Cloud Architect

Reporting to the Director, IT Infracture, the candidate will work as a technical leader focused on planning, analyzing, designing, and implementing Microsoft Azure cloud IaaS and PaaS enterprise-scalable solutions.  The technical architect proactively and holistically leads and supports cloud activities that guide the development and management of data and analytics solutions. These solutions enable the organization’s future-state business capabilities and drive the organization’s targeted business outcomes. Will create deliverables that help develop target-state guidance (standards, guidelines, individual parts, platforms and configurations) for evolving the cloud infrastructure across the enterprise, in order to enable business strategy and deliver targeted business outcomes. Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is required.

PLEASE NOTE: Our current onsite work schedule requires attendance from Monday through Thursday each week, with remote work permitted on Fridays.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Partner with IT leadership and other business teams to develop standards, templates, frameworks, and solutions in order to drive our cloud strategy across the organization and within our services for internal and external customer delivery.
• Review and manage technical requirements and business functional requirements to establish new cloud systems and migrate existing applications using Azure cloud services.
• Collect feedback from other team leads and make recommendations to deploy Azure infrastructure and move workloads to Azure compute resources.
• Coaches, mentors and collaborates with technical subject matter experts and EA peers to develop technology architecture that enables and drives new business capabilities and operating models
• Assists with designing the governance, assurance and standards activities associated with ensuring enterprise Azure technology architecture compliance of projects and products.
• Know when to either re-use existing or define new templates for automating the deployment (such as Terraform, ARM, and/or PowerShell) of Azure resources.
• Coach Azure DevOps and Data Engineers in cloud best practices to help them upskill and perform their job responsibilities.
• Monitor and report on Azure usage costs and recommend solutions for cost savings as necessary.
• Keep up to date on the latest Azure cloud services, tools, and major changes.
• Willing to work with other 3rd party and/or on-premise application platforms as needed.
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintain a professional courteous attitude when dealing with coworkers and the general public.
• Performs other duties as necessary/assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, system analysis or a related study, or equivalent experience
• 7 or more years of relevant infrastructure or software engineering experience.
• 3 or more years of experience working with, designing, and implementing Azure cloud solutions.
• 2 or more years of experience automating the delivery of IaaS and PaaS solutions.
• 2 or more years of experience leading technical proof of concept projects.
• Experience architecting/designing solutions built on cloud is required.
• Experience migrating or transforming legacy solutions to the cloud.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in areas such as teamwork, facilitation and negotiation
• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent analytical and technical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Knowledge of different modeling languages and methodologies
• Knowledge of IT standards and controls
• Understanding of information principles and processes
• Understanding of system development life cycle methodologies (such as waterfall, spiral, agile software development, rapid prototyping, incremental, synchronize and stabilize, and DevOps)
• Ability to quickly comprehend the functions and capabilities of existing, new and emerging technologies that enable and drive new business designs and models
• Motivated and driven by achieving long-term business outcomes
• Ability to balance the long-term (big picture) and short-term implications of individual decisions
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and lead cross-functional teams
• Provide weekend and after-hours support as required by the position.

The Company may revise this job description from time to time as business needs require. It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all the functions of the job, nor to limit the Company’s right to assign other functions to an employee in this position. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

SALARY:

$145,000 to $165,000 per year; in addition to base salary, a discretionary 13.0% annual bonus is provided.

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR TOTAL WELLBEING:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision care 
• Social Wellbeing: 9 paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits
• Financial Wellbeing: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, Competitive Compensation
• Community Wellbeing: Paid Community Service Hours
• Career Wellbeing: Leadership Development
• Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

RELOCATION:

Equity Residential does not cover relocation costs for this opportunity; all relocation and related expenses are the responsibility of the candidate.

PHYSICAL AND VISUAL ACTIVITIES:

Ability to effectively hear, speak, and communicate in person and over the phone, including the clear exchange of information through spoken and written communication. Ability to interpret, evaluate, and accurately convey detailed verbal and written instructions. Visual acuity sufficient to use a computer effectively and read written materials. Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 15 pounds to distribute documents, supplies, and materials throughout the office or facility. May be required to climb stairs depending on property layout. Occasional travel may be required.

The above describes the physical and visual activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the essential functions of this job. “Commonly associated” is not intended to mean always or only. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as required by law to enable otherwise qualified employees with a known disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Our work environment is casual, collaborative, and people-first. Team members are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, share ideas openly, and communicate comfortably across all levels of the organization. While we value professionalism and accountability, we also believe a relaxed atmosphere fosters creativity, productivity, and strong working relationships. Employees enjoy a flexible, supportive culture where teamwork, mutual respect, and a sense of balance are priorities.

Equity Residential is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity, age, disability, pregnancy, national origin, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Equity Residential is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. Equity Residential has a smoke-free workplace environment.

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