutions to meet business and IT needs, ensuring technical viability of new projects and successful deployments, while orchestrating key resources and infusing key Infrastructure technologies (e.g. Windows and Linux IaaS, Security, Networking, etc.), and Application Development and DevOps technologies (e.g. App Service, containers, serverless, cloud native, etc.) as appropriate

Collaborate with other Cloud Solution Architects and MS stakeholders in developing complex end-to-end Enterprise solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform.

Ensure all solutions leverage the design and operations guidance according to the Well-Architected framework across all pillars, including performance efficiency, security, operational excellence, reliability, and cost optimization

Run Architectural Design Sessions to build plan for implementing solution –governing design in line with customer business goals and their technical environment. Outcome is consensus on solution design and next steps toward production. Use CAF Landing Zones to rapidly prototype and deliver proof-of-concepts that accelerate production deployment

Develop deep relationships with key customer IT decision makers, who drive long-term cloud adoption within their company to enable them to be cloud advocates

Be the Voice of the Customer; Share insights and best practices, and connect with Engineering teams to remove blockers

Troubleshoot technical issues to prove the value of implementation of Azure technologies

Assess the customer knowledge of Azure platform and overall cloud readiness to support customers through a structured learning plan and ensure delivery through partners · Collaborate with others in developing complex end-to-end Enterprise solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform

Maintain technical skills and knowledge of market trends and competitive insights; collaborate and share with the technical community · Be an Azure Platform evangelist with customers, partners and external communities.

Build and grow developer communities by driving activities including OpenHacks, Workshops.

Understanding Customer/Partner Technical Environment

• Gathers customer/partner insights from a broad range of stakeholders as well as the main business sponsor to shape and form both the definition and ongoing execution of projects. Identifies and evaluates industry trends (customer industry verticals, information technology [IT] industry). Adapts business models, plans, and solutions to insights.

• Works with customer/partner stakeholders (e.g., Enterprise Architects, Security Team, Development Team, Operations Team) and business sponsor to socialize both the business solution and the project approach to determine if changes are needed to the business solution. Where the cost of change is accepted by the customer, shares this feedback with the project team and the broader account team to make the necessary adjustments using mechanisms such as updating the solution approach and projected costs in presales and change requests in delivery. Contributes to Microsoft-centric operations and cadences to align with customer feedback.

• Uses evidence-based approach to represent the customer/partner as a customer advocate and share insights with Product Engineering teams and the business with a view to improving Microsoft technologies, products, services and offerings such that they can better meet customer/partner needs across a territory.

Architecture Design and Deployment

• Leverages a structured approach to Architecture Projects using existing methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, Agile, Iterative) that make use of existing reference architecture and established architectural styles and design patterns. Proposes and develops new solutions to scale across multiple customers/partners. Builds and maintains an architecture description document, an architecture decisions log, and a requirements/constraints traceability matrix to ensure the rationale for the business solution's Architecture is known and understood.

• Defines and documents the architecture through an architecture description document, an architecture decisions log, and a requirements/constraints traceability matrix to communicate the value proposition of the business solution along with the project approach. Leads complex cost-based and technology-based discussions to explain the Architecture in terms of its build, deployment, and ongoing operational use to determine customer appetite for the business solution. Uses a business-value approach that values return on investment (ROI) and customer costs-savings over technical ease of execution.

• Collaborates with the Project Manager to jointly drive project/technical governance of the design, build, and deployment into use of proof of concepts (POCs) and pilots, using enterprise architecture processes and ensuring quality control through peer review. Works with customers to understand and demonstrate business value (e.g., release of revenue, cost savings) that the business solution realize.

• Works with the business sponsor and customer/partner stakeholders (e.g., Business users, Enterprise Architects, Security Team, Operations Team) to gather and ratify requirements and constraints. Manages and resolves complex ambiguity in the requirements and constraints and documents assumptions and implications where it cannot be resolved. Maintains the requirements/constraints traceability matrix to prove that solution components have a rationale/justification for inclusion in the architecture of the business solution. Drives development and execution of test plans to prove that each requirement/constraint has been implemented as expected by the customer. Where there are defects, works in close collaboration with the Project Manager and Customer to redress or accept and document the status of the test results.

• Collaborates with the Account Team and/or Bid Team to understand the business solution/problem. Drives agreement, based on the customer’s priorities, requirements/constraints, approach, principles, concepts, and expectations. Builds and documents a realistically costed, advanced/complex Solution Approach with traceability of requirements, constraints, decisions, and tradeoffs that balances risk, technical credibility, and technical innovation to meet customer need, predominantly based on existing solution offerings and/or reference architecture. Jointly leads the implementation in close partnership with the Project Manager. Leads oversight and governance and establishment of quality practices and standards to realize the business solution. Uses a cohesive build methodology with an agreed release schedule and timeline so the solution can be transitioned to live operations, leveraging solution expertise. Ensures communication of and adherence to the pre-sales value proposition. Works with the Project Manager to highlight where assumptions have proven false. Uses change requests to modify the Solution/project approach when needed. As needed, collaborates with subject matter experts to receive specialized advice that can help define the Solution and project approach and increase the time to value for the customer.

