Job Summary:
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Cloud Solution Architect with deep hands-on experience in enterprise cloud migrations and advanced networking expertise. This role requires a seasoned professional who can lead complex, large-scale transformations from on-premises infrastructure to AWS and Azure cloud platforms while ensuring robust security, performance, and scalability outcomes.
The ideal candidate combines strategic cloud architecture vision with tactical implementation skills, possessing expert-level knowledge of enterprise networking technologies including Palo Alto firewalls and F5 load balancers. This position demands someone who can seamlessly transition between boardroom strategy discussions and hands-on technical implementation.
Responsibilities
- Cloud Architecture and Design
- Design and architect comprehensive cloud solutions for large enterprise customers migrating from on-premises to AWS and/or Azure
- Develop migration roadmaps and phased approach strategies for complex, multi-tier applications and infrastructure
- Lead cloud-first and cloud-native architectural decisions, ensuring optimal cost, performance, and security outcomes
- Create detailed technical specifications, architectural blueprints, and implementation guides
- Establish cloud governance frameworks, including security policies, compliance standards, and operational procedures
- Enterprise Migration and Leadership
- Plan and execute large-scale enterprise migrations involving thousands of workloads, applications, and terabytes of data
- Conduct comprehensive application portfolio assessments and migration readiness evaluations
- Design and implement hybrid cloud architectures during transition phases
- Lead cross-functional migration teams including infrastructure, application, security, and networking specialists
- Develop and execute cutover strategies with minimal business disruption
- Create disaster recovery and business continuity plans for migrated workloads
- Advanced Network and Security
- Design and implement complex network architectures using Palo Alto, Cisco Networks security platforms and SDWANs
- Architect, configure and optimize F5 load balancers deployments for high-availability, scalable applications in cloud environments
- Architect secure network segmentation strategies using traditional and cloud-based network resources
- Implement advanced routing protocols, VPN connections, and Direct Connect/ExpressRoute solutions
- Design zero-trust network architectures and micro-segmentation strategies
- Integrate on-premises network infrastructure with cloud networking services
- Hands-On Technical Implementation
- Develop, configure and deploy cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, ARM templates)
- Implement CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment and configuration management
- Configure monitoring, logging, and alerting solutions using CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, and third-party tools
- Troubleshoot complex technical issues across network, compute, storage, and application layers
- Perform security assessments and implement remediation strategies
- Optimize cloud costs through right-sizing, reserved instances, and architectural improvements
- Client Engagement and Leadership
- Serve as the primary technical advisor to C-level executives during cloud transformation initiatives
- Conduct architectural reviews and provide technical recommendations to senior stakeholders
- Mentor and guide junior architects and engineering teams
- Present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Collaborate with sales teams during pre-sales technical discussions and RFP responses
Required Qualifications
- Cloud Platform Expertise
- 10+ years of enterprise IT experience with minimum 7 years focused on cloud technologies
- Expert-level knowledge in AWS (Azure is nice to have)platforms
- Proven track record of large-scale enterprise migrations (1000+ servers or $10M+ infrastructure value)
- Deep expertise in cloud-native services: compute, storage, databases
- Advanced knowledge of cloud security frameworks, identity management, and compliance standards (SOC2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
- Networking & Security Expertise
- 5+ years hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls (PA-Series, VM-Series, Prisma, Panorama)
- 3+ years expert-level experience with F5 load balancers (BIG-IP, F5 DNS, Application Security)
- Advanced certifications are preferred :PCNSE (Palo Alto) and F5 Certified Technology Specialist
- Deep understanding of network protocols, routing, switching, and network security principles
- Experience with SD-WAN, SASE, and cloud-native security solutions
Technical Skills
- Infrastructure as Code: Expert in Terraform, CloudFormation, ARM templates, Ansible
- Programming/Scripting: Python, PowerShell, Bash, JSON, YAML
- Containers & Orchestration: Docker, Kubernetes, EKS, AKS, container security
- DevOps Tools: Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitLab CI/CD, Git, monitoring and logging tools
- Databases: Experience with cloud databases (RDS, Aurora, Azure SQL, Cosmos DB)
- Monitoring & Operations: CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, Splunk, ELK stack, Prometheus
Qualifications
- Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience
- Current security clearance preferred (Secret/Top Secret)
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to influence senior executives
- Proven project management experience with large-scale technical initiatives
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail
- Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in relevant technical field
- Additional certifications: CISSP, CCNP, CCIE,
- Experience with multi-cloud strategies and cloud-agnostic architectures
- Knowledge of compliance frameworks: FedRAMP, SOX, GDPR
- Experience in regulated industries: Financial Services, Healthcare, Government
- Prior consulting or client-facing experience with enterprise customers
- Experience with cloud cost optimization and FinOps practices
“Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $ 161,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $ 275,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of annual bonus or incentives, equity awards and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Learn more about benefits at Rackspace.”
