Azure Cloud Architect

afarax is looking for a freelance Azure Cloud Architect. We need you!

The project:

Our client in the utilities sector is looking for a Azure Cloud Architect to join their team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cloud Architecture: Design and implement scalable, secure, and highly available cloud infrastructures that meet business needs and technical requirements, ensuring compliance with security best practices, industry standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g. ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS2 etc.)
• Cloud Governance: Implement cloud security governance policies and ensure adherence to cloud security standards. Utilize Azure Defender, Azure Policy, Management Groups, and Azure Blueprints to enforce governance and security controls.
• Identity & Access Management (IAM): Implement and manage secure authentication and authorization policies using Azure Entra ID, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), role-based access control (RBAC), and conditional access to ensure least-privilege access for users, applications, and services.
• Encryption & Data Protection: Ensure that all data stored and transmitted in Azure environments is protected using encryption techniques. Architect solutions that use Azure Key Vault for secure key management and Azure Disk Encryption for data protection.
• Automation & Security Tools: Utilize automation tools (e.g. ArgoCD) and DevSecOps principles to implement security into the CI/CD pipeline, ensuring that security testing, vulnerability scanning, and security checks are integrated into the entire software development lifecycle. Leverage Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, Bicep, or Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates to automate secure resource provisioning and configuration.
• Security Monitoring & Incident Response: Automate security tasks including vulnerability scanning, compliance checks, threat detection, and security monitoring using tools like Azure Sentinel, Azure Monitor, and Azure Defender. Develop and execute incident response plans for handling security breaches, including data exfiltration, DDoS attacks, or insider threats.
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Design and implement secure disaster recovery strategies, ensuring that data, applications, and services are protected and recoverable in case of incidents.
• Cost Management & Optimization: Monitor cloud usage and costs, recommend optimization strategies, and help implement cost-effective cloud solutions while ensuring security and performance.
• Risk Assessment & Management: Conduct security risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in Azure-based applications and infrastructure. Provide remediation strategies to address identified risks.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Collaborate with cross-functional teams (DevOps, operations, development, and security) to integrate security best practices into the design and deployment of cloud-based solutions. Provide guidance on secure cloud design, and mentor team members in security architecture and best practices.
• Cloud Architecture Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation on security architecture, security controls, cloud security policies, and risk management strategies.

Is this you?

• 5+ years of experience in cloud security, cloud architecture, DevSecOps or related roles, with at least 3+ years of hands-on experience in architecting secure environments on Microsoft Azure.
• Strong understanding of cloud networking, hybrid cloud, and virtual networking concepts (e.g., VPNs, subnets, NSGs, load balancing, hub-spoke).
• Expertise in designing and implementing cloud security architectures on Azure, with strong knowledge of Azure Defender, Azure Sentinel, Azure Key Vault, Azure EntraID, Azure Firewall, and other Azure security services.
• Strong understanding of security frameworks and compliance standards (e.g. ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS2), and the ability to implement and manage them in the Azure cloud.
• Experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM), including Azure Entra ID, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), role-based access control (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and Conditional Access Policies.
• Proficient in implementing Encryption strategies, such as Azure Disk Encryption, Azure Information Protection, and SSL/TLS for securing data in transit and at rest.
• Experience with containerization and container security using Docker, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), and related tools to secure containerized environments.
• Expertise in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, ARM templates, or Bicep to automate secure provisioning and configuration of Azure resources.
• Experience in Azure governance and cost management using Azure Cost Management, Azure Policies, and management groups.
• Experience with monitoring and logging tools such as Azure Monitor, Application Insights, or Log Analytics and third-party solutions like Splunk or Elastic Stack.
• Experience in risk management, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing, along with a strong understanding of incident response and remediation strategies in the cloud.
• Hands-on experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., Azure DevOps, ArgoCD) and integration of security tools (e.g. SonarQube) within the pipeline.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Azure CLI, Python) to automate security tasks and infrastructure provisioning.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in cloud environments.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders and to collaborate across teams.
• Languages: English (C1).

Not a must, but advantageous:

• Microsoft Azure certifications, such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Security Engineer Associate, or Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.
• Security certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
• Experience with following technologies: Kong, Event Hubs, Dapr
• Open to participate in a duty roll (24*7).
• Extra Languages: French (B1), Dutch (B1).

How afarax supports you?

• You benefit from our extensive network
• You will have access to projects that fit your expertise
• We help and support you throughout your project
• We offer the possibility to build a valuable and lasting partnership

Check out more projects on: https://afarax.be/jobs/type/freelance/