• Anticipates and identifies scenarios that could slow or impede pre-sales/delivery. Orchestrates the broader Microsoft team to address technical blockers and works with account/project team to resolve non-technical issues. Reports significant problems to Microsoft management and resolves escalations when needed. Plans a way forward in complex and ambiguous situations with an innovative approach and durable design. Delegates and leverages specialist skills of others to drive technical alignment across internal/external teams. Coordinates disparate approaches into a single plan of action for complex scenarios.

• Works in close collaboration with the Project Manager and Account Team to identify, categorize, and communicate business and technical risks. Defines risk mitigation activities that are foundational to the project plan. Defines risk contingency plans for invocation should the risk occur.

Practice Development

• Generates new and/or improvements to existing intellectual property. Connects gaps and patterns across business and technology areas to drive changes. Identifies which ideas should be culled, with consideration for scale across customers. Drives the re-use of intellectual property and recommends practices in both pre-sales and delivery. Participates and contributes to internal/external communities.

Trusted Advisor

• Develops a network of internal/external relationships with senior-level decision makers to build influence in addressing problems/blockers and facilitating additional views on the matter of interest. Acts as an advisor to external stakeholders. Provides direction to facilitate relationships between others. Stays up to date on Microsoft’s technologies, products, and services in order to communicate Microsoft's mission, strategy, and capabilities.

• Uses evidence-based arguments that articulate complex concepts in a simple manner to respectfully challenge Microsoft and customers/partners when a decision or course of action will not produce optimal results. Leverages strategic expertise to encourage alternative approaches where applicable. Serves as the "technical conscience" to challenge the status quo and unrealistic expectations. Proactively resolves conflicts and seeks resolution to balance the overall outcome. Drives consensus where possible and leads decisions to resolve conflict when needed.

• Leads the adoption of Microsoft solutions technologies based on understanding of competitor solutions and how customer business value can be driven through Microsoft's offerings. Differentiates Microsoft's solutions in customer/partner conversations to influence the industry-wide direction for specific architecture(s).

Thought Leadership

• Leads virtual teams around technologies and customer/partner challenges by sharing ideas, insight, and strategic, technical input with technical teams, internal communities across the field, and the larger virtual team across Microsoft using knowledge of Microsoft architectures and their context in the competitive landscape.

• Participates in external architect community events (e.g., conferences, seminars, technical meetups, Webcasts, blogs, hackathons) and shares learnings with internal team. Acts a mentor to junior colleagues by educating them on technical and non-technical concepts and sharing best practices. Demonstrates deep industry knowledge and drives recognition for Microsoft solutions through presentations and engagements with external audiences.

Other

• Embody our culture and values

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

Data & AI:

• SQL including OSS (postgre, MySQL etc), Azure SQL

• NoSQL Databases including OSS (Maria, Mongo etc), Cosmos DB

• Big Data including SQL DW, Snowflake, Big Query, RedshiftAdvanced Analytics including Azure Data Bricks, visualization tools as PowerBI, Tableau

• Data Governance

• Data Science

• Machine Learning including Azure ML, ML Server

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years experience in technology solutions, practice development, architecture, consulting, and/or technology domain (e.g., Security)

• OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in technology solutions, practice development, architecture, consulting, and/or technology domain (e.g., Security)

• OR equivalent experience.

• 6+ years technical sales experience.

• 6+ years project management experience.

• Technical or Professional Certification in Domain (e.g., Security).

How You Do It

Leverage competencies and proven expertise in the following areas.

• Proven success and expertise in positioning and architecting innovative Data and AI solutions within strategic customers in a client-facing role

• Ability to deliver against the Data & AI value proposition across multiple horizons – H1, H2 and H3.

• Solid understanding of enterprise scale data strategies – inc data management and data governance

• Ability to quickly build relationships and credibility with customers

• Ability to build trust to drive change with customers

• Track record of delivering quality solutions as a technical leader

• Executes recognized Architectural methods, processes and tools

• A passion for learning about and experimenting with new technologies

• Confidence in creating and delivering technical presentations and training

• Excellent organization and planning skills

• Bachelor’s degree relevant to Information Technology/Computer Science, Engineering (or equivalent)

We would also expect you to be able to pass the following Azure Certifications Path in the first 6 months of employment with us, if you do not already hold them:

Path

• AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies

• AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Algorithms

• Analytical Skills

• Big Data

• Business Acumen

• Business Analysis

• Conflict Resolution

• Creativity

• Data Analysis

• Data Mining

• Data Science

• Data Science Deployment Technologies

• Data Science Frameworks

• Databases

• Decision Making

• Deep Learning

• Financial Analysis

• Machine Learning

• Negotiation

• Oral Communication

• Problem Solving

• Programming Languages

• Project Management

• Quality Assurance

• Software Development

• Statistics

• Written Communication

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .